On 22 September 2023, more than 100 PhD students from the MEET Battery Research Center of the University of Münster, the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production FFB, the Helmholtz Institute Münster (HI MS) of the Forschungszentrum Jülich, the International Graduate School BACCARA and the Chair PEM of RWTH Aachen University attended the first #BatteryCityMünster PhD-Day to exchange information about current developments in battery research and the challenges associated with a PhD.

The event began with a keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Martin Winter, Scientific Director of the MEET Battery Research Center and Director of HI MS and Dr. Hauke Simon (EY-Parthenon), followed by an impulse from Fraunhofer FFB Institute Director Prof. Dr. Simon Lux on the topic of sustainability.

Another highlight was the discussion about different career paths. Here, Dr Kristina Borzutzki gave an insight into her academic career: After her bachelor's degree in Engineering Physics and a semester abroad in Malaysia, Borzutzki went on to do a master’s degree in Physics at the Carl von Ossietzky University of Oldenburg before earning her doctorate in Physical chemistry at the University of Münster. Already during her master’s degree, she focused on battery research. »During my journey, I asked myself what I enjoy and what my values and strengths are. I let that guide me. I never had a defined career plan in mind. I was always open to circumstances and opportunities that came up for me«, says Borzutzki. Since 2021, she has continued her academic career at Fraunhofer FFB and has since been part of the research for sustainable and efficient battery cell production. »I like the idea of building something new. I was very curious [...] and wanted to be a part of something new”, Borzutzki emphasises her decision.

In addition to the discussion and exciting lectures, poster sessions also offered the opportunity to present one's own research focus. Raoul Höller (Fraunhofer FFB), Simon Albers (MEET), Marlena Maria Bela (MEET) and Jannis Wesselkämper (University of Münster) were particularly convincing here. They were rewarded with a prize for their successful posters.

We would like to thank BASF Coatings, IHK Nord Westfalen, Seine Batteriesysteme and Technologieförderung Münster GmbH TFM for their sponsorship and the inspiring discussions at the stands.