October 1st, 2026, 14:00 – 19:00
Change the Universe...
...Lost in Space!?!
On October 1st, 2026, we will continue our journey to change the universe of research at the Faculty of Medicine at the RWTH Aachen University. Early career scientists are invited to get together, exchange their experience in science and present some of their work. This year marks the 5th anniversary of the “Change the Universe” event with the subtitle “Lost in Space?!?”. We will focus on the question “How to find my spot in science?” This question usually arises while finishing the PhD and becoming a postdoc and it might feel like a jump into the fog or being lost.
While there is certainly no one-size-fits-all solution for getting through this phase, there are many approaches that can help you to find your path. In the keynote session, Prof. Dr. med. Gerhard Gründer (Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Mannheim) will talk about his own journey and then, together with senior scientists from the faculty, answer questions from early-career researchers on this topic.
The event is also intended to make you, the early career scientists of our faculty, visible, to show you the diversity of research at our faculty, to inspire and motivate you to network and to continue your commitment to research.
When and where:
Thursday, October 1st, 14:00 – 19:00 at CT² (Forckenbeckstraße 71, 52074 Aachen)
Who:
The afternoon addresses early career scientists (PhD-, MD- and master students, interns and PostDocs) of RWTH, UK Aachen. However, of course all members of the Faculty of Medicine of the RWTH Aachen University are welcome to join us.
What:
Greeting:
Mathias Hornef (Vice-Dean of Research, Early Career Researcher, and Equality of Opportunity of the Faculty of Medicine)
Key note:
Prof. Dr. med. Gerhard Gründer (Central Institute of Mental Health (CIMH), Mannheim)
Title: tbd
Panel discussion
Senior scientists of the faculty
Poster sessions:
Present your work, engage in discussion and see what others at our faculty have been doing lately (Registration with or without poster possible). The goal of the poster session is to highlight the diversity of our faculty and to encourage networking beyond one’s own research area. To achieve this, the posters will be randomly divided into groups, where participants will present their posters to one another. During this poster session, each group will nominate one poster to be reviewed by a selection committee in a second, open poster session. Three posters will then be awarded prizes.
Flash talks:
Early career scientists presented their research in short flash talks. The audience decided which presentation was the best.
More information tba.
Info-Points:
Find out more about research infrastructure, opportunities and tools at the faculty and university that could also affect your own research.
Get-together:
Between sessions and after the actual program has been completed, you can focus on meeting and connecting with your peers. Food and drinks are provided at the venue.
Registration:
Registration will open soon.
Contact:
If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us via change-the-universeukaachende
Initiated by the Vice-Deanery of Research and Early Career Researchers, and Equality of Opportunity.
