From May 20–23, 2025, the PROVIDE Network held its second training school in the vibrant city of Munich, Germany. Hosted at the NH Hotel and Ludwig Maximilian University (LMU), this four-day event brought together our early-stage researchers, principal investigators, and project coordinators for an enriching experience of learning, collaboration, and networking. A key milestone of the event was the midterm project check, held in the presence of our REA Project Officer, Dr. Szymon Sroda.
Day 1: Setting the Stage
The training school opened with introductions, where all network members, Principal Investigators (PIs) and Doctoral Candidates (DCs), presented their academic backgrounds. PIs shared oral pitches, while DCs showcased their research through short presentations and scientific updates were given through poster sessions.
Throughout the day, sessions with Dr. Sroda reinforced the rights and obligations of the consortium members, and highlighted the progress and achievements within the PROVIDE network. The day concluded with a consortium dinner at a local Munich restaurant, offering a great chance for informal networking and community building.
Day 2: Deep Dive into the Vestibular System
The second day was dedicated to a series of expert lectures focused on the vestibular system. Topics included vestibular rehabilitation, sensory augmentation, and implant-based restoration. These were delivered by Prof. Dr. Klaus Jahn (LMU), Max Wuehr (LMU), Prof. Dr. Kingma (BalanceBelt), and Dr. Angelica Perez Fornos (Geneva University Hospital). All lectures were recorded and will soon be available on the PROVIDE Learning Hub.
In the afternoon, the Supervisory Board convened to discuss recruitment, finances, governance, training, research compliance, and communication updates. Parallel scientific team meetings offered DCs and their supervisors the chance to explore individual projects in greater depth.
The day concluded with a fun and engaging team-building activity (escape rooms) organized by the local DCs in collaboration with the Management Team.
Day 3: Mastering Scientific Pitching
Day three featured a half-day workshop led by Dr. Stephen Wagner, an expert in scientific communication. The session focused on developing pitching skills tailored to different audiences, an essential transferable skill for young researchers. DCs practiced crafting and delivering pitches, receiving feedback to refine their communication styles.
Day 4: Clinic Tour
The final day started with a guided tour of the LMU clinic, where DCs had hands-on opportunities to explore vestibular function testing equipment. The afternoon was left free, allowing participants to explore Munich and strengthen connections in a more relaxed setting.
Looking Ahead
The second training school marked a successful point in the PROVIDE project. It not only offered scientific enrichment and professional development but also fostered stronger collaboration across the network. We look forward to continued progress and the next gathering of this dynamic community.
