Events

Symposium 2026

Three Days of Scientific Exchange and Community

From September 14 to 16, the members of the Research Training Group Ec=m² – Engineering Covalent Bonds in Molecules and Materials gathered in Bexbach for the first RTG symposium. Over three days, more than 30 researchers came together to discuss current developments, share research results, and strengthen scientific collaborations within and beyond the research training group.

A particular highlight of this year's symposium was the excellent lineup of invited speakers. We were delighted to welcome Prof. Dr. Rebecca Melen (Cardiff University), Prof. Dr. Hatice Mutlu (Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Helmholtz-Institut für Polymere in Energieanwendungen Jena), Prof. Dr. Anne Staubitz (Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel), Dr. Hayley Bunn (Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics), and Prof. Dr. Milan Kivala (Heidelberg University). Their lectures provided valuable insights into a broad range of research topics and stimulated lively discussions throughout the event.

The symposium also offered an important platform for the doctoral researchers of Ec=m² to present their latest findings. Scientific talks by Ankur, Farzan Tajbakhsh, Satyabrata Das, Jonas Bach, Shangshu Xie, and Rustam Shnigirev highlighted the high quality of research being conducted within the graduate program. Their presentations generated engaging discussions and valuable feedback from fellow researchers and invited guests alike.

Another key component of the symposium was the poster session, which featured contributions from both Ec=m² doctoral researchers and external participants. The session fostered intensive scientific exchange in an open and collaborative atmosphere, offering opportunities for detailed discussions and the exploration of new ideas and perspectives.

Beyond the scientific program, participants also enjoyed a range of social and sporting activities, including running and bouldering. These activities provided a welcome opportunity to relax, strengthen personal connections, and contribute to the positive and collegial atmosphere that characterized the symposium.

The RTG symposium once again demonstrated the importance of interdisciplinary exchange and scientific dialogue in advancing research on Engineering Covalent Bonds in Molecules and Materials. We would like to sincerely thank our invited speakers, presenters, participants, and organizers for their contributions to this successful event.

We leave Bexbach with fresh ideas, new collaborations, and renewed enthusiasm for the exciting research challenges ahead!

Kick-off Meeting

On November 3rd, the Ec=m² Research Training Group was officially launched with a vibrant kick-off meeting attended by approximately 50 guests. The event highlighted the program’s mission to support PhD scholars in their exploration of covalent bonds.

The day featured five inspiring lectures, three of which were delivered by members of the Ec=m² Advisory Board:

• Prof. Dr. Viktoria Däschlein-Gessner (Ruhr University Bochum) opened the program with insights into metallated ylides and their evolving reactivity.
• Prof. Dr. Christoph Janiak (University of Düsseldorf) presented on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and water sorption in heat transformation processes.
• Prof. Dr. Martin Kaupp (TU Berlin) shared recent quantum-chemical advances enabled by novel methodologies.
• Assoc. Prof. Dr. Meera Mehta (University of Oxford) explored the catalytic potential of Zintl clusters.
• Prof. Dr. Simon Aldridge (University of Oxford) delivered two talks: an introduction to the IMAT CDT and an in-depth look at electron-rich main group compounds.

In addition to the keynote lectures, four Ec=m² scholars presented their own research projects. The event concluded with a shared dinner and informal networking, setting the tone for a dynamic and collaborative research journey ahead.