Institute Director Johannes Grillari opened the retreat by reviewing the year’s highlights. PhD students Ines Fischer and Yinqiao Du shared insights into their projects: Ines investigates regenerative mechanisms in the axolotl, while Yinqiao focuses on the rpS6 zone, inspired by Dworak and Ring’s landmark study. But this was just the start of two dynamic days filled with engaging program items.

The retreat’s main highlight was a project pitch competition, where young scientists teamed up to create, develop, and present ideas for exciting, impactful projects. Building on insights from Isabel Dregely’s recent AI workshop, the teams used AI tools in their concepts, delivering five creative presentations that sparked both thought and laughter.

While the jury deliberated, a roundtable discussion on AI tools explored their advantages and the balance between human reasoning and tech support. Are basic skills at risk, or is it like using a calculator, as Chair Sergiu Dumitrescu pointed out—a support tool that enhances but doesn’t replace core abilities?

The winners, Eirini Klinaki, Jonas Flatscher, and Sergejs Zavadskis, were celebrated at dinner for a project that not only creatively used AI tools but even aimed to develop a new AI tool. The evening ended with a pub quiz that tested knowledge in science and pop culture—from CRISPR to building the tallest paper tower from just three sheets.

Day two focused on team building: participants chose between a boat trip with a tour of the Au or exploring the ancient Roman city of Carnuntum. Once again, the LBI Trauma Retreat was an experience that brought together science, innovation, and team spirit in an exceptional way.