Two intense days: EBM welcomes the DFG review panel

EBM: One team, one mission — accomplished together. Photo: M. Ries

1. Juli 2026

On June 23–24, 2026, CRC 1540 Exploring Brain Mechanics welcomed the DFG review panel to FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg as part of the on-site evaluation for the second funding period. The delegation comprised twelve international reviewers, two rapporteurs, and three representatives of the German Research Foundation (DFG). The review took place in the recently completed FAU Blaue Box, providing a modern setting for scientific exchange and discussion.

The visit marked the culmination of months of preparation. In the weeks leading up to the review, the EBM team met for three full-day rehearsal sessions and a final fine-tuning meeting on the day before the evaluation. These intensive preparations helped ensure that presentations, discussions, and logistics ran smoothly.

Despite exceptionally high summer temperatures, the two-day review took place in a focused and constructive atmosphere. The program included plenary presentations on EBM’s scientific vision and achievements, discussions on research areas and support structures, as well as an extensive poster session that provided opportunities for in-depth scientific exchange.

The review days once again demonstrated the collaborative spirit of EBM. Researchers, early career scientists, coordinators, and administrative staff worked closely together to present the interdisciplinary research environment and the achievements of EBM.

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the preparation and execution of these important days. We are proud of the outstanding team effort and now look forward to the funding decision.

The photo gallery below offers a few impressions from the rehearsal sessions and the review days.

An early start under a clear blue sky: the Blaue Box waking up for day one of rehearsals. Photo: A. Dakkouri-Baldauf

Lively discussions at the practice poster session. Photo: A. Dakkouri-Baldauf

Behind the scenes: cables, mics, and the coffee that keeps it all running. Photo: A. Dakkouri-Baldauf

Kicking off the rehearsal on stage. Photo: A. Dakkouri-Baldauf

Lucas Hoffmann in full swing, rehearsing his talk on EBM's early career researcher support. Photo: A. Dakkouri-Baldauf

Marisa Karow takes the stage: a deep dive into Focal Research Area — brain development. Photo: A. Dakkouri-Baldauf

A colorful 3D visualization sparks an animated conversation over coffee. Photo: A. Dakkouri-Baldauf

The full EBM (post-)doctoral researcher team, rehearsed and ready. Photo: A. Dakkouri-Baldauf

Chichung Lie, all smiles next to his poster on membrane mechanics and CNS stem cells. Photo: A. Dakkouri-Baldauf

Guillaume Flé fielding tough questions — Kristian Franze in full mock-reviewer mode. Photo: A. Dakkouri-Baldauf

Anatomical brain models on display. Photo: A. Dakkouri-Baldauf

Bird's-eye view of the poster session during rehearsal — science in full swing, even before showtime. Photo: A. Dakkouri-Baldauf

"EBM – a truly collaborative research center!" — the team lining up for one last group photo before the real thing. Photo: A. Dakkouri-Baldauf

All set: binders in place, chairs lined up, and the Senatssaal ready for the panel. Photo: A. Dakkouri-Baldauf

FAU's striking entrance, welcoming reviewers on review day. Photo: M. Gräve, J. Gonzalez / MMZ (FAU)

A warm welcome awaits: signage guiding guests to the DFG Review Panel Meeting. Photo: M. Gräve, J. Gonzalez / MMZ (FAU)

Doris Bittner, on a mission: every folder placed, every name just right. Photo: A. Dakkouri-Baldauf

The Blaue Box, dressed and ready before the first guest walks in. Photo: A. Dakkouri-Baldauf

The Blaue Box, set and ready before the audience arrives. Photo: M. Gräve, J. Gonzalez / MMZ (FAU)

Live demo time: mechanical testing takes center stage. Photo: A. Dakkouri-Baldauf

A last quick chat before the review officially kicks off. Photo: M. Gräve, J. Gonzalez / MMZ (FAU)

A last quick chat before the review officially kicks off. Photo: M. Gräve, J. Gonzalez / MMZ (FAU)

Presenting on neurosurgery, with the full attention of the panel. Photo: M. Gräve, J. Gonzalez / MMZ (FAU)

FAU representatives taking notes, fully engaged with the presentations. Photo: M. Gräve, J. Gonzalez / MMZ (FAU)

FAU President Joachim Hornegger, right there in the audience, showing his support for EBM — just before taking his turn at the podium. Photo: M. Gräve, J. Gonzalez / MMZ (FAU)