17.2.2026
Spread across Heidelberg — from the Neuenheimer Feld up to the Königstuhl — members of the Department of Physics and Astronomy rarely come together in one place outside of formal meetings such as the Faculty Council. This February, the Faculty Retreat offered a welcome opportunity to change that.
For two days, colleagues stepped away from their usual routines and retreated to the Odenwald, escaping the grey winter weather and focusing instead on research, teaching, and the future of the faculty. Short presentations on ongoing projects and lightning talks on new ideas provided a shared overview of the wide range of work across the department, covering twelve fields from quantum physics and condensed matter to astro-, bio- and environmental physics, and cosmology.
While the first day was dedicated to understanding what is currently happening across the faculty, the second day allowed time for more focused discussions and exchange in smaller groups. Alongside research, participants also discussed teaching, outreach, and practical aspects of academic life, including questions around balancing scientific careers with family responsibilities.
The retreat also highlighted the value of having time to talk across institutes: away from schedules, deadlines, and email, and with space for discussions that do not usually fit into regular meetings. Many participants returned with a clearer picture of the department as a whole — and with ideas that will continue to shape discussions and collaborations in the months ahead.
