PhD Retreat Munich

We've had our first PhD Retreat in this funding period in Munich on May 6 and 7, 2024. The students presented their projects in a chalk talk style which stimulated lively discussions.

Our guest speaker was Jan Rehwinkel (University of Oxford), who, in addition to his scientific lecture, also gave interesting and useful insights into the transitions in a basic scientist's career (from Student to Postdoc to PI), followed by a lively discussion about recent literature. 

One of the participants summarized the PhD Retreat as follows:

The first PhD retreat of the current TRR237 funding period was organized in Munich on the 6th and 7th of May 2024, and welcomed a new generation of enthusiastic PhD students for a relaxing but productive two-day programme.
Students presented their projects in chalk-talk style – focused on thoughtful explanation of their ideas and goals, with plenty of time for constructive discussion and interaction. The guest speaker, Jan Rehwinkel, gave a scientific talk as part of the seminar series at the Gene Center Munich: ‘MDA5 guards against infection by surveying cellular RNA homeostasis’. He then joined the retreat to give a scientific career talk and shared reasoned and experienced advice tailored for the ‘Student to Postdoc & Postdoc to PI’ path. This covered aspects such as time frame and planning – what to consider and when to start; research interest and action – how to look for available, suitable options and what activities and skills to commit to; expectations and reality – meeting one’s own and employer’s expectations and keeping an open mind to alternative opportunities. Jan also joined the literature session discussion, in which students have pitched recently published articles showing exciting new findings and innovative methods. In an effort to ensure the generation of FAIR data (findable, accessible, interoperable, and re-useable), the TRR237 is taking firm steps to implement best practices for research data management (RDM). Simon [who has undertaken the mission of the data steward for the TRR237] gave an excellent theoretical but also interactive RDM course, covering general aspects from planning and data collection to documentation and archiving, as well as aspects related to EU/German law, institutional guidelines and available practical tools.

Overall, Sabine and Simon organized a fun and efficient retreat, with plenty coffee & cake breaks, and brought together a new group of curious and skilful students whose work will be known in the near future.

Some comments of your participants:

"Organization was super cool and I felt more connected with the other PhD students"

"I have never done a chalk talk before and really like the method without presentation slides"

"the unconventional, interactive approach of introducing one's project ... get's you out of your comfort zone :-)"

"The relaxing mood combined with a productive and efficient schedule"

For next time, we'll also take the comments on what we can do differently to heart :)