Information for invited speakers

General information

  • Leipzig, 1-3 March, Germany
  • Leipzig University, Central Building Augustusplatz, Augustusplatz 10, 04109 Leipzig
  • Preliminary Schedule

Accommodation

We have reserved rooms in the Motel One Post in Leipzig’s city center within walking distance of the venue from 28.2. to 3.3.2023. The rooms are booked on your name and the invoice will go directly to us.

Please inform us if you want to book yourself (80 €/night is the upper limit here) or if you want to arrive before 28.2. or leave after 3.3.2023.

Travel expenses

Please plan your travel to Leipzig individually and inform us about your itinerary. The conference site and hotel can be reached within ten minutes walking distance rom Leipzig main station.

We will cover your travel expenses according to the regulations of the federal state Saxony-Anhalt:
flight and train tickets (2nd class)
no taxi costs
0,20 cent per kilometer by car

For the reimbursement, we will upload the two necessary forms here and also have some print outs with us during the conference. We will need the original tickets as well as payment receipts from you afterwards.

Round table discussions

These sessions will be a get-together of up to ten persons interested in the provided topics. There will be no audience in the rooms. One chair will guide and provide questions for the participants. Everyone is invited to contribute equally. Please share your questions, opinions and personal insights.

Sustainability – what is the future of plastic?

There still is a continuing demand for plastics. However, issues like the dependence on fossil fuel, energy consumption and littering, have never been as present in society as it is now. This social interest is also reflected in fundamental research. Various approaches, such as bio-based plastics, biodegradability, and circular economy, are being systematically investigated. But what can be implemented in reality on a large scale? What makes sense, and what would also have to change in society to solve the problems of our time?

What is the role of oligomers in neurodegenerative diseases?

Protein aggregation and the formation of amyloids are associated with neurodegenerative diseases. The self assembly from soluble proteins into insoluble amyloid fibrils is the hallmark these diseases share. Why the aggregation process starts and how the aggregation propagates is still not fully understood. Oligomers are key during this process – but to what extend?

Life-work-balance in academia

The demands on a scientist are tremendous and can hardly be fitted into a 40-hour week. In addition, there are temporary contracts and relocations. Many institutions offer their scientists no more support than participation in mental health courses (which may also take place in the evenings or on weekends).

How do you balance your work in academia with your life outside? Or would it perhaps be better not to want to separate professional and private life at all?

Science communication outside the ivory tower

In times of fake news and skepticism about science, the question arises whether scientists need to communicate more and better with the general public. We learn to write articles, to give talks at conferences, but explaining our research in a generally understandable way is difficult for many. Come and discuss: What exactly is our role in science communication? What formats and channels would be suitable for reaching people outside the ivory tower?

How do we learn the programming skills we need for our research?

Programming is an increasingly important part of scientific research. Whether for data analysis or for developing simulations, coding is a skill scientists can not afford not to learn. But what about the systems in place to learn this skill? Are lecture courses on basic programming enough to help young researchers become efficient and successful scientists? Can and should simulation development be an important part of academic studies? Or should programming skills be acquired via learning-by-doing and the occasional discussion with more experienced colleagues?

Which scientific activities besides my research are worth engaging in?

In addition to the actual work as a scientist (research, data analysis, publications, conferences, etc.), there are many opportunities to get involved in academia. Much is required and expected: peer review, university self-governance, science communication, work in committees and boards – the list is almost endless. At the same time, this can be also an opportunity to build a unique selling point and do what you enjoy. Join this table to share and find out what turned out to be worthwhile and also to what request it might be better to say no to.

Energy sources

The worldwide energy demand increases daily. Climate change is around the corner. We need to cut our fossil fuel consumption. Making the change into new and renewable energy sources is in dire need. The right way to achieve this, also on a global scale, is the one of the biggest tasks of our generation. In this discussion we want to focus less on the political task, but more on possible energy sources, challenges to use them, and the advantages and downsides they might bring.

Scientific Career – what do I need?

What is necessary to have a successfull scientific career? A lot of horror-stories and prejudices float around, of working all day – every day, having no time for family, or the need to have the one key/breakthrough idea to even be able to form a career upon. We are interested in your experiences and ideas: what does it really take for a career in science?

Insights behind the CV

These sessions are meant as guidance for aspiring researchers. It is up to you what and how much you want to share. We suggest 20 minutes of introductory talk followed by at least 25 minutes of moderated discussion.
The talk could consist of an insight into your CV, followed by what is not written in there – which failures and rejections actually shaped your path and how did all of this actually influence your life outside of science?
Here are some suggestions for your talk:

Some suggestions for your Insights behind the CV

  • Lessons learned: Which recommendations would you give yourself when you have been a doctoral student?
  • Total fail: What did not work out as planned at all? Why? Do you regret a career decision?
  • What helped you on your way the most? Whose support was irreplaceable?
  • Work vs. life: What did help with balancing scientific career and family?
  • Did you ever think of leaving academia? What changed your mind?
  • What do you like most as a professor and what do you dislike?
  • Which qualities are necessary to be a successful group leader in natural sciences?



Preliminary schedule

Wednesday, March 1

Thursday, March 2

Friday, March 3