The special farewell event of the first cohort

On the 4th of November 2025, the Research Training Group 2753 “Emotional Learning and Memory” marked a special milestone: the symbolic farewell of the first cohort of doctoral researchers. Held in the lecture hall at Mollerstraße 10, the event brought together PhD students and PIs to reflect on the past three years of scientific growth, collaboration, and shared goals.

While many of the doctoral researchers are currently in the final stretch of their PhDs, the farewell created a dedicated moment to pause and celebrate their achievements. It was both a recognition of how far they have come and an acknowledgment of their contribution to the RTG.

True to the spirit of the RTG, the afternoon balanced celebration with intellectual engagement.

The programme opened with a welcome address by Lars Schwabe, setting the tone for reflection and appreciation. The welcome address was followed by a talk by Sarah Hohmann, Head of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at UKE and one of the RTG’s PIs. In her talk, “Youth mental health crisis, overdiagnosis and neurodiversity – Challenges for (biological) child and adolescent psychiatry in times of change,” Prof. Hohmann drew on two decades of clinical and academic experience.

Her reflections on the challenges of translating findings from basic science into clinical applications underscored the broader relevance of the group’s work on emotional learning and memory at the intersection of basic research and clinical science.

Following the keynote, all RTG members engaged in structured small-group discussions. Participants reflected on three guiding questions: the central scientific take-aways from their work in the RTG, benefits for career development, and potential improvements for future cohorts.

The subsequent presentation of discussion outcomes demonstrated not only the scientific maturity of the cohort but also their commitment to shaping and strengthening the programme for those who will follow. 

The official programme concluded with closing remarks, small RTG souvenirs, and shared refreshments. The informal conversations that followed were full of laughter, exchange, and a reminder that beyond data, publications, and  focused individual work, it is community that sustains scientific progress.

We wish the PhD students of the first cohort all the best for the “last mile” of their PhDs and the journey that lies ahead, and are grateful for their contribution to the RTG!