Coordinators: Dong-Yup Lee (Sungkyunkwan University, KR), Ioscani Jiménez del Val (University College Dublin, IE) and Emma Petiot (Université de Lyon, FR)
We will inform you here as soon as applications are open.
Course Topics
This is an introductory course intended to cover the main modelling approaches relevant to animal cell systems. The course will cover the following topics:
- Kinetic and stoichiometric modelling
- Flux balance analysis
- AI/ML applications, data-driven soft sensors, and hybrid-modeling of cell bioreactors
- Chemometric modelling of Process Analytical Technologies (e.g., Raman spectrum data)
- Machine learning approaches for analysing multiomics datasets
In addition, some of interesting works will be introduced and discussed:
- New genome-scale metabolic models of CHO cells (iCHO3K) and animal cells for cultivated meats
- Community initiative for modelling HEK293 cells (AAV producers)
- Digital twins for bioprocesses
The course will consist of lectures on the topics and hands-on, computer-based workshops with case studies.
The course program will be published here as soon as it is available.
Lecturers
Dong-Yup Lee
Coordinator
Sungkyunkwan University
Ioscani Jiménez del Val
Coordinator
University College Dublin, Ireland
Veronique Chotteau
KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
Emma Petiot
Coordinator
3d.FAB platform,
Université de Lyon, france
Rui Oliveira
NOVA University Lisbon, Portugal
Meiyappan Lakshmanan
Indian Institute of Technology Madras, India
Detailed Course Information
Organizing Committee
Dong-Yup Lee
School of Chemical Engineering
Sungkyunkwan University
Engineering Building II
2066 Seobu-ro, Jangan-gu
Suwon 16419
Republic of Korea
E-mail: ude.ukks@eelpuygnod
Ioscani Jiménez del Val
Animal Cell Technology Group
School of Chemical & Bioprocess Engineering
University College Dublin
Belfield
Dublin 4, Ireland
Emma Petiot
CR CNRS
ICBMS- 3d.FAB platfrom
Director of 3D Innovation Lab, the 3D.FAB & Sartorius collaborative lab
Université de Lyon
Bâtiment Edgar Lederer
1 rue Victor Grignard
69100 Villeurbanne, France
E-mail: rf.1noyl-vinu@toitep.amme
Contact for registration
Alexa Stümpke
Remember Management GmbH
E-mail: gro.tcase@eciffo
Application
Applications are open until 1 June 2026.
Acceptance decisions will be announced in June 2026.
Registration Fee
The course fees for 2026 will be as follows:
1.250,00 EUR for participants of academia and 1.950,00 EUR for participants from industry.
The fee covers course registration and materials (course book), accommodation in two-bed rooms (shared with another participant), meals, transportation from/to Barcelona airport (see the time schedule for the bus below). Participants have the possibility to be hosted in single room (limited to availability) at an extra cost of 250,00 EUR.
Bursaries
A limited number of bursaries covering the course fee are provided by ESACT. Priority will be given to young PhD students from academia.
Applicants for a bursary should indicate this on the course application, together with a statement of motivation.
Please note: The bursary covers only the course fee, not travel costs.
Travel Information
The course will be held in Hotel Terramar, a 3-star hotel (www.hterramar.com) in a small town named Llafranc in the heart of Costa Brava, Girona, Spain.
The hotel is right on a very nice sandy beach, providing a cosy and relaxing atmosphere for the participants. Weather in Llafranc at this time of the year is generally pleasant. Travel organization to the meeting is of participants responsibility, ensuring their participation to the full course. Access by road from Girona airport (30 min) or Barcelona airport (90 min) is suggested.
Important Note:
A bus transfer from Barcelona Airport will be organized on the respective Sunday around 6pm to bring participants to the hotel at Llafranc in time for dinner. Please make sure that your flight arrives well before that time so you can catch that bus – if you are not able you need to organize your own travel to Llafranc.
Likewise at the end of the course, a bus will be available to transfer participants back to Barcelona – leaving Llafranc by 3pm, and arriving at Barcelona Airport around 4:00-4:30. Again, please make your travel arrangements considering these time limitations.
Testimonials
“I was delighted to find a program that was exceptionally well-structured, with highly knowledgeable and engaging instructors. The course introduced me to entirely new concepts that greatly enriched my knowledge and inspired ideas for potential future applications. […]”
Florencia Fadel
Institut Pasteur Montevideo
FAQ
Application & Registration Procedure
How and when do I apply for the ESACT Courses?
- The ESACT courses take place every year. Applications open in January/February. After the application deadline, the course coordinators will evaluate the applications and announce acceptance decisions a few weeks later.
- In a next step, all accepted applicants will receive an e-mail with the link for the registration.
Bursaries
How and when do I apply for an ESACT bursary?
You need to apply for a bursary during the application process. The bursary covers course registration and materials (course book), accommodation in two-bed rooms (shared with another participant), meals, transportation from/to Barcelona airport.
Please note: the bursary does not cover travel costs.
VISA Application letter
Can you provide me with an invitation letter to apply for a VISA?
- We can assist you with your visa application. Please send us an e-mail at your earliest convenience with the following information:
- Full name
- Country of residence
- Passport number
- Nationality
- Address
Information before departure
When will I receive detailed information about the course (how to get there, etc.)?
Around one week prior to the course you will receive a detailed e-mail with all the information about the course schedule, the airport pick-up, transfer etc.
Transport from/to the Barcelona Aiport
How is transport organized from/to the airport to the hotel in Llafranc?
A bus transfer from Barcelona Airport will be organized on the respective Sunday around 6pm to bring participants to the hotel at Llafranc in time for dinner. Please make sure that your flight arrives well before that time so you can catch that bus – if you are not able you need to organize your own travel to Llafranc.
Likewise at the end of the course, a bus will be available to transfer participants back to Barcelona – leaving Llafranc by 3pm and arriving at Barcelona Airport around 4:00-4:30. Again, please make your travel arrangements considering these time limitations.
Accommodation
Accommodation in two-bed rooms (shared with another participant)
We are unable to comply with individual special requests beyond the official arrangements. If you are sharing a room with another participant, we kindly ask you to be considerate and respect your roommate’s needs and privacy.
Accommodation in a single room
If you wish to stay in a single room during the course, please make sure to let us know during the registration process. The price for a single room is 250 €.
Course book
When will I receive the course book?
Around one week prior to the course you will receive a detailed e-mail with important information before your departure as well as a link to the course book, so that you can download it.
Cancellation policy
What is the cancellation policy?
The Organizer (ESACT Office) must always be contacted in writing. A repersonalisation is possible up to 31 days before the start of the course, but must be approved by the Organizer. A fee of 50,00 EUR will be charged. Re-personalisation is no longer possible less than 31 days before the start of the event.
With regard to cancellation without a substantial change to the event, cancellation must always be made in writing and sent to and confirmed in writing by the ESACT office. The registration fee will be refunded minus an administrative fee of 50,00 EUR if the cancellation is made up to one month before the start of the course.
Refunds less than 31 days prior to the event are not possible. Participants who have not attended the event are responsible for paying the full ticket price. There will be no refund of fees for non-participation in the event.
Overview
Date:
11-15 October 2026
Registration Fee:
Academia: 1.250,00 EUR
Industry: 1.950,00 EUR
Address:
Passeig de Cipsela 1
17211 Llafranc, Girona, Spain