Fifth Retreat of the RTG 2530

1 October 2025, by RTG 2530

Photo: UHH/RTG2530/Grebe

Once a year, the members of the RTG 2530 come together for a retreat to exchange ideas intensively in a special setting and to get to know each other better. This year, they did not need to travel far – the destination was the green and peaceful Hasseldieksdamm district of Kiel.

Like every year, scientific exchange was the focus of these three days from 22 to 24 September 2025. The doctoral researchers of the RTG 2530 took on the challenging task of presenting their complex research topics and then responding to questions and feedback from the plenary. Each of these presentations was met with well-deserved applause.

To deepen discussions and further develop the research projects, the programme also included group work, shared reflections on experiences in the RTG 2530 so far, and direct exchanges between doctoral researchers and principal investigators.

In addition to the academic programme, there was plenty of time for informal conversations and shared activities – whether over the lunch buffet or dinner, during a walk through the animal enclosure Hasseldieksdamm, or at the games night organised by the doctoral researchers.

Although this was the fifth retreat, it once again felt unique and was marked by special moments. One of these was when Kai Jensen, former spokesperson for the RTG 2530, was surprised with some personal gifts as a thank you for his dedication over the past four and a half years. As he often rides his bike, Philipp Porada presented him with a bicycle horn, along with other items, which was immediately used during the retreat. With a wink, it became the signal to end the popular coffee breaks. There was also a cake decorated with colourful sugar pearls forming the shape of the Elbe estuary – a nod to the thematic focus of the RTG 2530.

From October 2025, Elisa Schaum will assume the role of spokesperson for the RTG 2530. Kai Jensen will continue as deputy spokesperson for the interim period until Philipp Porada takes on this role in April 2026.