More than 100 researchers from the Cluster of Excellence BlueMat – Water-Driven Materials, from TUHH and partner institutions met from June 29 to July 1, 2026, for their first scientific retreat in the Lüneburg Heath. For three days, participants took the opportunity to exchange research findings, deepen collaboration, and establish new connections.
The programme included presentations on the eight research areas, followed by an opportunity for early-career researchers from each area to present their research approaches in 90-second impulse lectures and to discuss them in small groups during a subsequent one-hour poster session. The format generated great interest and sparked lively discussions during the poster sessions.
Interdisciplinary inspirations and team building
A highlight of the retreat was a lecture by the Finnish artist Jenna Sutela, who presented her work with living sculptures. In the past, Sutela has collaborated with renowned research institutions such as MIT and artistically incorporated her insights. Her work at the intersection of science and art opens new perspectives for innovative materials research within the interdisciplinary Cluster of Excellence and stimulated intense exchanges among participants about potential collaborations and the mutual inspiration of scientific research and artistic creation.
During the event, the new BlueMat Academy programme was also introduced for the first time, specifically tailored for early-career researchers. In collaboration with the Graduate Academy of the Hamburg University of Technology, the BlueMat Academy offers workshops that combine scientific training with essential transferable skills such as career planning, communication, and leadership. The mandatory and continuous support promotes professional and personal development and encourages active participation in the cluster’s research community.
In addition to intensive scientific discussions, the researchers also participated in team-building activities, such as archery, climbing, and raft building. These activities provided an informal opportunity to make connections and strengthen bonds across disciplines. The retreat concluded with an award ceremony and prizes for outstanding posters. A jury selected the three best posters. Additionally, all retreat participants voted for the most popular poster. Lena Dyckhoff, PhD candidate in Materials Science at Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, received two awards for her posters. The many conversations, emerging collaborations, and shared experiences during the three days of the retreat strengthened the foundation for future research and networking within the excellence cluster.
