With the publication of the conference proceedings, the 26th Conference for Early-Career Researchers (NWK26) at Schmalkalden University of Applied Sciences is now also documented academically. Under the theme “Understanding – Explaining – Shaping,” more than 125 early-career researchers from 30 institutions and eight federal states gathered in Schmalkalden for two days in May. Approximately 80 presentations—including talks and posters—provided opportunities for academic exchange, discussion, and networking across disciplinary boundaries.
The recently published conference proceedings highlight the thematic and disciplinary diversity of NWK26. The contributions range from engineering, information and communication technologies, and applied natural sciences, through life and health sciences, to social sciences, economics, law, public administration, cultural studies, media studies, as well as architecture and design. It is precisely this diversity that is one of the NWK’s strengths: different research topics, methods, and perspectives engage in dialogue with one another and open up new approaches to scientific questions.
“Understand—Explain—Shape” describes more than just the motto of a single conference. Research begins with the curiosity to understand connections and phenomena. It gains impact when findings are explained and shared with others—and it realizes its social and practical potential when knowledge gives rise to innovation. The conference proceedings impressively demonstrate the diverse ways in which young scientists approach this task and thereby keep research moving forward."
Conference Proceedings (Partly in German)