Organized as a satellite event preceding the Annual International Conference of the Romanian Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, the hybrid event 'Promoting visual literacy in bio-molecular sciences education' took place in a very classical setting: the old Thoma Ionescu reading room, Carol Davila University, Bucharest. 

The speaker line-up consisted of seven trainers (four via video conference, three in-person) from PDBe, PDB-101, Proteopedia, and BioMolViz. Some 24 attendees (trainees in bio-molecular science, including high school, PhD, and Master students) were able to generate their own animations and images from PDB data under the guidance of Dr. Angel Herraez. A 3D printer was available, and the attendees were able to convert PDB data into printable files and print one of their own generated molecular models on-site under the guidance of Dr. Marius Mihasan from molecularmodels.ro. All conference materials, including speakers slides, are still available for everyone on the event webpage. 

The organizers are happy to report that the community of enthusiasts using printers to create physical models of molecules has increased by at least one member as a result of this event. Please meet Victor Baerle, a young student from Timișoara who, after attending the event, realized the potential of physical models in teaching and demonstration.

He reports that: “After printing 10–15 models, I can confidently say that understanding rotational symmetry has become easier for me. I've also become much more proficient in using Chimera's interface and command line“. Victor has his printed models at a local biotech event to explain his research and at interviews for potential jobs.

All images by the event organizers and attendees.