The Progress Seminar is part of SMART’s shared language strategy, supporting interdisciplinary collaboration by providing a regular space where doctoral researchers present their work, receive feedback, and connect across fields.
Following researcher feedback, the seminar now alternates between specialized and general sessions. This new structure aims to balance focused disciplinary discussion with broader interdisciplinary exchange. The first sessions in both formats have already taken place, confirming the value of combining these two perspectives.
General sessions broaden the exchange among doctoral researchers. They focus on tools, methods, and research practices that bridge disciplines—helping researchers understand each other’s approaches and explore new collaborative ideas.
Specialized sessions bring together doctoral researchers for focused discussion and feedback within their disciplines. Four disciplines meet in parallel—two co-located at one site and two at another. After the discussions, the co-located groups reconvene to share key highlights, main goals, and potential areas for collaboration. This format supports in-depth exchange within each discipline while maintaining cross-field dialogue.
The new format establishes a steady rhythm for interdisciplinary exchange. Initial sessions suggest that alternating between specialized and general discussions supports both focused research and wider collaboration across disciplines.
Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics,
Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center –
University of Freiburg
