3rd EBM Retreat in Muggendorf: A milestone for collaboration, creative thinking, and connection
From October 9–10, 2025, the EBM community gathered for its third annual retreat in the picturesque village of Muggendorf, a place that felt like a Bavarian fairy tale. Hosted at the charming Hotel Goldner Stern, the event brought together researchers, doctoral and postdoctoral fellows, and principal investigators (PIs) for two days of scientific exchange, strategic planning, and team building. This year’s retreat was held in a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and online participation to ensure full engagement across the consortium.
Day 1
The morning began with a meeting of the EBM Executive Board, while other members worked on finalizing preparations for the Long Night of Science (October 25, 2025) under the energetic coordination of Nicole Tueni and Stefan Rampp.
Later, the EBM General Assembly convened. The session opened with a moment of silence in memory of Jochen Guck, one of our principal investigators, who had passed away just days before the retreat. His loss was deeply felt, both personally and professionally, and his presence, guidance, and friendship will be greatly missed by all members of the EBM community.
Following this, the General Assembly provided a valuable opportunity to reflect on strategic developments, align future goals, and ensure the effective implementation of EBM initiatives. Key decisions were made on a range of topics, including outreach strategies, plans for upcoming educational workshops and seminars, and a comprehensive review of ongoing programs.
After a coffee break, the scientific program began, with each subproject following a clear sequence: a doctoral or postdoctoral researcher first presented current progress, immediately followed by the PI, who outlined future plans and new proposals. Topics ranged from in silico modeling of spinal cord and brain regeneration, mechanical stimulation experiments, and neuronal mechano-transduction, to the engineering of brain-tissue-like matrices. This structure provided clarity and sparked lively discussions during the sessions and informal conversations over coffee and meals.
It was wonderful to see the newly joining PIs — Chichung Lie, Daniel Delev, Danijela Gregurec, Franziska Mathis-Ullrich (online), Guillaume Flé, Henrik Heiland, Irem Unalan, Jana Hutter, Tomohisa Toda, and Veit Rothhammer — quickly integrating into the group, actively contributing to discussions, and shaping future directions.
A highlight of the retreat was definitely a team-building archery activity on Thursday afternoon. In a rustic, candlelit barn near the hotel, participants enjoyed a friendly archery tournament. The winner, Sir Dr. Stefan Rampp, was crowned “Robin Hood of Muggendorf” and received both a trophy and a voucher for an overnight stay in a hotel suite. A second prize was awarded to Ben Fabry, who also received a trophy for his excellent performance. The day ended with a delicious dinner, regional specialties, and lively conversations.
Day 2
Friday’s sessions focused on innovative methodologies, translational research, and cross-project synergies, covering topics from magnetic resonance elastography and machine learning to brain tissue mechanics and robotic assistance in neurosurgery.
The retreat concluded with a touching address by Paul Steinmann and Silvia Budday, celebrating EBM’s achievements, recognizing everyone’s dedication, and marking a new milestone in the consortium’s journey. Participants left Muggendorf energized, inspired, and more connected than ever—ready to advance EBM’s mission at the intersection of neuroscience, mechanics, and clinical translation.
Erica Cecchini (A02), Ezgu Erterek (C02), Keristina Karandasheva (C03)
You can download the program of the 3rd EBM Retreat here.
