Doctoral student meeting in Frankenhausen

This year's meeting took place at Domäne Frankenhausen. As there is now quite a large group of doctoral candidates, some of whom only joined the project this year, the first item on the agenda was a short personal report from all participants. The current status of the work, challenges and successes of the daily work, impressions of the project itself and plans for the near and distant future were discussed. The evening was rounded off with a joint dinner and cozy conversations around the campfire.

The second day began with a tour of the experimental fields at the University of Kassel. There was a particular focus on the TRIO trial and many discussions about the trial, challenges and current issues.

This was followed by a discussion on planning for the coming year and everyone got together in small groups to discuss various issues. One conclusion of the discussions was the plan to meet online every month from now on to discuss current results and research questions and to stay in better contact.

After lunch, the doctoral candidates were treated to an online presentation and discussion by Timothy Crews from the Land Institute (Kansas, USA), an institute that researches perennial crops in agriculture. As this is a major topic in the TRIO project, it was an inspiring and motivating lecture for all doctoral candidates.
Overall, the meeting was once again a great event with many insightful conversations, an inspiring lecture and plenty of time for exchange.