From September 24th to 26th, 2025, this year’s PhD retreat of the Graduate College of the SFB1477 LiMatI took place in Greifswald.
The event aimed to promote interdisciplinary exchange, discuss ongoing research projects, and further develop transferable skills.
A central element of the retreat was the poster presentations, which provided participants with the opportunity to present their doctoral research projects to their peers. The focus was not only on the scientific content but also on developing presentation skills—both in terms of scientific communication and personal presentation techniques. The doctoral researchers received valuable feedback from their colleagues, which helped them improve their presentation skills. The scientific program was complemented by group discussions on research-related questions as well as mentoring sessions, where experienced PhD students shared their knowledge with newcomers.
A special highlight of the retreat was the exclusive tour of the Wendelstein 7-X fusion facility at the Max Planck Institute for Plasma Physics. The participants showed great interest in the groundbreaking research in the field of plasma physics, and there was a strong desire for more scientific excursions in the future.
Additionally, a project management workshop was held, led by Ms. Karoline Goldstein. The practical content of the workshop was highly appreciated and regarded as a valuable addition to their academic training.
The social aspect of the retreat was also well represented: joint activities such as a walk through the historic center of Greifswald, a visit to the Eldena Abbey ruins, and evening board and card games offered ample opportunity for informal exchange and strengthened the bond among participants.
The retreat once again demonstrated the importance of cross-disciplinary dialogue and collaborative learning in an open atmosphere for the scientific development and networking of young researchers.