We, the PhDs of the CRC1211, recently participated in the second PhD retreat of the third funding period; this time near the Laacher See in the Eifel. These retreats allow us to connect to our fellow PhD students and to discuss our projects and the progress we made, but also the problems we encountered.

We started the retreat with short presentations about our work in the last few months, which offered valuable insights into the other projects and gave us the opportunity to help each other with suggestions and feedback. Afterward, we went for dinner and ended the day with drinks and games.

The next morning, after breakfast, we attended a workshop led by Lorena Hernández Pineda. The workshop focused on mental health and intercultural communication — two important topics for our personal and professional journeys, and for communicating assertively with our local and international peers.

The afternoon began with a creative science communication task. We were asked to draw a poster about our research topic, the methods we use to answer our research questions and the problems we encountered, as well as the strategies we plan to use to overcome them. It was a challenging yet rewarding and fun task resulting in many interesting posters.

Afterward, we craved some fresh air. And what better place to explore the outdoors than the Laacher See area, which, given its geology, offers a fascinating insight into the volcanic past of this region. A highlight of the trip was the Wingertsbergwand. Its layers are a record of the different stages of the eruption of the Laacher See volcano.

The exciting history of this region would also be at the center of our closing activity on the following day. Together with a tour guide, we climbed down into the cellars of the Lavadome in Mendig. We were told the interesting history of these old mines that were built into the basaltic remains of the lava flows from the Laacher See volcano eruption.

All in all, it was a great weekend spent with our PhD colleagues. It helped us to stay connected and updated with our research, while also giving us the chance to escape the routine and to pursue some creative and fun activities.

Text: Julia Simonis