Research Training Camp 2024: Advancing doctoral research outside the lab
From August 26 to 30, 2024, doctoral researchers participated in an intensive Research Training Camp designed to advance their thesis development and strengthen mentorship connections with their project leads. The camp, held over five days, provided a structured yet collaborative environment for individual and guided academic work.
The doctoral researchers from all SynTrac locations gathered in the serene surroundings near Fulda, amidst the fresh air and open landscapes of the Rhön region, for a collaborative Research Training Camp. This setting, away from laboratories, provided an ideal environment for focused thinking and writing
The camp began with three dedicated days for doctoral researchers to focus on developing first drafts of their theses. This phase allowed participants to consolidate preparatory work from prior team events and supervisory meetings into tangible outputs. Depending on individual progress, activities included writing drafts, refining hypotheses, and organizing key ideas, with the goal of delivering a clear, presentable outcome.
On August 29, the group welcomed the Principal Investigators of their projects, marking the transition to the second phase of the camp. This final day-and-a-half enabled the doctoral researchers to discuss their progress and receive constructive feedback from supervisors and mentors, fostering an atmosphere of collaboration and academic growth. This provided an excellent platform for feedback and idea refinement.
In addition to the intensive research activities, the participants enjoyed a visit to the Deutsche Segelflugmuseum on the Wasserkuppe. This did not only provide a welcome change and inspiration with regard to the broader context of aviation and technology, but also offered the opportunity to see at various points in the exhibition how much of the scientific knowledge generated by TU Braunschweig and the University of Stuttgart over the decades, has been transferred to gliding via the AKA Flieg Vereine.
The camp blended academic progress with networking opportunities and inspiring experiences in a picturesque setting and equipped doctoral researchers with valuable feedback, actionable insights, and a strong foundation for advancing their theses.
Photo: TU Braunschweig/Tobias Ring
