MAX PLANCK SCHOOLS DAY 2024
Meet and Network at the Max Planck Schools Day
This year, the much-awaited Max Planck Schools Day 2024 was held at Berlin's iconic Harnack Haus at the end of September. This annual event, organized by the acclaimed Max Planck Society brought together members from the three renowned Max Planck Schools—Photonics, Matter to Life, and Cognition, cultivating a spirit of community among the next generation of scientists.
A Unique Convergence of Disciplines
The day began with an uplifting talk by Prof. Dr. Walter Rosenthal, President of Friedrich Schiller University Jena and the German Rector’s Conference, and continued with the „Passion for Science” Lecture by Prof. Michèle Heurs, Fellow of the Max Planck School of Photonics and professor of experimental physics at Leibniz Universität Hannover.
During her presentation, Prof. Heurs shared her journey in science, illustrating how curiosity and perseverance can lead to remarkable discoveries. Guests had the opportunity to hear firsthand about her research and the exciting projects she has been involved in. She believes that science is not just a profession but a way of life, and she aimed to instill this passion in the next generation of scientists, leaving the stage set for an engaging panel discussion on the role of (fundamental) science.
As the world continues to evolve, so too does the landscape of academia. The Panel discussion on academic freedom in a changing international landscape with Prof. Shalini Randeria (President and Rector of Central European University), Prof. Katrin Kinzelbach (Professorship International Politics of Human at Friedrich-Alexander University), Prof. Stefan Klumpp (Fellow at MPS Matter to Life), and Prof. Walter Rosenthal (Hochschulrektorenkonferenz - HRK) shed light on the evolving challenges and responsibilities that come with academic autonomy in an ever-changing international scene.
After that, students split into groups to keep talking about the panel's topic and share their final thoughts. Following the series of engaging workshops, the science talks provided a platform for selected PhD candidates to share their expertise, and explore interdisciplinary approaches.
Eva Schmidt, a PhD student at Max Planck School of Cognition, impressed the audience with her research on the ethical issues of AI in communication and its effects on kindness and understanding. She explored how people understand and react to AI emotions, focusing on the wider effects on human social interactions.
Next, Christoph Karfusehr, a PhD candidate specializing in DNA Nanotechnology at the Max Planck School Matter to Life, highlighted how DNA monolayer membranes could be programmed to form containers or hollow tubes enabling new approaches for bottom-up biology and cell-scale soft robotics.
Josephine Spiegelberg, a PhD candidate at Max Planck School of Photonics, concluded the science talks by discussing her work on Nanoscale 3D Laser Printing. She explained how she's pushing the boundaries of printing resolution by using new photoresists and STED techniques to achieve resolutions below the diffraction limit.
Prof. Ferdi Schüth, Director of the Max Planck Institute for Coal Research, wrapped up the day's discussions and inspired the attendees to think critically about the future of research and academia.
Max Planck Schools Day is not just about learning, it’s mostly about connecting. Visitors had many chances to meet and interact with other students, researchers, and experienced mentors, building connections that could lead to collaborative research opportunities and lifelong friendships.
Finally, To elevate the evening, we were thrilled to have the Max Planck School of Photonics band take the stage. A talented group of students who captivated the audience with their incredible skills and impressive repertoire.
Looking forward to seeing you all next year and continuing to share experiences.