CONFERENCE
A Masterclass Beyond the Textbook
Titled “Why and how to make magnets if you are a bacterium?”, the lecture took students far beyond standard curriculum content. Dr. Damien Faivre introduced participants to the fascinating world of magnetotactic bacteria—microorganisms that have evolved the remarkable ability to produce and organize magnetic nanoparticles inside their cells.
Through vivid examples and accessible explanations, the masterclass explored:
Magnetosome Formation: How bacteria precisely synthesize magnetic crystals through tightly regulated biochemical pathways.
Biological Engineering at the Nanoscale: How living cells achieve extraordinary control over crystal size, shape, and alignment—something that challenges even modern engineering.
From Nature to Medicine: How biologically produced magnets could revolutionize targeted drug delivery, biosensing, and MRI contrast enhancement.
Connecting Olympiad Excellence with ERA Chair Research
By engaging directly with Latvia’s top biology students, the lecture served not only as an educational highlight of the Olympiad, but also as a powerful recruitment and inspiration platform for future scientists. Students were introduced to ERA Chair–level research, demonstrating how fundamental biological discoveries can lead to real-world technological and medical innovations.