MPGC-QM Retreat at Castle Ringberg: Connecting Students and Expanding Scientific Perspectives

This year’s MPGC-QM (Max Planck Graduate Center for Quantum Materials) retreat at Castle Ringberg brought together graduate students, faculty, and invited lecturers. During this retreat, the participants shared their latest research, learned new insights from experts, and strengthened the community’s collaborative spirit.

This year, 39 students from all MPGC participating institutes attended our retreat, along with four invited lecturers and four principal investigators (PIs). Together, they represented a broad range of expertise, from experimental methods to theoretical approaches in quantum materials.

The scientific program included hour-long lectures by invited experts and MPGC PIs, and 10-minute student presentations. Newly introduced “teaser talks” (3–5 minutes) by first-year students gave them an early opportunity to present their work and gain feedback. Daily round-table discussions, moderated by the students, encouraged open conversation about each day’s scientific topics.

By showcasing different research areas, the retreat helped participants gain a more comprehensive view of quantum materials. It encouraged conversations across disciplines, providing opportunities to start new collaborations and broaden research perspectives.

The students appreciated having input on the program’s structure and ample time for informal discussions. Castle Ringeberg’s setting enhanced the experience. Beyond the scientific sessions, team-building activities and snowy mountain hikes to nearby towns helped strengthen personal connections and foster a supportive community atmosphere.

Insights and feedback from this year’s attendees will guide future retreats, ensuring that the MPGC-QM gathering remains a valuable forum for learning, networking, and advancing quantum materials research.