On July 4, 2026, the WSC Heidelberg club hosted the 19th annual Dragon Boat Cup, transforming the Neckar River and the sunlit Neckarwiese promenade into a vibrant arena of excitement, teamwork, and friendly competition.
For the first time, our PhD student Jan Brandes assembled a team to join the event, proudly competing under the unforgettable name The Photonic Fiasco Fleet. After weeks of preparation and training, the crew took to the water with determination, energy, and plenty of team spirit. Their hard work paid off with an impressive 5th-place finish in the Fun Sport category.
Beyond the result itself, the day was a wonderful celebration of collaboration and community. Every paddle stroke reflected the trust, coordination, and encouragement that had grown within the team throughout the training sessions. The event brought our group even closer together, creating lasting memories both on and off the water. It was made even more special by celebrating Jan's birthday together the day before the competition — a perfect way to kick off a weekend filled with friendship, laughter, and shared success.
Our commitment to excellence goes beyond the confines of laboratory walls. We understand the value of fostering strong connections among our teams, and that's why our group seminars are much more than just meetings. They are opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and team building.
Our most recent group seminar in Austria, held in March, brought together the vibrant minds of our teams from Heidelberg and Münster, all eager to discuss the latest developments and updates in our research domain.
These seminars are not just about sharing ideas; they're about strengthening our bonds as a community. We focus on common working procedures such as coding, lab utilization, and fabrication methods to ensure that our teams are in sync, working efficiently, and producing outstanding results.
But we believe that balance is essential in all aspects of life. That's why our group seminars also include activities that engage both the mind and the body. Whether it's skiing in the snowy Austrian slopes or riding the waves in Biarritz, France, our team building activities are designed to inspire creativity and foster a sense of camaraderie. We firmly believe that active minds work best when accompanied by active bodies.
Our group seminars are more than just professional gatherings; they are experiences that nurture collaboration, innovation, and friendships. We look forward to more exciting seminars in the future, where we can continue to connect minds and bodies, further enhancing our research and the bonds that make our institute a true family.
Group seminar in Biarritz in 2022
Group seminar in Montafon in 2023
Group seminar in Meransen in 2024
Group Seminar in Costa Volpino in 2026
