Leipzig, 18.05. - 19.05.2017
The summer workshop 2017 was held from 18th - 19th November at Hotel Michaelis in Leipzig.
This city combines a versatile history and modern spirit. It was not only the location of the Battle of the Nations and important place of the peaceful revolution but is also the fastest growing metropolis.
The location could be reached from Magdeburg by train in one and a half hours and the hotel provided adequate facilities for the workshop program. The workshop had 27 contributions in the form of presentations and a posters. In 11 presentations each participant was given 15 minutes to present current research results followed by a 5 minute discussion with the audience. This proven format allowed to identify helpful approaches for sticking points as well as to ignite further discussions during coffee breaks and social activities. Additionally Mr. Ganesan, a former member of GKMM, gave a guest lecture. During the poster session seven participants first introduced the content of their poster in a few presentation slides. Afterwards there was time for all participants to study the presented posters and discuss questions with the presenters in detail. Because of the great weather the poster discussion even was arranged in the nice garden of the Hotel. Seven new members of the graduate school were given the opportunity to introduce themselves and their field of research in a short presentation.
The academic program was accompanied by a social event. This year the participants not only made a usual guided city tour. In a kind of paper chase four groups competed in solving some riddles about the historic background of Leipzig. In this way the social program provided for all members of the graduate school both, interesting knowledge and the growing together of the whole group and the integration of new members respectively. The team of the mechanics won by a narrow margin. Afterwards the evening was concluded by a dinner located in an old part of the city wall.
The workshop format was proven successful more than one time when discussions after presentation had to be cut off by the chairmen of the session and were continued in coffee breaks, during meals or along the social event. The workshop also included a board meeting where the decision was made to summarize the presented contents in the form of workshop proceedings which will be available from the participating chairs. In the closing student meeting Mr. Nordmann was elected as a new of two student representative.
Here you can find the program.