Scientific Synergy and Future Visions: The Annual OPTEXC Retreat at Kloster Banz
From project progress to a strong DFG follow-up proposal: The international OPTEXC community gathered at the historic Kloster Banz monastery to deepen collaboration and shape the future of organic electronics.
On Sunday, July 19, 2026, the International Research Training Group OPTEXC kicked off its vibrant Annual Retreat in the serene Upper Franconian countryside. Over three dynamic days, OPTEXC Principal Investigators (PIs), PhD researchers, and international guests came together at the historic Kloster Banz monastery to discuss project progress and spark new research avenues.
Bridging Research and Career Journeys
The intensive program featured comprehensive presentations from PIs and Early Career Researchers. They highlighted key breakthroughs for doctoral candidates and identified exciting cross-project synergies.
A special highlight was the testimony of OPTEXC alumnus Dr. Andreas Erhardt. He shared insights from his personal research journey—leading from his time at the University of Bayreuth to his current position as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Oxford.
Global Collaboration in a Unique Setting
The retreat offered far more than standard progress reports. The unique monastic environment fostered deep conversations and spontaneous brainstorming sessions.
Special thanks go to our Australian colleagues from the University of Melbourne and Monash University. Their active participation and valuable perspectives greatly deepened the collaborative spirit across continents. Attendees also kept warm inside the thick monastery walls by debuting the brand-new, official OPTEXC merchandise hoodies.
Laying the Groundwork for the Future
Beyond current science, the retreat served a vital strategic purpose. The team successfully laid the groundwork for a strong follow-up proposal to the German Research Foundation (DFG), aligning the long-term OPTEXC vision with future academic excellence.
Continuing the Program in Bayreuth
Following the productive days at the monastery, the workshop seamlessly continued on Thursday and Friday at the University of Bayreuth.
The Bayreuth session opened on Thursday with a warm official welcome from the University’s Vice President for Internationalization, Prof. Dr. Nina Nestler, who greeted the international participants and emphasized the value of transcontinental research networks.
The subsequent schedule remained packed with high-value academic and practical activities:
- In-depth Presentations: Further research talks from international participants.
- Specialized Lab Tours: Showcasing local cutting-edge facilities and infrastructure.
- Strategic Discussions: Deepening collaborative project plans for the coming years.
The extended networking concluded over well-earned talks, exchange of ideas, and a taste of traditional Franconian delicacies.
