The specialist group “Communication and Distributed Systems” (KuVS) of the German Informatics Society hosted a summer school on the topic “Internet of BioNano Things” (IoBNT) in Hohwacht on the Baltic Sea from June 18 – 20, 2024, which I had the privilege to attend. After a brief introduction to the topic by Prof. Stefan Fischer (Director of the Institute of Telematics, University of Lübeck), there were fascinating talks on molecular communication within the human body, bio-markers, modelling the human circulatory system, and DNA-based nanonetworks. Additionally, speakers discussed terahertz communication and gateway technologies. The lecture series was concluded with a talk on potential medical applications in oncology. In a poster session, many PhD students presented the subjects of their research. The talks and posters provided me with insights into current research and demonstrated the large diversity of the field of IoBNT.

In addition to these theoretical aspects, there was also a hands-on session where I had the opportunity to try simulating molecular communication in a liquid medium. Between sessions and during a paper chase through the picturesque town of Hohwacht, I had the chance to engage with the speakers and PhD students to learn more about their research. Despite the full schedule, there was enough time for a refreshing swim in the Baltic Sea.

I would like to thank my professor, Oliver Hohlfeld (Department of Distributed Systems, University of Kassel), and emergenCity for the opportunity to attend the summer school on the exciting topic of IoBNT.

Author: Elanor Jongmans-Hochschulz