From May 6 to 9, 2025, we had the privilege of attending the kick-off meeting of the Inter-oPEn doctoral network, hosted by RWTH Aachen University. Funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), the project brings together ten doctoral researchers, along with eight academic and thirteen industry partners, to tackle a shared goal: improving interoperability in power electronics dominated electrical grids.
The meeting featured insightful keynotes and discussions on the technical and legal aspects of interoperability. We also explored the role of open-source tools and the importance of collaboration in developing future-ready energy systems. This workshop marked a motivating start to our PhD project. It not only deepened our understanding of the project’s goals but also fostered a sense of community among the diverse group of doctoral researchers.
Beyond the technical sessions, the visit to Aachen included memorable cultural experiences, from savouring local cuisine to enjoying late spring walks. The taste of Lindt chocolates and the smell of fresh cookies in Aachen’s streets added a unique flavour to the experience, making the event as warm and memorable as it was intellectually engaging.
This first meeting laid a strong foundation for the work ahead. The energy and shared commitment we experienced in Aachen will undoubtedly carry forward into the next stages of the project. With new connections formed and a clearer sense of direction, we returned to our research inspired and ready to contribute to a more open and interoperable future in the electric power system.
Written by Mohammadtaher Azampour and Cham Kpu Gerald