Prof. Dr. Frank Runkel welcomed approximately 80 participants to the fourth interdisciplinary doctoral colloquium at the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen in Giessen . The Vice President for Research reported that more than 80 junior researchers at THM are currently pursuing their doctorates. The university is pursuing a cooperative approach, Runkel explained, focusing particularly on neighboring universities: "The collaboration with Departments at the Universities of Giessen and Marburg is now well established. Currently, more than half of THM 's cooperative doctoral programs are being conducted with these two universities in Central Hesse. The new Research Campus of Central Hessen will further enhance the doctoral opportunities for our graduates. Among other things, we will establish a doctoral center that will consolidate the engineering expertise of the three universities."

Four young researchers presented their doctoral projects for discussion during the colloquium. Franziska Hain spoke about the "Simulation and Modeling of Organic Field-Effect Transistors." Philip von Voigts-Rhetz's topic was "Monte Carlo Simulation of Dosimetry in Radiation Therapy." Christopher Schölzel's presentation focused on the "Development of an Extendable Mathematical Model of the Human Heart." And Manuel Roth reported on his project concerning "Sandwich Components under High Dynamic Stress.".

The Centre for Young Academics , which sees itself as a service center for doctoral students at THM , organized the event. The colloquium, which aims to foster exchange and discussion across disciplinary boundaries, is offered regularly in the autumn.