The 17th Jubilee and Alumni Meeting of our EC²/BIG-NSE doctoral program was successfully held on October 28 and 29, 2024. Despite several last-minute cancellations, mostly due to health issues, an impressive turnout of approximately 40 alumni attended, actively participating in multiple panel discussions covering carefully selected topics. [Access the final program here.]
These discussions were a highlight of the event, with BIG-NSE students having prepared thoughtful questions for each session. The moderators guided panelists through these questions, sparking further inquiries from the audience and enriching the dialogues.
Most panels featured alumni from a range of career paths—academic, industrial, and beyond—who shared insights about their current roles, the paths they took to reach them, and the challenges faced in their careers post-PhD. Panelists also reflected on how the doctoral program contributed to their readiness for these challenges.
On the second day, a focused discussion on AI brought forward stimulating perspectives. Additionally, a special session addressed the theme, "What could we have done better?" offering valuable feedback to enhance the program moving forward.
To ensure that the knowledge from these discussions endures, a summary of each session’s main takeaways will be shared with all participants, including alumni who could not attend.
Beyond the official program, coffee and lunch breaks provided ample opportunities for alumni to reconnect and network with new contacts. The Jubilee Dinner, too, proved to be a wonderful celebration.
The organizer and managing director Dr. Jean-Philippe Lonjaret, and the whole BIG NSE extend their gratitude to all attendees who contributed to the event's success, particularly the many alumni who traveled to share their experiences and insights.
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The EC² program and, by extension, this event, receive funding from the Einstein Stiftung Berlin.