CLICCS Doctoral & Postdoctoral Researchers Retreat 2024Self-reflection and stick bread for better research

10 September 2024

Photo: SICSS/Jan Beckstedde

Research is made by people. And especially when socially relevant and debated issues are being researched, such plausible climate futures in the CLICCS research project at the University of Hamburg, researchers must constantly reflect on their role both in science and society. This is a challenge that 30 young climate scientists have now taken two days to tackle.

Most people are probably familiar with this scene: the topic of climate change comes up at a family celebration. A discussion ensues. An easy situation for climate scientists to resolve - at least it seems so. The scene is emblematic of the question of how climate scientists position themselves. How can objectivity or neutrality be established - should they engage in activism - or rather focus on doing research without necessarily engaging with science communication or climate protests?

These are just some of the many questions that 30 young climate scientists from CLICCS have now addressed. They did so at the CLICCS Doctoral-Postdoc-retreat from September 9 to 10 at the Theodor-Schwartz Haus in Brodten near Travemünde. The focus was on two main topics: positionality and self-reflection as early career climate scientists - and the challenges and opportunities of large interdisciplinary research projects for doctoral  and postdoctoral researchers. The aim was to reflect on one's own position, develop communication strategies with various stakeholders, and engage in mutual exchange and networking. The topics were covered in numerous presentations, debates, and group work.

Besides thematic presentations and discussions, CLICCS researchers have interacted in different ways. Over coffee breaks, dinner, hiking and grilling stick bread around the campfire, there was a lively exchange of ideas - not only about the wishes, challenges and joys of the job - but the time was also used for networking and a good time among colleagues. The group has grown a little closer together - and is now well prepared for the CLICCS retreat at the end of September, where important outcomes will be discussed with all the researchers involved in the research project.