Prof. Dr. Frank Runkel welcomed approximately 70 participants to the third interdisciplinary doctoral colloquium at the Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen THM) in Giessen . The Vice President for Research reported that around 85 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 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. We are particularly impressed with the work in the doctoral programs where the Universities Giessen and Marburg are also our partners."

Four early-career researchers presented their doctoral projects for discussion during the colloquium. Jens Simon spoke about the "Development of a Radio Frequency Generator for Inductively Coupled Plasmas." Nadine Busse's presentation focused on the "Bioconversion of Lignin-Containing Substrates Using a Novel Ligninolytic Heme Peroxidase." Dennis Priefer's presentation addressed the "Model-Driven Migration of Content Management Systems." And Sebastian Beer reported on his project concerning "Multiple Emulsions – Characterization and Production.".

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.