6 July 2026

Photo: Manuel Weidler

In mid-August, our office at Grindelberg will close its doors, and SICSS and ICSS will finally move to the Haus der Erde. To mark the occasion, one last celebration took place on July 6: the SICSS Summer Party for all our members, the ICSS Master's students and early career researchers — along with some inspiration for the future, courtesy of three SICSS alumni who shared their career journeys.

We kicked off with the SICSS Career Talks, designed to inspire and guide early career researchers at all stages. This year we invited three alumni, each of whom has taken a very different path since completing their MSc or doctorate:

→ Dr Sebastian Sonntag (SICSS Doctorate 2013) — now Executive Director of the German Committee Future Earth, advising the German Research Foundation (DFG) and playing a key role in shaping where the focus of Germany's research landscape should lie.

→ Dr Miriam Ferrer González (MSc ICSS 2013), who reinvented herself twice in her life and — despite numerous hurdles along the way — has now found her passion as an entrepreneur and founder of "HashiVita," a startup that supports people with chronic illnesses.

→ Dr Irina Petrova (MSc ICSS 2012) — now Senior Data Scientist at the UN Environment Programme (IMEO), which coordinates environmental action within the UN system, develops international agreements, and drives forward solutions to climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

Their insights and experiences offered valuable takeaways for anyone considering their next steps — from navigating transitions to finding fulfilling roles beyond academia. "What I loved most was how open and honest all three were about their journeys," one ICSS student shared. "They've all gone on to do incredibly meaningful work — but getting there wasn't a straight line, and there were setbacks along the way. Hearing that was really encouraging, especially if things aren't going perfectly for you right now."

As the sun set, we moved on to the Summer Party, enjoying chilled drinks, tasty snacks, and lively conversations out on the terrace. A big thank you to everyone who joined us for this inspiring and joyful evening.