Integrated Research Training Group
The IRTG aims to provide all graduate students of the CRC 325 with optimal support for their research activities. A continuous education in competences and skills in research will be provided according to the qualification level of students. All doctoral candidates and post-docs will acquire a broader knowledge in the CRC topics beyond their specific expertise.
The graduates will be trained in: theoretical and practical aspects of spectroscopy, photochemistry, photocatalysis, synthesis, and computational methods; reflecting the research focus of the CRC. We will train all doctoral students in: documenting, presenting and communicating their scientific results to peers in their fields, but also across different disciplines following rules of good scientific practice. The training and promotion of young scientists are at the center of the activities of the CRC 325.
With the aim to reach a common language and to intensify interdisciplinary collaborations between the graduate students of all participating research groups of the CRC, regular events like seminar days and an annual retreat will be organized. Presentations which are given by the graduate students not only provide inspiration for scientific discussions but also serve as training in communication. The presentation and discussion of research results is an important part of doctoral or post-doctoral education and is an essential part of research activities. Seminar days and the annual retreat are an essential part of the IRTG program supporting collaboration, skill training and research development.
After regular intervals, a graduate-only seminar of the CRC will be scheduled. The aim of the event is to intertwine the individual research projects at the graduate student level via personal contacts.
The CRC seminar program will be complemented by (a) an annual seminar on good scientific practice and (b) specific soft skill training courses. The seminar on good scientific practice will focus on topics that are of direct relevance to the CRC research work of the graduate students and post-docs.
TUM Entdeckerinnen 16.08. - 18.08.23
© by CRC 325
From 16 – 18 August, researchers from the Technical University of Munich working in the Collaborative Research Centre “Assembly Controlled Chemical Photocatalysis” helped organizing and executing the “TUM Entdeckerinnen” event at TUM. “TUM Entdeckerinnen” meaning TUM Explorers is an event organized by TUM to give girls and young woman the opportunity to follow their scientific interests and gain insights into the fascinating world of chemistry.
On the first day of the event, the girls from 10th to 12th grade, arrived at the TUM campus in Garching and after a short get to know, the day started with a lecture on light and colors. During the lecture, some basic photo physical questions were discussed as: “What is light ?”, “How does light disappear ? ”, “How do colors arise ?”. The lecture was loosened up by several show experiments on colors and light, as for example the classic splitting of light through a prism. After the lecture, there was the opportunity for the participants to meet Prof. Cathleen Zeymer during a lunch together. After the lunch, the chemical synthesis planned for the next day was discussed mechanistically and the relevant safety aspects were explained.
On the second day, the girls had the opportunity to perform the synthesis of the azo dye Orange II in the state of the art laboratories at the TUM. During the reaction, a diazonium salt solution was prepared, which was added to 2-naphthol, yielding the desired dye as a brightly orange compound. The girls really seemed to enjoy the practical work in the laboratory a lot. After the successful synthesis, there was a joint lunch at “crazy bean”, the pizza place at the campus. The day ended with a tour over the campus, including the famous “parable slide” in the mathematics building.
On the final day of the event, there was half a day more in the laboratory, during which the girls used the dye indigo to stain some white textiles. The event ended with another lecture, having the topic “chemistry with light”. Basic photochemical reactions as the E/Z isomerization of azobenzene were discussed and demonstrated in some show experiments. After a short feedback talk, the event ended with overall happy participants and organizers.
It was nice to take part in this project, to encourage young women, which are still underrepresented in MINT subjects at universities, to follow their interests and maybe become the next Marie Curie one day.
Graduate-Only-Day 2023
© by CRC 325
From 03 – 05 May, researchers working in the Collaborative Research Center "Assembly Controlled Chemical Photocatalysis" met for the second Graduate-Only-Day at Friedensburg, Kurort Rathen in Saxony. The event provided an opportunity for the members to step out of their regular work environment and engage in activities that promote bonding, team spirit and immersing oneself in different setting to spark creativity and innovation through effective communication and collaboration.
The participants met at the accommodation at Friedensburg guesthouse located approx. 35 km from Dresden in the picturesque climatic health resort of Rathen in the middle of the scenic Saxon Switzerland. After having settled in our rooms, we had a wonderful dinner together which was followed by the first exchange through small team activities in the form of group games.
The next day, we took a ferry to cross beautiful river Elbe and experienced the beauty of its surrounding landscape. This gear-rope ferry is held on a rope some hundred meters long, which is fastened to a fixed point upstream. Then we embarked on a hike to the Bastei, a famous viewing platform, which was about 3 hours and had approx. 200 altimeter and length of approx. 6 km with a lot of highlights. The weather was perfect with sun shining and wind blowing. We were rewarded for our efforts by a breathtaking view of rocky landscapes and impressive viewing plateaus.
After the hike, everyone finally reconvened at our accommodation, exhausted but happy and satisfied. We then enjoyed our well-deserved refreshment break with coffee and cake. In the evening we all performed amazing team building group activities which was followed by a delicious BBQ session and later Bonfire.
After the hike, everyone finally reconvened at our accommodation, exhausted but happy and satisfied. We then enjoyed our well-deserved refreshment break with coffee and cake. In the evening we all performed amazing team building group activities which was followed by a delicious BBQ session and later Bonfire.
On the last day, we had interesting short presentations from the members which were organized to get to know each other better. The Graduate-Only-Day came to an end with a leisurely lunch and we bid farewell to each other.
The Graduate-Only-Day was a amazing opportunity for all participants to come together, away from work and their typical responsibilities. It included learning experiences, team-building activities, downtime for informal socializing and collaborative work. The whole purpose of hiking together, engaging in team-building exercises, sharing meals, and participating in recreational activities is to foster a sense of camaraderie and build rapport among members.
Graduate-Only-Day 2022
© by CRC 325
From 08 – 10 May, 23 researchers working in the Collaborative Research Center "Assembly Controlled Chemical Photocatalysis" met for the first Graduate-Only-Day at Spitzingsee in Bavaria. The event intends to let colleagues get to know each other and their scientific field better, paving the way for new collaborations.
The participants met at the Spitzingsattel by Spitzingsee, and following a short hike reached the accommodation at `Obere Firstalm´, luckily while still dry. After a friendly welcome from the staff, a rich, traditional Bavarian “Raindl” meal awaited us. This was followed by the first exchange through small team activities in the form of group games.
The next day, we embarked on a lengthy expedition to the `Taubenstein´ (1692 m) and the `Rotwand´ (1884 m) under the guidance of our research colleague and mountain expert Tobias Karl. Our hike was accompanied by sunny weather, not too hot and above all, dry. We were rewarded for our efforts by a wonderful view of the snow-dusted peaks. Eleven summiteers reached the `Taubenstein´. After a full seven hours of hiking, everyone finally reconvened at our accommodation, happy and exhausted. Following a well-deserved dinner, the day ended with a round of quizzes.
On the last day, ten graduates came together again for a final jaunt to the `Roßkopf´ (1580 m). The Graduate-Only-Day came to a close with a leisurely lunch on the sun terrace. Descending from the hut together, we bid each other farewell at around 14.30.
The Graduate-Only-Day was a fantastic opportunity for all participants to get to know each other better and to network. The focus on hiking, with the physical exertion and the challenge of a long hike, helped to strengthen our team spirit and cohesion.
IRTG Contact
Dr. Alena Hölzl-Hobmeier
on parental leave
85747 Garching
M. Sc. Julia Märsch
85747 Garching