BonnBrain3: A Transformative Start for NeurotechEU Student Birte Schmid
PhD student Birte Schmid from the Department of Cell and Molecular Biology at Karolinska Institutet reflects on her enriching experience at the BonnBrain3 Meeting on "States – Behavior, Neural Circuits and Codes."
Held from August 19-21, the conference provided Birte with an invaluable introduction to the diverse realms of neuroscience research at a critical stage—her first month as a PhD candidate.
“Attending BonnBrain3 was incredibly motivating,” Birte shares. "The broad range of research presented helped me better navigate neuroscience literature and categorize different approaches within the field." A key highlight was presenting her first PhD poster, which outlined her project plan. "It was an excellent opportunity to receive constructive feedback from experienced researchers," she adds.
While networking at the conference opened doors to potential collaborations, Birte noted areas for improvement in the structured activities. "The NeurotechEU networking lunch primarily gathered KI students and the Bonn student committee, leading to limited interaction with Bonn University researchers," she explained. Birte suggests more strategic groupings based on participants’ education levels to foster meaningful discussions and connections.
The experience has left a lasting impact on Birte’s academic outlook. "This meeting sparked creativity and encouraged me to think more broadly about combining various research approaches," she remarks.
NeurotechEU’s initiatives continue to empower young researchers like Birte, advancing collaborations and innovation across Europe. With a focus on enhancing future events, the alliance aims to deepen its role as a bridge between students and pioneering neuroscience research.
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