31 Aug 2026
On the shores of Ammersee, the Physical Geography and Environmental Modeling and SO-CLIM Groups exchanged views on research priorities and developed ideas for joint initiatives.
How can research groups with different regional focuses benefit from one another and tap into shared research potential? This question was at the heart of a joint exchange between the Physical Geography and Environmental Modeling Research Group (Ralf Ludwig) and the SO-CLIM Group (Alexander Haumann) at the Wartaweil Research Station of the Department of Geography.
The meeting had three main objectives: getting to know each other, raising awareness of the methodological and thematic expertise within both groups, and mapping synergies and potential shared research questions. In a series of short Pecha Kucha presentations, participants introduced their current research topics and shared insights into their methods, data and scientific challenges.
The subsequent group discussion focused on identifying opportunities for closer collaboration. Topics discussed included shared interests in the fields of modelling, machine learning and artificial intelligence, model evaluation and uncertainty assessment, as well as potential links between circulation in the Southern Ocean and European climate. The groups also discussed joint strategies for using high-performance computing resources, as well as opportunities for collaboration in teaching and science communication.
Despite the nearly maximum geographical distance between the two research regions, the exchange revealed numerous shared interests and complementary areas of expertise, thereby laying the groundwork for joint research initiatives, educational programs, and future exchange meetings.
In addition to the academic exchange, there was, of course, plenty of time for leisure activities as well: The intensive day on the shores of Ammersee was concluded by some boating, bathing, and a barbecue.