FI EMS Young Scientists Retreat

YOUNG SCIENTISTS RETREAT

The Flagship Initiative Engineering Molecular Systems (FI EMS) invites all PhDs and PostDocs working in the field of EMS to the next Young Scientists Retreat. It will take place in Lobbach, from 29.09 - 01.10.2025.

The FI EMS was setup to promote the research field of EMS at Heidelberg University including the support of young academics. Since EMS requires collaborations between many disciplines such as chemistry, physics, informatics, mathematics, material science, biology and medicine, one major task and instrument of the Flagship Initiative is networking between people of different disciplines. This is especially important for young academics. To grow your network and to get inspired by other research and ideas, we offer to all PhDs and PostDocs working in the field of EMS at Heidelberg University and its partner institutions EMBL, DKFZ, HITS and MPImR a retreat where you can present your work and get to know new people from other research groups or meet the people from previous retreats. 

The retreat will take place September 29^th - October 1^st, 2025 at the Martin-Sauer-Stiftung in Lobbach. There will be a scientific programme that includes talks by all participants. We will also have one day with soft-skill courses. Please register the latest by September 2^nd, 2025. Since we have limited places, we will run a selection process based on your submitted abstract and the number of applicants from the same research group. Everyone working on an EMS topic (project does not need to be funded by FIEMS) is welcome to apply including former retreat participants. 

In Short:

Who? PhDs and PostDocs working in the field of EMS at Heidelberg University and its partner institutions EMBL, DKFZ, HITS and MPImR

What? Young Scientists Retreat with scientific programme and a basic seminar on Science Communication managed by NaWik and one on Presenting Research Results by heiSKILLs. Both will be in English, you will participate in one of them. The scientific programme will comprise talks presented by all participants, including discussions.

When?  September 29^th- October 1^st, 2025

Where? Martin-Sauer-Stiftung, 74931 Lobbach

Fees? paid by FI EMS 

Transport to event location? organized by FI EMS

Please register here: REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED

IN ADDITION: send an email to fi-ems@uni-heidelberg.de with your name, position, affiliation, title and abstract (max. 2000 characters, please use template below).

Information on the courses offered:

1. Basics of Science Communication by NaWik

   Good science communication makes research visible, strengthens trust in science and promotes social dialogue. This basic course teaches key skills for comprehensible and targeted communication. It raises awareness of the requirements of good science communication and provides the methodological tools to communicate research effectively – in media work, in direct exchange with the public and in other media.

   The thematic foci are on strategic planning of science communication, and the actors in science communication. An overview is provided for addressing specific target groups and media. It will also help you to develop your own core message and convey trust in science.

2. Presenting Research Results – by heiSKILLS

   In a combination of self-study materials and a workshop day, we will explore some important topics: How do I deal with stage fright? How do I prepare my presentation optimally? How can I inspire my audience and visualize my content clearly? And how do I structure my presentation convincingly? 

   After working independently on the materials provided, we will go into the content in greater depth together in the face-to-face sessions. You will learn what makes a good presentation, practise your own presentation skills and find out how to give constructive feedback.

   The aim of this course is to give you the tools you need to present confidently and convincingly!