Review Kick-off: building a strong community

After one year in the IDK it is time to look back and sort things out:
what went great, what helped me find my way through the labyrinth of
interdisciplinary research? Did I enjoy what I found on my journey, so
far? Were there obstacles, and difficulties that persist, that should be
removed, smoothed out? What can I do to adapt the program to my needs?
How can I inspire others in and beyond the IDK, with my research, my
ideas?

PhD students had filled out a long evaluation form that formed
the basis for the IDK “Year 1 Feedback Forum.” Eight PIs participated in
the IDK world café and moved with PhD students from table to table to
discuss futher about what we can do–together–to make the IDK even more
joyful and intellectually inspiring. Interdisciplinarity loomed
large–as an ideal and as a challenge.

After lunch we flexed our “mobilization muscles” with Kirsten. Developed by Democracy Fitness, a global training program that seeks to spread democracy in all areas of life, this training unit was just the right answer to get us back into shape to continue building a strong IDK community where individuals feel supported by the group and feel safe and inspired to spead the “friendly virus” of community, quality, and academic curiosity within and without!

Written by Kirsten Twelbeck