The GAMM Juniors Fall Meeting 2024 took place from September 4th to 6th in the heart of the Ruhr region, at the University of Duisburg-Essen. Organized by Georgia Kikis and Maximilian Vorwerk, the meeting aimed to strengthen connections and scientific exchange among GAMM Juniors while setting organizational milestones for the future.

For the first time in the history of the GAMM Juniors, an award was granted for special services to the GAMM Juniors. This award recognizes the strong commitment of one of the GAMM Juniors and was awarded to Mr. Mischa Blaszczyk during the Fall Meeting, who showed strong efforts in improving the GAMM Juniors IT infrastructure. Another important milestone was the development and adoption of the GAMM Juniors Statutes, which builds the basis for the GAMM Juniors as a self-governed organization.

A special highlight of the Fall Meeting was the visit by Prof. Roland Herzog, who shared his perspective as a mathematician on the career path to a professorship. In his talk, he provided valuable “Do’s and Don’ts” that can be crucial for an academic career, offering participants insights into the key factors for a successful appointment. Complementing Prof. Herzog’s topics, Prof. Fadi Aldakheel gave a talk on the path to professorship within the field of mechanics, offering practical advice for building a successful academic career from his own experience.

The meeting continued with scientific presentations by GAMM Junior members Richard Schussnig and Maximilian Vorwerk. Schussnig presented his research on “Matrix-free higher-order finite element solvers in tissue mechanics,” while Vorwerk discussed his work on simulating magnetic materials using the finite element method. Both presentations sparked interest and led to lively discussions among participants.

Following these presentations, there was a Q&A session with Prof. Claudia Schillings and Prof. Jörg Schröder, both members of the GAMM Future Committee. This session provided valuable insights into GAMM’s strategic direction and offered participants important perspectives for their career development.

Organizational topics were also addressed. For example, the planning of future activities, such as a new mentoring program, was discussed. The mentoring program is intended to support young doctoral students who will benefit from the tips and advice of experienced GAMM Juniors.

A group excursion to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zeche Zollverein, held under sunny skies, allowed participants to explore the famous industrial monument and end the day in a relaxed atmosphere with refreshing drinks.

The Fall Meeting concluded with an informal gathering at Lake Baldeney in Essen, where participants had the chance to reflect on their experiences and strengthen new connections. Overall, the GAMM Juniors Fall Meeting 2024 offered a successful blend of professional exchange, organizational work, and personal interaction that further solidified the cohesion within GAMM Juniors.

Georgia Kikis and Maximilian Vorwerk