Looking Back at the TUM Doctoral Day 2025
On 19 September 2025, the TUM Graduate School (TUM-GS) Management Office welcomed around 200 doctoral candidates to the second edition of the TUM Doctoral Day – an inspiring afternoon dedicated to the needs and interests of our doctoral researchers at TUM.
This year’s theme, “Collaboration in Academia,” set the stage for a program filled with engaging input sessions, interactive networking, and practical insights. Highlights included a keynote, hands-on workshops, our Coffee and Connect networking fair, and a lively panel discussion titled “Collaboration against the Odds: How to Create and Maintain Positive Collaboration in Uncertain Times.”
Opening Remarks and Keynote: A Call for Connection
The event began with a warm welcome from TUM Graduate Dean Professor Dr. Hans-Joachim Bungartz, followed by an inspiring keynote from Professor Dr. Melita Kovačević (University of Zagreb), a leading expert in higher education and European research policy. Professor Kovačević, a TUM-GS Scientific Advisory Board member and Vice-Chair of the PRIDE Network for Professionals in Doctoral Education, shared her talk “Positive Impact through Collaboration.”
Her keynote emphasized the importance of building interdisciplinary and international networks early in one’s academic career. Drawing on her own experiences, she illustrated how collaboration can open doors to new opportunities and foster innovation. She also highlighted practical pathways for successful collaboration – from interdisciplinary projects and communities of practice to partnerships with industry – stressing the value of real-world data and knowledge transfer beyond academia.
Coffee and Connect: Where Collaboration Begins
Collaboration often starts with conversation, and our “Coffee and Connect” fair provided the perfect setting. Doctoral candidates engaged with representatives from their graduate centers and TUM institutions such as the TUM Library, EuroTeQ, and the TUM SEED Center, as well as external partners specializing in international and interdisciplinary collaboration and funding opportunities.
The TUM matriculation hall buzzed with vibrant discussions and meaningful exchanges. With a wide range of booths and experts on hand, participants discovered valuable resources and support options for every stage of their doctoral journey.
Expanding Knowledge through Workshops
This year’s program offered diverse workshops, each designed to address different stages of the doctoral journey. Two sessions, led by members of the TUM Graduate School Management Office, focused on the unique needs of doctoral candidates at the beginning and nearing the end of their doctoral journey, while two additional workshops, facilitated by external trainers, centered on the theme of collaboration.
Starting a doctorate can sometimes feel overwhelming. To support new doctoral candidates, the workshop “First Steps of My Doctorate” provided valuable guidance on planning and structuring the doctoral process from the outset. Participants benefited from the insights of TUM-GS alumnus Professor Dr. Johannes Betz (Professorship of Autonomous Vehicle Systems, TUM School of Engineering and Design) and Graduate Dean Professor Dr. Hans-Joachim Bungartz, who shared their personal experiences and practical advice.
For those approaching the final phase of their doctorate, the workshop “Towards the Finish Line – Preparing for the Final Doctoral Phase” addressed key questions about formal requirements and career planning. Members of the TUM-GS management team guided participants through the crucial steps leading up to completion.
Collaboration in research brings its own set of challenges, which were explored in the workshop “Ethical Resilience in Collaboration” led by external trainer Dr. Thomas Wilhelm. He emphasized the importance of developing and maintaining a personal ethical stance, equipping attendees with practical strategies to act responsibly and uphold integrity, even in difficult situations.
Dr. Angela Firmhofer’s workshop “Unlocking New Collaborations through Creativity” offered participants creative tools and practical techniques for building future networks and partnerships. The session encouraged attendees to reflect on their current positions, identify potential collaborators and resources, and gain fresh perspectives on fostering successful cooperation.
Panel Discussion: Diverse Perspectives on Academic Collaboration
The day concluded with a dynamic panel discussion featuring our four guests:
Professor Dr. Melita Kovačević (University of Zagreb), Professor Dr. Jörg Drewes (Chair of Urban Water Systems Engineering, TUM School of Engineering and Design), Dr. Marlene Weiß (Head of the Science Department, Süddeutsche Zeitung), and postdoctoral researcher Dr. Martin Grashei (TUM University Hospital Rechts der Isar).
Moderated by Dr. Dora Dzvonyar, science communicator and TUM-GS alumna, the panel explored the challenges and opportunities of collaboration in academia. Despite their diverse backgrounds, all panelists agreed on the importance of early networking and reaching beyond disciplinary and national boundaries.
The discussion touched on global challenges such as research censorship, the media's role, and the need for diverse funding sources. The panelists also shared personal strategies for expanding collaborations and leveraging resources throughout their careers. Another tip for the audience was not to hesitate to reach out to established researchers in their field and be open and communicative about their own research.