Introduction
From February 8 to 10, 2022, we held our first annual Research Retreat at Leibniz University Hannover, in room F102. This event aimed to bring together our PhD students and Principal Investigators (PIs) to discuss current research projects, develop new ideas, and strengthen collaboration. Over the course of three days, participants engaged in various sessions designed to enhance their research skills, share knowledge, and plan future projects.
Overview of the Agenda
Day 1
The first day began at 10:00 AM with welcome remarks and an introduction to the seminar, led by PhD students Lukas and Nico. They outlined the schedule and assigned tasks to participants. This was followed by a session on practical experiences in scientific work, where participants shared best practices and adapted examples for their own projects. Open questions for the PIs were also collected during this time.
After a lunch break, PhD students presented the current status of their research, highlighting key milestones and challenges. Each student had three minutes to present, followed by a two-minute Q&A session. The day concluded with a thematic discussion focused on identifying expertise and collaboration opportunities among the PhD students, as well as preparing workshops for the next day. Informal activities such as sports and socializing followed.
Day 2
The second day started with a communal breakfast at 8:00 AM. At 9:00 AM, participants engaged in cooperation talks and workshop sessions, divided into small groups to discuss and support each other’s research. External experts were invited to lead these workshops, covering topics like writing techniques and programming.
At 10:00 AM, PIs officially joined the retreat, and the group reviewed the previous day’s discussions and workshop goals. This was followed by theory inputs and lectures from PIs Christian Wartena, Ralph Ewerth, Reinhard Hochmuth, Sascha Schanze, and Eirini Ntoutsi, who provided insights into research design and publication strategies.
After lunch, the afternoon was dedicated to debriefing and securing the results of the workshops. PhD students presented their outcomes, and PIs addressed collected questions. The day ended with a session where PIs introduced their research areas, providing valuable context and fostering further collaboration.
Day 3
The final day began with breakfast at 8:00 AM, followed by a “marketplace” session where PhD students created posters to present their research. Each student had 5 to 10 minutes for their presentation and a subsequent Q&A session. This format allowed for in-depth discussions and feedback from PIs and peers alike.
After lunch, PIs held a meeting to evaluate the retreat’s outcomes, while PhD students conducted their own debriefing session. The retreat concluded with a joint planning session to outline the future scientific program and set goals for the coming months.
Highlights and Insights
A highlight of the retreat was the marketplace session on the final day, where PhD students showcased their research projects through posters. This interactive format facilitated valuable feedback and new perspectives. Additionally, the workshops on the second day provided practical skills and knowledge, essential for advancing individual research projects.
The theory inputs from PIs were particularly enriching, offering a comprehensive overview of research design and publication strategies in various disciplines. These sessions not only broadened participants’ understanding but also sparked new ideas for future collaborations.
Conclusion
The first Research Retreat at Leibniz University Hannover offered participants the opportunity to advance their research, build valuable networks, and develop both personally and professionally. The combination of intensive work sessions and informal activities created a balanced and productive atmosphere. We are already looking forward to the next retreat and the many new insights that will emerge from it.
The retreat was not only a milestone in our research activities but also an important platform for exchange and collaboration within our scientific community. Until next time!
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