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11. Dec. 2024
The CEITEC PhD Retreat is not just another academic event – it is a unique opportunity for PhD students and postdocs to step out of their laboratories and connect with their peers in an informal setting. It’s a chance to get inspired, broaden scientific horizons, and explore new possibilities. This year’s Retreat, organized entirely by the PhD students and postdocs themselves, took place on October 21–22 in the picturesque town of Telč. The event combined an engaging academic program with a relaxed atmosphere, fostering fun and memorable experiences. According to the organizers, Lenka Dostálová from CEITEC Masaryk University and Kaushik Baishya from CEITEC Brno University of Technology, the Retreat plays a crucial role in strengthening the community and welcoming new members. “It’s a break from the routine that refreshes perspectives and re-energizes,” they agree. The Retreat thus serves as an opportunity not only for personal and professional growth but also as a testament to the importance of a cohesive community behind scientific success.
A program focused on collaboration, growth, and fun
This year’s Retreat centred on fostering a healthy academic environment and effective mentoring. Participants attended workshops led by experts Kateřina Machovcová and Alena Slezáčková, focusing on developing communication skills and nurturing a positive scientific culture. The scientific highlight of the retreat was the presentation by Prof. Carl-Philipp Heisenberg from IST Austria on how fish embryos generate form during development. Additionally, the organizers replaced the traditional poster session with graphical abstracts, enabling concise and accessible discussions across various scientific disciplines. “The graphical abstracts were a great idea because they allowed projects to be discussed comfortably over dinner, without overwhelming detail that might be challenging for those outside a specific field,” reflects Lenka Dostálová positively.
The event also featured light-hearted activities, including a pub quiz and karaoke night, which have become staples of the Retreat, strengthening the team spirit. “Participants really enjoy these activities. The pub quiz, in particular, brings a fantastic atmosphere and fosters collaboration in randomly assigned teams,” she adds.
Interdisciplinarity as a foundation for future innovations
One of the Retreat’s most significant benefits is the opportunity to discover connections between different scientific disciplines. “Participants can realize how their colleagues’ research has the potential to enrich their work, which may lead to unexpected yet highly interesting collaborations,” highlights Lenka.
Kaushik Baishya adds that CEITEC has long supported interdisciplinarity, and the Retreat is the perfect opportunity to foster it further. “Scientific approaches across natural and material sciences can lead to truly groundbreaking discoveries, which is why such projects receive internal funding. PhD students can apply for support through initiatives like the Jaroslav Koča Bridge Fund,” he explains.
Plans for future Retreats
The organizers plan to enhance the programme with new workshops focused on effective scientific communication, advanced data analysis, and even mindfulness, and balancing academic and personal life. “Our goal is to make each Retreat more engaging and beneficial. In the future, we aim to involve alumni who can share their experience and offer workshops led by industry professionals,” Kaushik elaborates.
For those considering attending the next Retreat, the organizers have a clear message: “Join us and make the most of this opportunity. The Retreat is much more than a break from laboratory routines – it’s a chance to gain new contacts, inspiration, and even insights that could significantly influence your scientific work,” they conclude.
If the concept of the Retreat appeals to you and you don’t want to wait until next year, keep an eye out for other activities organized by the PhD Committee, such as Science Mixers, Barbecues, Hikes, or Tea Times. These events also provide excellent opportunities to network and strengthen collaboration within the CEITEC community.
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