Our group took part of the International Sol-gel Society Summer School in Alghero. We shared our research with two poster presentations, learnt basic aspects of sol-gel chemistry from leading scientists in the same field.

We are truly grateful that despite big renovations during the summertime, our group still got the opportunity to visit the Darmstädter Haus in Hirschegg this year for a week-long seminar trip together with the MAP group from the division of Macromolecular Chemistry at TU Darmstadt. For our seminars this year, we settled out to thoroughly tackle the important topic of Research Data Management (RDM). Together we created data management plans, overhauled our electronic lab journals, explored new features and engaged in heated yet fruitful discussions. Additionally, Prof. Andrieu-Brunsen gave a talk on AI in science which yet again provoked intense conversation. Of course, the trip did not fall short of group activities. During our hiking day we formed plenty of small groups that by balancing individual condition, ambition and adventure seeking spirit spent the day in various different fashions. Altogether we conquered the daunting height of Widderstein peak, made it to the beautiful high plateau of Gottesacker and successfully sought after the mighty ibex. Further, we explored the depths of Breitachklamm and stormed down a mountainside via Sommerrodelbahn. To our pleasant surprise, we were blessed with the most amazing weather conditions even giving us the opportunity to bathe in a more forgiving autumn sun and to engage in long volleyball sessions. Additionally, we very much enjoyed the local hay milk ice cream and brought home plenty of alpine cheeses. The late evenings offered legendary round-the-table games of table tennis, long game night sessions and a very competitive pub quiz. Thus, it is no wonder we are already very much looking forward to coming back to Hirschegg in 2026, engaging in scientific exchange while creating memories together.

Intense day in the working group with exciting football tournament and refreshing sushi dinner

Once again, our working group joined forces with the MAP group to represent Macromolecular Chemistry at this years ChemCup – a football tournament held by the Department of Chemistry at TU Darmstadt. Although stuck in a group of death, the Smart Papers squat found an incredible start into the tourney. In overwhelmingly dominating fashion we were able to defeat the Hausch group. After some initial struggle to find a goal, the game ended 2:0. In our second game of group phase we found ourselves up against the future winners of the Rose group. From being down 0:1 we were able to find a quick equalizer. But our attempt to hold the draw crumbled towards the end of the match. In our last match of group stage we were up against the joined forces of the division of Organic Chemistry, winners of last years ChemCup, to fight for second place. Despite leaving all our hearts on the pitch, we went down 0:3. Yet still, we had made it to the quarter finals. Up against the joined forces of the Physical Chemistry division, a squat with lots of experienced footballers, we knew the odds were stacked up against us. Once more, we had to rely on our unmatched team spirit and resilience as well as our outstanding fan support. Our coach and goalkeeper prepared us for attempting the ultimate defense. And indeed our defenders formed a phalanx that, with the help of some great saves by our goalie and astounding effort by the rest of the team to disturb the enemies in their built up play and to remain dangerous in front of the enemy goal, could not be broken by the enemy team. It came down to a nail-biting penalty shootout, where unfortunately luck was not on our side. Due to incredible saves by the PC´s goalie, we had to exit the tournament in heartbreaking fashion, ultimately reaching 5th place. Yet devastated, we are extremely proud of our team. And one thing is for sure: The Smart Papers squat will return for another shot at the trophy in 2026!