Presenting science creatively: a review of the PhD Day at ZALF

This year the PhD day took place on the 15th of September under the topic “Science for Dummies: Present your research in a creative way to everybody”. The program consisted of various presentations and activities on professional and organizational topics related to doctoral research and science communication. Overall, more than 50 persons attended the event.

The day started with an introduction by Prof. Klaus Müller, followed by the PhD representatives Danica Antonijevic and Oscar Monzon. After, the stage was taken by the keynote speaker Prof. Masahiro Ryo who spoke about “What can artificial intelligence do in environmental science” and gave a talk about “PhD career development”. Following that, the students had the chance to present their research in an “elevator pitch” format. Five students (Eva Mundschenk, Ivonne Kampermann, Reena Macagga, Tawhid Hossain and Veronika Strauss) from different research areas presented their research in an original, simple and understandable way.

After lunch, the group attended a video-workshop of “how to capture insects” by Christine Festbaum, then the participants were divided in two groups and the hands on-tour started: There were four different and fun activities fully conducted by PhD students. The participants learnt from Ferdaous Rezgui about her research in different areas in the Mediterranean, also how to make plasticine worms to monitor predators by Klarissa Kober. At the same time, Wael Alhamwi explained the leaf water potential by using juice and straws; and Isabel Zentgraf demonstrated the importance of chamber sealings in gas flux measurements with a smoke bomb.

After the coffee break, the Graduate Center from Potsdam University (PoGS) joined us via Zoom to show what the university has to offer to students (even if you are not enrolled with them). Later, ZALF’s Library joined to show and explain all the services and resources that the library has to offer. This was followed be the presentation “Science Communication via Twitter” by Dr. Julius Wesche. He spoke about the different channels and ways to communicate our research by targeting our desired public and understand their preferences. That was followed by a discussion round where students could share their experiences and ask about tips or ideas for their own posts.

After a successful day, Ayten Pehlivan offered a yoga session for all those who needed some stretching. In parallel, a guided visit to the Insectarium (Senckenberg Institute) was offered where we could see and explore Germany’s biggest entomological library. The day ended in a social gathering with a barbecue. Thank you to all the people involved in the organization of the ZALF PhD-Day!