Navigating Peer Review and Getting Published

Last week, SMART doctoral researchers took part in the course Navigating Peer Review & Getting Published with Dr. Lukas Peintner. The two-day training guided participants through the publication process — from preparing and submitting a manuscript to responding to reviewer feedback. Through interactive exercises, participants explored the roles of authors, editors, and reviewers, gaining a practical view of […]

Progress Seminar: Updated Format to Strengthen Interdisciplinary Exchange

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 […]

SMART Master Lab Cohort 2.0 — Guided poster tour

On October 2, 2025, the SMART Master Lab Cohort 2.0 wrapped up with a poster presentation session. Over 10 weeks, our Master students worked closely with doctoral researchers and principal investigators before presenting their results to CRC members. The event opened at 14:30 with remarks from SMART Principal investigator Nadine Binder, followed by guided poster tours in which students presented […]

SMART Venture Scientist Club

Last week, SMART doctoral researchers joined the first session of the Venture Scientist Club: From Research to Startup Concepts with Dr. Christoph Mårtensson. The session focused on how scientific insights can be shaped into early-stage startup ideas. Not through traditional business plans, but by applying venture-studio-inspired frameworks and asking bold “what if” questions. Key takeaways included: According […]

Expanding Horizons: Doctoral Researchers at Oxford

Our doctoral researchers Jelena Bratulić and Julia Hindel have taken part in a six-month research visit at the University of Oxford, United Kingdom. Jelena joined the Visual Geometry Group (VGG), working on training dynamics and applications of in-context learning. One of her goals is to understand how AI models generalize and what their working mechanisms are. Julia was hosted […]

SMART Master Lab Kick-Off Day – Cohort 2.0

On August 4, we launched the second cohort of the SMART Master Lab program, welcoming a new group of master’s students. The day opened with an introduction to the fundamentals of SmallData by Maren Hackenberg, early career researcher (ECR) from the Fusion Hub. Iván Acevedo then provided an overview of the SMART framework and the […]

SMART

SMART, the SmallData Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG)

SmallData brings together a broad group of data disciplines to tackle small data challenges that are at the intersection of these disciplines. Our Integrated Research Training Group (IRTG) SMART will enable the four disciplines to move closer together to work on small data innovations in a collaborative effort.

Each doctoral researcher within SmallData will automatically become a member of SMART.

Aims of SMART

  • Crossing boundaries between disciplines
  • Developing a shared language
  • Creating a solid methods foundation across disciplines
  • Stimulating early independence
  • Promoting comprehensive professional skills

Structured qualification program


  • Structured qualification beyond the project-specific activity
  • Interdisciplinary research methods training
  • Peer networking
  • Annual retreats also allowing for group-based projects
  • Intensive project collaboration, e.g., through extended visits to another group within SmallData

Structured supervision

  • Trustful and respectful communication
  • Support with regulatory issues
  • Supervisory agreement and personal qualification plan
  • Annual progress meetings with thesis advisory committee

Further local training opportunities

ELLIS Unit Freiburg

Fostering European collaborations in machine learning, robotics, computer vision and reasoning

Freiburg Young Scientist AI Network

Creating a collaborative environment beyond faculty borders

Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine

Multidisciplinary graduate program combining basic with translational research, biotechnology and drug development

Freiburg Graduate Centre

Service department for all questions concerning doctoral studies in Freiburg

RUB Research School

Campus-wide institution for promotion of doctoral and postdoctoral researchers of Ruhr-Universität Bochum

Graduate Academy Greifswald

Creating excellent conditions for a successful doctoral and postdoctoral phase

Principal Investigators

Principial Investigators

Administrative Manager

Marc Schumacher

Institute of Medical Biometry and Statistics,
Faculty of Medicine and Medical Center –
University of Freiburg