From March 17 to 20, 2026, members of the Institute of Micro- and Nanostructure Research (IMN) and CENEM gathered for their annual retreat in Kleedorf, Kirchensittenbach. The retreat once again provided an excellent platform for scientific exchange across the institute’s diverse research areas, combining a rich scientific program with informal discussions and team-building activities.
The four-day program covered a broad spectrum of topics, including computational microscopy, functional hierarchical materials, thin films, and high-temperature alloys, as well as focal discussions on synchrotron proposals and future collaborative initiatives. The detailed schedule, spanning multiple thematic sessions and a poster session, reflects the interdisciplinary nature of IMN and CENEM research .
A particularly encouraging aspect of this year’s retreat was the strong participation of early-career researchers. Numerous Hiwi students, Master’s students, and international researchers actively contributed to discussions, fostering a lively and inclusive scientific atmosphere. Their engagement highlights the importance of the retreat as a platform for mentoring, networking, and developing new ideas.
Beyond the scientific sessions, the retreat benefited from outstanding early spring weather, which set the stage for a scenic group hike in the surrounding Franconian countryside. The excursion, complemented by a coffee break along the route, provided a relaxed environment for informal exchanges and strengthened connections across research groups .
A well-established highlight of the IMN retreat also returned this year: the “Fitness with Irene” sessions between talks, which energized participants and added a refreshing and interactive element to the program.
The retreat concluded with continued discussions on future collaborations and institutional developments, reinforcing its role as a key event for shaping the scientific direction of IMN and CENEM.
A selection of impressions from the retreat, including scientific sessions, group activities, and the hike, are shown in the photo gallery below.
1/17
2/17
3/17
4/17
5/17
6/17
7/17
8/17
9/17
10/17
11/17
12/17
13/17
14/17
15/17
16/17
17/17