Spring Academy

In May 2025, the IRTG Meta-Active held its Spring Academy on the Beutenberg Campus in Jena. During this intensive multi-week training series doctoral researcher are equipped with practical skills and essential scientific competencies. This year's Academy offered a balanced mix of technical training, research ethics, personal development, and career exploration, setting the tone for well-rounded, forward-thinking scientific careers.

Students during the Blender Workshop
Image: Anna Späthe

Visualizing Science: Blender Workshop (May 7–8)
The Academy kicked off with a two-day deep dive into Blender, the powerful open-source tool for 3D modeling and visualization. Day 1 focused on hands-on fundamentals: modeling, lighting, and rendering, enabling participants to create detailed 3D representations of their experimental setups. Day 2 introduced automation techniques, data-driven visualization, and dynamic simulations through scripting and geometry nodes. The workshop proved how scientific storytelling can be elevated through sophisticated, publication-ready visuals.

Students during the Research Data Management Workshop
Image: Anna Späthe

FAIR & Responsible: Research Data Management (May 13 & 15)
With scientific integrity at its core, this workshop highlighted the principles of FAIR data, Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable. Participants learned how to document, store, and publish research data in a way that promotes transparency and reproducibility. The training emphasized data stewardship not only as a formal requirement, but as a pillar of robust, credible research.

Mental Health in Academia: Stress Management (May 20)
Academic pressure is a real stressor, and the Spring Academy addressed it head-on. This workshop provided a safe, honest space to reflect on mental well-being during the doctoral journey. Through discussion and practical strategies, researchers explored how to recognize stress early, set boundaries, and maintain resilience.

Ethics in Practice: Good Scientific Practice (May 23)
This course offered an in-depth look at scientific responsibility. Based on DFG and institutional guidelines, it covered misconduct, authorship, supervision, and data ethics. Participants practiced navigating gray areas through real-world scenarios, honing their judgment and reinforcing integrity as a daily research habit.

Thesis, Meet Strategy: PhD Management (May 26–27)
This two-day session tackled the art of managing a doctorate, with tools for time management, project planning, and sustainable productivity. Participants learned to prioritize tasks, build realistic timelines, and manage academic workload without burnout. Practical frameworks and peer exchange turned abstract challenges into manageable plans.

Beyond the Lab: Career Exploration (May 28)
The Academy closed with a forward-looking workshop on life after the PhD. Through guided reflection and career mapping exercises, participants gained clarity on their values, strengths, and aspirations. From drafting a dream job ad to exploring career landscapes, the session sparked new visions and confident first steps toward future paths.