QURS Days 2026 Bring Early Career Researchers of Quantum Universe Together

5 March 2026

Photo: Michael Grefe/UHH

Participants listening to Dr. Alexander Westphal's course on Quantum Gravity

Photo: Michael Grefe/UHH

Participants of the Key Skills Course on Good Scientific Practice

Photo: Michael Grefe/UHH

Participants listening to Dr. Andreas Ringwald's course on Dark Matter and Axions

Photo: Michael Grefe/UHH

Dr. Erika Garutti speaking at the plenary session

Photo: Pragya Chopra/UHH

Participants during a coffee break

Photo: Pragya Chopra/UHH

A fun moment during the pub quiz

Photo: Eric van Um/UHH

Participants at the Poster Session

Photo: Pragya Chopra/UHH

Best Poster Award winner Esther Constanze Wais discussing her research

Photo: Michael Grefe/UHH

One of the winners of the Best Paper Award, Max Demirdilek with spokespersons Erika Garutti and Géraldine Servant

Photo: Pragya Chopra/UHH

Participants discussing during the poster session

From 23 to 25 February, around 60 early career researchers from the Cluster of Excellence Quantum Universe gathered in Hamburg for the annual QURS Days. Organized by the Quantum Universe Research School, the three-day event brought together doctoral researchers, postdocs and group leaders from the University of Hamburg and DESY for a mix of lectures, research presentations and informal networking.

The scientific programme covered a broad range of topics from across the Cluster, including gravitational waves, dark matter and quantum gravity. Introductory lectures offered accessible entry points for participants from different research areas, while advanced sessions explored current challenges in theoretical and experimental physics. Complementing the physics programme, workshops on research data management, open science and good scientific practice highlighted skills that are increasingly important for researchers today.

Participants particularly appreciated the atmosphere of the event. One attendee described the experience as “[a] mixture of high level research and high level fun,” capturing the balance between serious scientific discussion and opportunities to connect with colleagues.

Poster Session Goes Digital

A highlight of the event was the poster session, where doctoral researchers presented their current research projects and discussed their work with colleagues from across the Cluster. For the first time, voting for the Best Poster Award was conducted entirely online. More than 80 votes were cast by participants before the polls closed.

The Best Poster Award went to Esther Constanze Wais, whose poster attracted the most votes from fellow researchers.

Recognizing Outstanding Research

The event concluded with the annual Best Paper Awards, which recognize outstanding publications by early career researchers in the Cluster. This year, the prizes were awarded to four PhD researchers, one postdoctoral researcher and one Young Investigator Group Leader for their significant scientific contributions across the diverse research areas of Quantum Universe.

Science Meets Socializing

Of course, the QURS Days were not only about lectures and posters. After a full day of scientific sessions, participants gathered for a lively pub quiz organized by postdocs Zoe Balmforth and Robert Ward. The quiz featured questions ranging from physics trivia to “Guess the city,” as well as a few playful questions about the Quantum Universe Cluster itself.

The relaxed evening provided a chance to unwind and continue conversations that had started during the day’s sessions.

For many participants, the welcoming atmosphere stood out. As one researcher commented afterwards: “I really enjoy your enthusiasm and kindness. It makes me really feel welcome in the cluster.”

With new collaborations sparked and many discussions continuing over coffee breaks and quiz questions, the QURS Days once again proved to be a valuable opportunity for early career researchers to connect across disciplines. The organizers are already looking forward to welcoming everyone at the QURS Days 2027.