The 12th YES Meeting, organized by SETAC Europe’s Student Advisory Council, brought together emerging environmental scientists at RPTU (Campus Landau), Germany, to delve into the theme “Science Through Crises.” The final installment of this multipart blog series centers on the workshops and career talks conducted throughout the week-long YES Meeting 2023.
The 12th SETAC Young Environmental Scientists Meeting (YES Meeting) was hosted by the Student Advisory Council (SAC) of SETAC Europe at RPTU (Campus Landau), Germany from 28th August – 1st September 2023. This international forum brought together students and early career environmental scientists to exchange research and ideas in a welcoming and professional setting. With the theme “Science Through Crises,” the conference addressed the challenges and opportunities posed by global crises. The event, aligned with SETAC’s goal of Environmental Quality Through Science, fostered networking, education and empowerment for young researchers and experts from around the world.
The YES Meeting 2023 not only offered a platform for young researchers to delve into the latest developments in their fields but also created opportunities for unforgettable social interactions. The conference didn’t stop at scientific discussions; it embraced the spirit of camaraderie and fun, hosting a range of engaging events that left attendees with cherished memories.
1. Quiz Night (August 28)
The week kicked off with a Pub Quiz on Monday evening, where participants showcased their general knowledge and had a blast competing in teams.
2. SAC Café, Karaoke Extravaganza and Student Party (August 29)
The next day continued with the much-awaited SAC Café. This is an informal get-together to help attendees to network and discuss important topics, on which the SAC will give an online seminar in the future. This was followed by a meet-up at the Schiller Pub. As the night unfolded, the stage transformed into a Karaoke heaven at the Pub, allowing attendees to belt out their favourite tunes and embrace their inner pop stars. This was followed by a Student Party that lasted until the early hours of the morning, creating an electric atmosphere of celebration and dance.
3. Fitness Training (August 30)
For fitness enthusiasts, the following day ended with an invigorating Fitness Training session. Attendees, regardless of their fitness level, came together to sweat it out and had fun in an official HYROX gym.
4. Exploring Science Beyond the Conference Halls (August 31)
Breaking away from the conference venue, participants had the chance to embark on the Julius Kühn Institute (JKI) Excursion. This excursion took them to the Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, where they delved into research on diseases, pests and other challenges in fruit growing and viticulture. The excursion also showcased one of the world’s largest collections of grape varieties, offering insight into genetic diversity and cultural history.
Here are some glimpses of the social events held during the YES Meeting 2023:-
The YES Meeting 2023 was more than just a scientific gathering – it was a journey of discovery, both within and beyond the realms of academia. These social events added an extra layer of excitement and connection, fostering relationships that will undoubtedly last well beyond the conference’s closing day. As participants return to their respective corners of the world, they carry with them not only the knowledge gained from the conference sessions but also the memories of these delightful social moments!
For those who missed the first, second and third installment of our blogpost series on the 12th YES Meeting 2023, catch up on the insightful highlights by visiting the following links: