1st DIGS-BB Alumni Reunion

24–26 Nov 2021 – Recap

In November 2021, we hosted our first Alumni reunion for DIGS-BB Alumni and active members. The hybrid event, originally planned for November 2020, spanned an interactive program of two days and included scientific talks, soft skills workshops as well as career path talks covering many facets of the job market after taking off from DIGS-BB. For more insight, please scroll down and get a glimpse at the program features and speakers.

Due to a last-minute change of Covid regulations, the event was changed to 75 % online participation two days before the reunion. However, we had very well attended events over all and enthusiastic exchange about science, walks of life and memories of Dresden times. The socializing aspect had to be cut down to the minimum due to restrictions in the hygienic concept – the feedback questionnaire showed that the majority hopes for an in-person event in the near future to catch up in real life.

Despite those hurdles, all reunion events ended with intense exchange. We want to thank all speakers and attendees once more for taking their time and look forward to keeping in touch about the Alumni Program!

Can you believe it? It's been 15 years since the founding of DIGS-BB – it's time to celebrate!

Wouldn’t it be nice to meet in Dresden for a few days to reconnect with old colleagues and meet new ones?

We aim to celebrate our 15th birthday as an on-site event. However, we are planning the event as a hybrid gathering with the possibility to join online in case travel is still restricted due to the pandemic.

The theme of the reunion is Communication, Connection and, of course, Celebration! We want you to talk about your work, your careers, your experiences, your science, your start-ups, your visions and expectations, and use your expertise as a basis for establishing a sustainable alumni program.

What if we shaped these three days together? Don’t worry, the reunion will give you plenty of opportunities to relax and chat with your peers, but also a space for sharing. That’s why we have prepared a program with many possibilities. Please help us embellish it. Upon registration you will find a list of topics for talks and workshops covering both scientific and non-scientific fields. Is there one that covers your expertise or to which you can contribute? Did we miss a hot topic, or one you’d like to talk about? Would you like to volunteer for chairing a discussion panel? Please, let us know.

This is your reunion. We look forward to your contributions, ideas, and to hopefully seeing you all in Dresden again.

Your DIGS-BB team

DIGS-BB Alumni Reunion: Logo
Three images combined to one: to the left various people in a scientific poster session can be seen in an open plan institute floor from one floor above; in the middle it’s five people around a table talking in two groups, seen through a glass wall; to the right there is a party situation with people dancing, shot with long exposure/motion blur

Program

The program starts in the evening of Wednesday, November 24 and runs until late on Friday, November 26, 2021. So, don’t plan to leave before Saturday 27 November ;)

Nov 24 (evening)

  • Meet & Greet at Bärenzwinger in the city center

Nov 25

  • Talks (both scientific and non scientific)
  • Industry fair
  • Workshops
  • Career path exchange
  • Networking
  • Panel discussions
  • Poster session
  • Lab meetings and/or free night

Nov 26

  • Science Flash Talks (like TED talks)
  • Round tables (science and non-science related topics)
  • Brainstorming table hopping
  • Closing remarks
  • Finale: joint dinner in a cool location

Organizers

Portrait Vera

Vera Geyer

DIGS-BB, International Office & Alumni Coordination

Portrait Arantxa

Arantxa Sánchez Fernández

DIGS-BB, PhD Program Coordinator

The Alumni Reunion is made possible by the support of the Joachim Herz Stiftung.