From July 21 to 22, 2025, GRK 2833 “East Asian Futures” held a retreat at the Wald- und Golfhotel Lottental in Bochum. Titled “My Colleague’s Project”, the retreat introduced an innovative format that encouraged PhD researchers to engage with each other’s work in a new and meaningful way.

In preparation, each participant exchanged ideas and insights with a fellow researcher and was then asked to present their colleague’s project to the entire group. This approach not only required researchers to reflect on and communicate their own work clearly, but also to understand another project deeply enough to convey its core ideas to others. By shifting perspectives, comparing approaches, and reframing their own research through the eyes of a peer, participants were able to gain fresh insights and generated new ideas for their individual work. The format fostered a sense of intellectual exchange, mutual appreciation, and academic collaboration.

The PhD researchers were supported throughout the retreat by the group’s spokesperson, Prof. MOLL-MURATA, and co-spokesperson, Prof. TAUBE, as well as by several other members of the project, including Prof. EGGERT, Prof. SCHMIDTPOTT, Prof. NOESSELT, Prof. MEINERT and Postdoctoral Researcher Dr. HINO. Their presence enriched the retreat with constructive feedback, stimulating discussions, and valuable academic guidance.

Surrounded by nature, the tranquil setting of the Wald- und Golfhotel Lottental provided the perfect scene for focused dialogue and reflection. On the evening of the first day, the group went on a scenic walk to Lake Kemnade, concluding the day with more discussions on future events afterwards.

The second day featured additional project presentations and continued with fruitful discussions on upcoming GRK events, including the arrival of the next PhD cohort in October and a major event planned for November. Altogether, the retreat was a productive occasion that strengthened both research and community within the group.