Special events Excellent opportunities for interdisciplinary exchange “What I’ve always valued about the SNI is its cutting-edge research in wide-ranging disciplines and that this work is interlinked in a very ap- th pealing manner. With that in mind, In 2023, we celebrated the 10 anniver- dents. Likewise, the Annual Event — sary of the SNI PhD School, which pro- which was held in the Canton of Aargau I was thrilled to talk to current SNI vided another excellent opportunity for for the 昀椀rst time, at Lake Hallwil — also doctoral students and staff about an exchange of ideas between members provided an opportunity for members of their research activities at the of our network. To mark this occasion, the SNI PhD School to discuss and present anniversary celebration. For me, current doctoral students and alumni to- their research to other scientists from the however, my personal highlight gether with numerous project leaders network in the form of talks and posters. was to see former PhD colleagues and members of sta昀昀 spent a wonderful The doctoral students learn to give again and talk to them about my few hours together as they enjoyed a boat presentations such as these professionally experiences outside the world trip on the Rhine. The event was an all- as part of a course on rhetoric and com- of research.” round success and an opportunity for par- munication that they all take once as part Dr. Arne Barfuss ticipants to see how doctoral students of their studies. The course teaches them Team Leader for Product who completed their theses years ago are to present their scienti昀椀c 昀椀ndings clearly Development and Power Semiconduc- still connected with the SNI, have fond and con昀椀dently to an interdisciplinary tors, Robert Bosch GmbH memories of their time here in Basel, and audience. It is provided specially for SNI continue to maintain the relationships doctoral students by the science journalist they built. and communication expert Atlant Bieri. In January, the doctoral students who In spring 2023, the SNI team also or- “The rhetoric course with Atlant are currently carrying out research as ganized an information and networking Bieri was very informative and part of the SNI all met in Unterwasser for event for SNI doctoral students at Novar- encourages you to think about the SNI Winter School “Nanoscience in tis Pavillon. At this event, the students exactly how to communicate the Snow.” The coordinator of the SNI gained an insight into the work of various things. It’s very helpful both for PhD School, Dr. Andreas Baumgartner, Novartis employees as well as informa- presentations and for job had assembled a varied program of talks tion and tips on prospective applications interviews!” from project leaders and doctoral stu- to the global pharmaceutical company. Josh Zuber, doctoral student at the SNI PhD School As part of the SNI PhD School’s 10th anniversary celebration, current and former doctoral students together with project leaders met for an inspiring exchange of ideas on the Rhine. SNI Annual Report 2023 21