Introduction
Our fifth Research Retreat took place from February 1 to 2, 2024, at the Sporthotel Fuchsbachtal in Barsinghausen. This retreat continued to build on our tradition of fostering collaboration, sharing research progress, and providing valuable feedback within our research community. Over the course of two days, participants engaged in keynotes, poster sessions, individual meetings, and open working phases.
Overview of the Agenda
Retreat Day 1
The retreat began with a warm welcome from Ralph Ewerth and Gunnar Friege, setting the tone for two days of enriching discussions and activities. Key highlights included insightful keynote addresses on topics such as fairness in AI and machine learning applications in physics education. Participants also engaged in interactive poster sessions, fruitful PhD meetings, and stimulating discussions on various research themes.
Retreat Day 2
The second day commenced with personalized meetings between PhD students and their supervisors, providing valuable guidance and mentorship. This was followed by further keynote presentations and interactive sessions exploring emerging trends in research. The day concluded with a reflective closing round, where participants shared insights and discussed future collaborations.

Highlights and Insights
The keynote by Peter Wulff on integrating machine learning and large language models in physics education was a standout session, offering new perspectives and sparking engaging discussions. The poster sessions were highly productive, allowing PhD students to present their research progress and receive constructive feedback.
The individual meetings between PhD students and their supervisors were invaluable, providing tailored advice and strengthening mentor-mentee relationships. The open working phases allowed participants to focus on their writing and collaborative efforts, making significant progress in their projects.
Conclusion
The fifth Research Retreat at the Sporthotel Fuchsbachtal was a resounding success, marked by insightful presentations, productive discussions, and collaborative activities. We look forward to our next retreat and continuing our journey of academic excellence and community building.
This retreat reinforced our commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic research environment. See you at the next retreat!
