4th EBM Retreat in Waischenfeld: Science, Collaboration, and Community
From February 10–11, 2026, the EBM community gathered at the Fraunhofer Forschungscampus in Waischenfeld for the fourth annual retreat. Over two days, researchers, doctoral and postdoctoral fellows, and principal investigators came together to share scientific insights, review ongoing projects, and explore new collaborations across our interdisciplinary teams. Families were warmly welcomed, with our youngest EBM members cared for by Sarah, our fantastic childcare provider arranged through the FAU Family Service, supported by two wonderful grandmas.
Kick-off: Preparing for the CRC Review
The retreat officially kicked off with an engaging presentation and interactive discussion led by Sonja Pötzsch and Aldo Boccaccini on the upcoming on-site CRC grant review. They outlined the overall objectives and guided participants through what to expect during the two-day evaluation.
During their session, Sonja and Aldo simulated the review structure, including the Internal Briefing of the Review Panel, the Plenary Session, the Poster Session, and the Debriefing of the Review Panel on Day 1, followed by an optional Q&A session, the Closed Meeting of the Review Panel, and the Final Meeting on Day 2. This simulation set the stage for participants to understand the full review process.
They also explained the grading system, evaluation criteria, and the closed review panel’s structure, emphasizing the Plenary Session as the key opportunity to showcase the CRC’s strategy, structure, and achievements. Expectations for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers were highlighted, including poster presentations and a concise three-minute pitch. Practical tips on presentation style, posture, and responding to questions about their PhD journey were also shared.
The session was highly interactive, with numerous questions sparking lively exchanges. Many thanks to Sonja and Aldo for this insightful and motivating start to the retreat.
Day 1: Scientific Exchange and Strategic Discussions
Day 1 featured parallel sessions. While the EBM Executive Board Meeting focused on consortium management and strategic topics, the on-site CRC review simulation ran simultaneously for participants preparing for the evaluation process. After these parallel tracks, all participants reconvened for the General Assembly to reflect on progress, strategic goals, and ongoing initiatives.
The scientific program included presentations from all subprojects, covering key themes such as:
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Mechanical properties of brain and spinal cord tissue
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In silico modeling and quantitative characterization of brain malformations
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Cellular mechanotransduction, neuronal plasticity, and glia-matrix interactions
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Regenerative processes in the spinal cord and CNS
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Brain tissue engineering, MR elastography, and machine learning applications
These sessions provided a platform for cross-project discussion, feedback, and brainstorming, encouraging participants to ask bold questions and explore synergies.
The afternoon offered team-building activities, including outdoor archery under professional guidance and indoor games such as table tennis and foosball. Shared meals and interactive activities fostered informal networking and strengthened the sense of community within the consortium.
Evenings provided relaxed opportunities for connection: participants gathered indoors by the fireplace or outside around a warming campfire with drinks, creating cozy spaces for conversation and exchange.
Day 2: Innovation, Collaboration, and Forward Thinking
Day 2 focused on innovative methodologies and translational research, including in vivo and in vitro approaches, cellular differentiation, mechanosensation, intraoperative tissue mechanics, and model-enhanced MR elastography. Sessions emphasized cross-project synergies, encouraging discussion on how findings from one team could inform and inspire others.
The retreat concluded with a final discussion led by Paul Steinmann and Silvia Budday, celebrating the consortium’s achievements, reflecting on lessons learned, and inspiring continued commitment to advancing research at the intersection of neuroscience, mechanics, and clinical translation.
Takeaways
Participants left Waischenfeld energized, inspired, and more closely connected. The retreat successfully combined cutting-edge science, interactive team-building, and informal networking, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the EBM community. Fresh perspectives, new insights into brain mechanics, and strengthened partnerships will continue to drive the consortium’s research forward.
A heartfelt thank you goes to all organizers and participants for making the 4th EBM Retreat a productive, inspiring, and memorable event!
Report by Nicole Tueni, Julia Kolb, and Andrea Dakkouri-Baldauf
For further details and the program schedule, please download the program here.
