RTG Events

Upcoming Events

November 12, 2026: Study Day at KIT: Prof. Dr. Finn Aachmann, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway

December 3, 2026: Study Day at KIT: Prof. Dr. Rasmus Schröder, Dr. Irene Wacker, Heidelberg University, Germany

February 25, 2027: Study Day at KIT: Prof. Dr. Andrij Pich, Aachen University, Germany

April 5 - 7, 2027: 3-Day-Workshop, Oberkirch

October 2027: 2-Day-Workshop

Past Events

Workshops/Retreats

October 12 - 13, 2026: 2-Day-Workshop, Wildberg

From October 12 - 13, 2026 the RTG members and associates came together in Wildberg in the Black Forest for the second retreat (fall school), with almost full participation. The focus was on the doctoral researchers' presentations of their first results, which were discussed intensively and with great engagement. The contributions offered plenty of starting points for questions, suggestions, and valuable scientific exchange. A group walk in the nearby woods in the afternoon was a welcome joint activity and provided an opportunity to continue the conversations outside the meeting room.

On the second day, further important topics were on the agenda: good scientific practice, as well as talks with the supervisor tandems. The retreat was finished with an outlook on the coming up Study Days.

The retreat once again showed how valuable it is to come together, exchange ideas, and learn from one another.

Group walk in Wildberg

March 3 - 5, 2026: 3-Day-Workshop, Freudenstadt

Three days in the Black Forest, nearly 30 participants, and many new ideas: the first retreat of the Research Training Group focused on intensive scientific exchange. Doctoral researchers,  postdoctoral researchers, and principal investigators used the time together to present and discuss their current research projects. The doctoral students received valuable feedback on their own projects and, at the same time, gained a deeper insight into the interdisciplinary research projects within the research group.

The scientific program also included invited talks by Prof. Diana Bernin from Chalmers University of  Technology (Sweden) who shared insights into her research on hydrogels and Prof. Hans-Ulrich Endreß (Herbstreith & Fox GmbH & Co. KG Pektin Fabriken, Germany), who showed an industry perspective on pectins and highlighted practical applications relevant to the research field. In addition, sessions on Good Scientific Practice and Data Management addressed key aspects of responsible and sustainable research.

In addition to the scientific sessions, getting to know each other personally also played an important role. Joint team training provided an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and to get to know each other better, also outside of research. Conversations, shared meals, and walks also contributed to the rapid development of an open and trusting atmosphere. Over the course of the three days, a great team spirit developed.

All participants returned from the Black Forest with new ideas, strengthened contacts, and a great deal of motivation – ready to take the inspiration they had gained into their further scientific work.

Study Days

October 26, 2026: Study Day at Stuttgart University: Prof. Dr. Wojtek Plazinski, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland

March 19 - 20, 2026: Study Day: Seminar "CCR in Focus – Key Parameters for Extrusion" by TA Instruments.

March 6, 2026: Study Day: Prof. Dr. Diana Bernin, Chalmers University of Technology, Gothenburg, Sweden: „From Levitating Droplets to Fluid Uptake in Paper Packaging“

January 19, 2026:  Data Management Seminar

Kick-off Meeting

On October 20, 2025, the PIs, doctoral students and associated members met at KIT for a kick-off meeting to mark the start of the research training group. Spokesperson Mirko Bunzel started by giving an overview of the concept and research program as well as  the qualification program for the doctoral students. A lot of time was also devoted to the presentation of the master's theses of the new doctoral students. The poster talks quickly revealed their broad professional background. Of course, the kick-of meeting also aimed at getting to know each other, and there were plenty of opportunities to do so during lunch and coffee breaks.