SymBioSE Vision
Today, SymBioSE meetings have three major goals: to broaden the horizons of the participating students by lectures and excursions, to share information about current university matters, and to connect people by discussions and cultural exchange.
Biology: discuss and exchange
The biological topics presented are always based upon the trends in research that complement both local institutions and their resources. Lectures are usually held at a local university, so the students gain a detailed insight into other university systems. Participants are strongly encouraged to present their research or interests, thus gaining experience on an international level. During interactive workshops, students discuss theoretical, practical and ethical topics related to science.
Networking: meet and connect
A key aspect is to connect participants by lectures, excursions, and workshops, and additionally by cultural exchange. SymBioSE mediates contact between students from the same research field but also joins students from different biological areas to broaden the scientific knowledge. Ultimately, SymBioSE links tomorrow’s scientists from the whole biological field and supports friendship and cooperation – sustaining across borders.
Culture: experience and understand
Spending ten-days abroad inevitably confronts the attendees with the respective host country’s customs, traditions and culture and allows the students to experience the local way of life. The country presentations and cultural, ethical and political exchange among the participants takes the discussion focus to a personal level which is the basis for friendship and cultural understanding.
SymBioSE: made for students by students
SymBioSE is not a rigid organization with a hierarchical structure. Within these international meetings, representatives of the participating countries gather to discuss topics such as: developments within their universities, different biological study programs, and the various ways of student collaboration.
SymBioSE is an open and inclusive event and is non-political in all matters beyond science and education.
During SymBioSE there is no discrimination based on nationality, religion, gender, or any other personal attributes, identity, or beliefs so long as these beliefs do not lead to discriminating expressions in word or action.
SymBioSE is organized annually by students and is open to all students.
Participants of SymBioSE are part of a living community that connects biology students throughout the year.
