The second in-person consortium meeting for the CONVERGE collaborative research project occurred on October 2^nd and 3^rd at the Centre Inria d’Université Côte d’Azur in Sophia Antipolis, France.

This gathering provided a comprehensive overview of the project’s advancements, challenges, and future strategies. Led by Luis Pessoa of INESC TEC, the meeting delved into various aspects of project management, and essential discussions on technical aspects.

Progress on all technical work packages and deliverables was thoroughly examined, with action points identified for follow-up. In terms of project management, potential risks such as alignment with SLICES-RI and sustainability were discussed, and corresponding mitigating actions were determined.

During this meeting, the project partners had the opportunity to explore cutting-edge facilities, including the R2lab anechoic chamber at Inria and the FR2 set-up at Eurecom, both integral components of the SophiaNode within the broader context of the SLICES and CONVERGE projects.

The consortium meeting demonstrated a collaborative spirit, a dedication to overcoming challenges, and an alignment of progress with CONVERGE goals. The outlined actions assure concentrated efforts in addressing technical, management, and ethical facets, underscoring the project’s robust foundation.