Meeting in Brno (29.09 – 03.10.2025): Exploring Yeast Metabolism & Biomass Production
From September 29th to October 3rd, 2025, the historic city of Brno, Czech Republic, hosted the next Erasmus+ gathering in our ongoing project on Yeast Metabolism & Biomass Production with biotechnology. This meeting continues the scientific journey started in Thisted, Denmark, and is focused on yeast metabolism, the Pasteur and Crabtree effects.
Participants from across Europe, including student and teacher teams from Germany, France, Denmark, Lithuania, Poland, Greece, Slovakia and the Czech Republic traveled to Brno for a full week of intensive learning, experimentation, and cultural exchange. While some international guests stayed with Czech host families, others were accommodated in a nearby hostel.
Picture 1: Group Picture infront of the Biskupské gymnázium Brno.
TScientific Focus: Yeast Under the Microscope
The heart of the meeting revolved around lab-based investigations into yeast metabolism, building on previous experiments and exploring. Participants were divided into small, mixed-nationality workgroups (4–5 students each), supervised by both local and international mentors and teachers.
Experiments focus on:
- Comparison between aerobic and anaerobic growth conditions
- Measuring ethanol production, CO₂ release, optical density, and biomass yield
- Understanding metabolic shifts like the Pasteur effect and Crabtree effect
These activities were aimed to deepen practical lab skills and interpret results relevant to brewing, baking, and biofuel industries.
Picture 2: Insights from laboratory work
Beyond the scientific program, participants had the chance to explore the vibrant city of Brno. The cultural activities began with a fun scavenger hunt through the historic city centre, while the teachers enjoyed a guided tour of the iconic Tugendhat Villa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The following day, we visited the renowned Mendel Museum, celebrating the legacy of the father of genetics, followed by an exploration of the impressive underground water tanks at Yellow Hill. We also had a guided tour at CEITEC VUT, where we got a closer look at cutting-edge research and technology.
Later, we enjoyed a relaxed evening of bowling together, before heading out the next day for a scenic hike through the Pálava Hills. The trip concluded with a visit to Mikulov, Vican Family Winery, where we learned about local winemaking technology and traditions.
As the meeting concluded, each workgroup presented their experimental findings to the entire assembly. A short quiz tested theoretical understanding and lab concepts learned during the week. All participants received Erasmus+ certificates, with special mentions for standout presentations and highest quiz scores.
Furthermore, the students did an excursion to Aarhus and visited the Moesgaard and ARoS museum. In Moesgaard we experienced the people of the past, human development, based on the latest researches and technologies. Afterwards they got free time to explore the city. On the last day we took a peaceful walk along the beach by the North Sea. It was a perfect way to unwind and bond as a group, creating beautiful memories that would stay with us long after the event had ended.
The meeting ended with a final celebration at school which included dinner and a diashow of the highlights of the week. We hope to see each other again in the next meeting in Brno in Czech Republic.