Program 

2:00 – 2:15 p.m.– Welcome speech by TUM Graduate Dean Professor Dr Hans-Joachim Bungartz

2:15 – 3:00 p.m. – Keynote by Professor Dr Melita Kovačević: “Creating Positive Impact Through Collaboration”

Professor Dr Melita Kovačević opens the TUM Doctoral Day 2025 with her keynote. She is a professor at the Department of Speech and Language Pathology at the University of Zagreb, where she teaches and conducts research in language development, psycholinguistics, bilingualism, and cognitive psychology. She is also an internationally recognized expert in higher education and European research policy. Her academic career includes serving as Vice-Rector for Research and Technology at the University of Zagreb, Chair of the EUA Council for Doctoral Education (2011–2016), and currently Vice-President of the PRIDE Network (Network of Professionals in Doctoral Education), which promotes the professionalization of doctoral education in Europe. Since February 2024, she has been a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of the TUM Graduate School.

In her keynote, Professor Dr Kovačević explores how collaboration in science—across disciplines, institutions, and national borders—can generate positive impact. Her insights are grounded in years of experience in the strategic development of research and doctoral education in Europe.

3:15 – 4:45 p.m. – Coffee & Connect

Our info and interaction fair “Coffee & Connect” invites you to converse with fellow doctoral candidates and expand your network across disciplines. You’ll have the opportunity to meet representatives from your Graduate Centers and receive advice at information booths on topics such as international and interdisciplinary collaboration and funding opportunities.

3:45 – 4:45 p.m. – Impulse Workshops (held in parallel with Coffee & Connect)

Use this 60-minute session to dive into a topic relevant to your doctoral journey. Whether you're just starting, seeking new impulses for collaboration, focusing on personal development, or preparing for the final phase—choose the workshop that suits your needs. All workshops offer space for reflection, exchange, and practical inspiration.

• Workshop I: First Steps of My Doctorate (TUM-GS Alumnus Professor Dr Johannes Betz, Chair of Autonomous Vehicle Systems, TUM School of Engineering and Design)
  Get first-hand advice on planning and structuring your doctoral project. What matters most in the early phase? What pitfalls should you avoid? When is the right time to plan international research stays and conferences? Gain insights from someone who has successfully navigated the ups and downs of the doctoral journey. This workshop is ideal for those at the beginning of their doctorate.
   
• Workshop II: Towards the Finish Line – Preparing for the Final Doctoral Phase (TUM Graduate School Office)
  This workshop is for those planning to submit their dissertation within the next 12 months. It provides an overview of the necessary steps and formal requirements for submission, along with tips for approaching the final writing phase efficiently. Strategic aspects for a successful completion and career planning after the doctorate will also be discussed.
   
• Workshop III: Initiating Research Collaboration – How to Master the First Steps? (Alexander Egeling)
  Building research collaborations to pool expertise, publish jointly, and apply for funding is more important than ever. This impulse workshop outlines how to start such collaborations: crafting your personal story, finding and using contact opportunities, and communicating memorably.
   
• Workshop IV: Ethical Resilience in Collaboration (Dr. Thomas Wilhelm)
  Collaboration often involves tension and conflict—especially in research teams with diverse interests. These situations can raise ethical questions: Who gets credit? How transparent is communication? Is fairness maintained? Are we causing harm? In such moments, it helps to rely on your own moral compass. Knowing and practicing your ethical stance enables responsible action even in difficult situations—this is what we call ethical resilience.
   
• Workshop V: Unlocking New Collaborations through Creativity (Dr. Angela Firmhofer)
  This workshop serves as a compass for building future networks and collaborations. Where do you currently stand? In which contexts and areas can you connect? Who can you approach? What do you need for successful collaboration? Learn creativity techniques to help you gain clarity on where, with whom, and how to network and collaborate in the future.

5:00 – 6:00 p.m. – Panel Discussion: “Collaboration against the Odds: How to Create and Maintain Positive Collaboration in Uncertain Times”

Research thrives on collaboration—across disciplines, institutions, and borders. But how can scientific cooperation succeed when uncertainty, crises, or structural challenges dominate everyday life? In this panel discussion, researchers and experts share practical experiences, strategies for strengthening resilience in research networks, and ideas for fostering a collaborative scientific culture.

Panelists:

• Professor Dr. Melita Kovačević (TBC)
• Professor Dr Jörg Drewes, Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, TUM School of Engineering and Design
• Dr. Marlene Weiß, Head of Science Department, Süddeutsche Zeitung
• Dr. Martin Grashei, TUM-GS Alumnus, Postdoctoral Researcher, Schilling Lab, TUM University Hospital Rechts der Isar

Moderator: Dr. Dora Dzvonyar, TUM-GS Alumna and Science Communicator

From 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Food Trucks

From 7 p.m. onwards – TUMblue

All program sessions will be held in English.

Following the TUM Doctoral Day, the representatives of the TUM Graduate Council organized an impressive evening program for TUMblue. More information about TUMblue will be published shortly at https://gc.gs.tum.de/tum-blue/ .

+++Invitation of the TUM Graduate Council+++

Program

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Check-in
We’ll kick off the evening together at 6 p.m.! Take the opportunity to connect with fellow doctoral candidates and exchange ideas about your research.

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. – TUMblue Food Trucks
The first 500 guests will receive a food voucher redeemable at one of our delicious food trucks. First come, first served – so make sure to arrive early!

7:00 – 7:20 p.m. – Opening Ceremony & Keynote
The official part of the evening begins at 7 p.m. with a keynote by TUM Graduate School Dean Professor Dr Hans-Joachim Bungartz.

7:20 – 8:30 p.m. – Science Communication Competition: “TUMblue ShowOff”
Be inspired by the talents of TUM at our science communication competition TUMblue ShowOff – by doctoral candidates, for doctoral candidates!
Each participant has three minutes to present their research – and three rules: 1. Be creative! 2. Be entertaining! 3. Anything you can carry on stage is allowed! (3b. No PowerPoint!)

8:30 – 10:00 p.m. – Live Music & “TUMblue DocRepGames Fair”
Enjoy great music, meet your school's doctoral representatives, and participate in fun activities at our DocRepGames Fair – the perfect mix of music, mingling, and movement!

10:00 p.m. – 02:00 a.m. – DJ Set
Our DJ stage will heat things up and take TUMblue 2025 to the next level! So wear your flashiest 90s outfit and get ready to groove to Eiffel 65, Aqua, Vengaboys, and all the classics.

Good to Know

🍔 Free food for the first 500 guests:
Food trucks will be on site offering a variety of tasty options. We’ll hand out food vouchers to the first 500 visitors as an extra incentive.

🍺 Free drinks:
We’ll provide free drinks to create a welcoming atmosphere for all guests.

💰 Cocktails:
Please bring some cash – we’ll also have a selection of delicious cocktails and long drinks available. There’s something for everyone!

🎤 Science Communication Competition:
Show a fantastic audience what your dissertation is all about! Take part in our science communication competition.
You’ll have just three minutes to get your message across – and follow three simple rules: 1. Be creative! 2. Be entertaining! 3. Anything you can carry on stage is allowed! (3b. No PowerPoint!)
The winner will receive an exciting prize. To register, send an email to: gc-tumblue(at)gs.tum.de