Recap: iRTG Summer School 2024

Recap: iRTG Summer School 2024

The integrated Research Training Group (iRTG) is an essential part of the Collaborative Research Center “Sexdiversity” (CRC 1665) and consists of currently of 22 PhD candidates and 3 postdoctoral researchers. This graduate school is part of project Z04 and organized by coordinator Henriette Mühlmann. The annual iRTG summer school fosters an atmosphere of lively academic exchange. The program aims to provide excellent scientific training and a mutually supportive environment for a successful career development for all enrolled PhD candidates in all fields across natural sciences and humanities, MD candidates, and junior postdocs. In this blog post Leonie Blöbaum, a molecular neuroscientist, writes about her experiences of this year’s installment.

Reflections on the iRTG Summer School 2024

When I signed up for the iRTG Summer School 2024 at Lübeck’s Institute for Medical History and Science Research (IMGWF), I was not sure what to expect or how this new interdisciplinary collaboration would unfold. However, it turned out to be an enriching and intense experience that offered a unique opportunity to learn, connect, and collaborate across disciplines. Organized as part of the Collaborative Research Center (CRC), the summer school brought together PhD students from diverse fields, challenging us to broaden our perspectives and rethink assumptions we hold about research.

Building Bridges Across Disciplines

One of the most rewarding aspects of the summer school was the opportunity to connect with fellow PhD students from various disciplines, including the natural sciences, humanities, and more. Exposure to different methodologies and perspectives greatly expanded our understanding of research and reinforced the value of collaborative learning. Engaging with such a wide range of viewpoints helped us appreciate the depth and complexity that interdisciplinary work can add to our research.

Presenting and Communicating Research Effectively Across Disciplines

The project presentations were a central part of the summer school. This was the first time presenting our research to fellow PhD students, and it proved to be both a challenging and invaluable experience. Presenting our work to an audience unfamiliar with the terminology and methods of our discipline forced us to make complex ideas more accessible. This exercise encouraged us to distill our research into clear, concise terms and helped improve our ability to communicate. It also provided fresh perspectives on our projects, generating questions and insights that might not have arisen in a more specialized setting.

Following the presentations, a feedback and Q&A session allowed us to take on the roles of moderators and discussants. This helped develop our ability to engage critically with the work of others. To make the experience even more productive, I think introducing a short session on effective interdisciplinary communication and feedback could help future participants engage more deeply. Providing guidance on how to give constructive feedback across disciplines would encourage a more connected and collaborative learning environment.

Engaging with Thought-Provoking Speakers

The program also included insightful guest speakers who led discussions on important ethical and societal issues. This encouraged us to consider the broader implications of our research. Dr. Anne Skakkebæk, a clinical associate professor from Aarhus University, shared valuable insights into her own research and offered a fresh clinical perspective on the ethical dimensions of medical research. Her extensive work at the intersection of genetics and medicine challenged us to critically examine the responsibilities we bear as researchers.

Similarly, Prof. Dr. Birgit Nemec, co-head of the Institute for the History of Medicine and Ethics in Medicine at Charité Berlin and a PI in our CRC, led an insightful text discussion on the historical context of medical ethics, particularly the role of gender theory in shaping modern research practices. Her expertise sparked lively small group discussions that allowed us to explore the societal relevance of our work in a supportive and collaborative environment.

Fostering Deeper Interdisciplinary Exchange and Inclusivity

The ambitious agenda included valuable sessions, but a slightly more relaxed schedule could allow for deeper discussions. More time for reflection and small group discussions could create space for spontaneous and meaningful conversations, particularly in areas where participants are navigating complex disciplinary differences. Allowing ideas to develop more fully could lead to richer discussions and further understanding.

The summer school also emphasized the importance of inclusivity in interdisciplinary research. There was strong interest in understanding how different disciplines approach research, and encouraging these explorations can create a more cohesive and collaborative learning environment. Introducing discussions on research methodologies and approaches would deepen our understanding of each other’s work and further promote a spirit of collaboration. The weekly method lectures, where CRC PIs share their methods during the first year, provide a valuable opportunity to build this foundational knowledge.

Cultural and Social Activities

Cultural and social activities complemented the academic sessions, adding meaningful depth to the experience. A visit to the Gestapo Memorial Site in Lübeck, organized with CSD Lübeck e.V., encouraged us to reflect on the role of history in shaping societal structures.  We also enjoyed a social evening with a Pizza and Cinema event, where we watched the documentary Picture a Scientist. This film sparked thoughtful conversations about gender disparities and inclusion in academia, providing a meaningful conclusion to an enriching day of academic exchange.

Moving Forward

In conclusion, I entered the iRTG Summer School 2024 uncertain about what to expect. It turned out to be an invaluable opportunity for academic and personal growth. It offered crucial insights into the potential of interdisciplinary collaboration. While it was an intense and challenging experience, it left me feeling inspired and grateful. Improvements—such as focusing on foundational disciplinary knowledge, building in more time for reflection, and setting clearer expectations—could further enhance future summer schools and deepen the learning experience.

The summer school highlighted the tremendous value of interdisciplinary collaboration and underscored how different fields can enrich each other. I look forward to seeing how these insights will shape future CRC programs and contribute to our collective academic journey.

A big thank you to the iRTG for organizing such a remarkable event, with special thanks to Henriette Mühlmann for her exceptional effort in making the summer school a success. We are already looking forward to our second iRTG Summer School in 2025 and the exciting opportunities it will bring.

Leonie Blöbaum, MSc