From 28th – 30th June 2023, already for the 20th time, participants from the graduate program and guest speakers came together already for the 20th time at Schloss Rauischholzhausen to discuss new scientific findings and show what career opportunities are possible. Christina Gress, a doctoral student in the working group led by Prof. Jens Hohlfeld from Fraunhofer ITEM, represented the DZL site BREATH this year and reports on her experiences: 

The retreat took place deep in the countryside at the beautiful Schloss Rauischholzhausen in Giessen. Elie El Agha (representing the DZL Academy Boards) and Werner Seeger (CEO of the DZL) warmly welcomed and greeted all participants. Over a period of three days there were exciting talks given by the MBML students about their projects in various fields, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension, and inflammation or aging processes of the lung. The presentations were complemented perfectly by many inspiring guest speakers, who reported on their personal careers and journeys to become internationally renowned scientists. „I was very pleased to be given the opportunity to be able to present the findings from my doctoral thesis. From the subsequent discussion, I was able to take many new ideas and concepts back with me to Hannover“, says Gress. „All in all, the MBML Retreat was a wonderful experience. Both on a professional and a personal level there were many possibilities for new networks with the other DZL sites and interdisciplinary scientists. On the basis of these positive experiences, I am most grateful that BREATH has made it possible for me to take part in this event“. 

We are pleased that Frau Gress has been able to report so positively on the MBML Retreat and wish her continued success for the further course of her doctoral thesis.

All those interested in attending the next Retreat in 2024, please get in contact with the team at the BREATH office.

Text: AB/ BREATH

Photo: Christina Gress