From Theory to Practice: COMENZE Training School Advances Computational Enzyme Design
Four days of expert lectures, hands-on workshops and scientific exchange on the Costa Brava
In March 2026, the COMENZE Doctoral Network gathered in Platja d’Aro on the Costa Brava for its first Training School, a four-day workshop dedicated to multiscale computational modelling and design of polymer-degrading enzymes. Bringing together doctoral candidates, supervisors, invited experts and external participants, the event provided an intensive programme of lectures, practical sessions and scientific discussion.
Organised by Sílvia Osuna (Universitat de Girona), the training school was designed to equip the doctoral candidates with practical computational tools while creating a space for collaboration and exchange. The programme covered a broad range of topics, from the fundamentals of computational enzyme modelling to advanced approaches in enzyme design and protein-ligand interactions.
The first days focused on computational modelling of enzymatic systems and protein dynamics, with lectures and practical sessions led by Sílvia Osuna, Carme Rovira, Alba Nin, Artur Góra, Agata Raczynska, Vicent Moliner and Krzysztof Świderek.
Later sessions explored advanced modelling techniques and AI-driven enzyme engineering, with contributions from Marco de Vivo, Pietro Vidossich, Stas Mazurenko and Pavel Kohout.
The final day addressed strategies for protein redesign and molecular interactions, with sessions delivered by Laura Tiessler and Valerio Ferrario.
For many participants, the combination of lectures and hands-on sessions proved particularly valuable.
As COMENZE doctoral candidate Maria Nabatova explained:
“Coming from an experimental background, these workshops helped me see enzyme research from a completely new perspective. Hearing the techniques explained directly by experts makes them much easier to understand.”
The event was also an opportunity for the doctoral candidates to connect and exchange ideas with fellow researchers. Evgeniia Kostina highlighted the collaborative atmosphere:
“The training school was super useful because we got a great overview of the computational methods used in our field. It’s also really nice to see everyone and spend time together.”
Reflecting on the event, organiser Sílvia Osuna emphasised the enthusiasm and engagement of the participants:
“I’m very happy to see how much the students enjoyed the sessions and how inspired they were by the talks. I think everyone is leaving with new ideas that will help move the COMENZEprojects forward.”
