Graduate Retreat

Since 2001 the Graduate Program of the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry hosts an annual retreat on the Castle Ringberg, conference site of the Max Planck Society. Every year in summer (June/July) thirty to forty graduate students of the MPIB gather for spending two and a half days together, facilitating interdisciplinary communication between the various research departments. In a professional but friendly and recreational atmosphere each student gives a short presentation about his/her current scientific projects including an introduction to their doctoral thesis, often leading to inspiring and lively discussions.

In addition, two young group leaders from across Europe are invited to give an introduction into their current research in a one hour keynote lecture. This gives the participating students the opportunity to communicate with established scientists about science, career perspectives and other things in an informal way.

Besides the scientific program on the second day’s afternoon usually an excursion to the closer surrounding of the conference site is scheduled. In case of good weather there are numerous hiking possibilities nearby, in the (unlikely) case of bad weather an alternative program will be offered. In the evenings after the keynote lecture there is still plenty of time to sit together and have a beer or a glass of wine in one of the cosy rooms of the castle. People being afraid of a lack of physical activities can make use of the ping-pong table in one of the castle’s towers.

The castle itself is situated half-way up a hill in the Bavarian Footalps overlooking the beautiful Lake Tegernsee. It has a very fascinating history, which is presented by Mr. Essel, who is in charge to run this conference site in the name of the Max Planck Society, in a captivating guided tour, for those interested.

Application for Ringberg 2012