Project leaders: Prof. Dr. Bernd Lennartz (University of Rostock), Prof. Dr. Martin Wilmking (University of Greifswald)
Coordinator: Dr. Robert Feller (University of Rostock)

The main aim of the IRTG WETSKILLS is to guide doctoral researchers and early career postdocs to become 'Experts for the Functional Understanding, Restoration and Maintenance of Healthy Wetscapes'. Society's demand for professionals capable of managing the conversion process of over-exploited peatlands and wetscapes towards sustainable systems has dramatically increased with new nationally and globally set climate, water, and biodiversity protection goals. WETSKILLS will train such professionals. The course work of WETSKILLS is targeted mainly towards doctoral researchers and is well balanced with respect to scientific training and a formal study program; it is truly interdisciplinary and student-centered. Program highlights include research camps in Finland and England, paludiculture stakeholder classes, students-teach-students events and workshops headed by Mercator Fellows, among others. WETSKILLS will also provide the platform for early career postdocs to foster their career in academia and beyond.

All doctoral researchers and postdocs employed in WETSCAPES2.0 are members of WETSKILLS. Doctoral researchers from participating universities outside WETSCAPES2.0 may become associated members upon request (short proposal to WETSKILLS). The same applies to outstanding MSc students upon nomination by participating PIs. WETSKILLS furthermore offers 6 to 12 months scholarships to doctoral researchers from abroad to further enhance international collaboration, scientific exchange and ideas on doctoral educational programs and travel funds for outstanding MSc students to present their research at national and international conferences. WETSKILLS is jointly headed by two spokespersons, one from UG and one from UR. The doctoral researchers will select two representatives from their cohort, who attend Steering Committee meetings and are involved in decisions on the future development of WETSKILLS. 

We’re excited to invite all Wetskills Training Programme participants to this year’s Wetskills Retreat, taking place on 26–27 November 2025 at the Tagungsschloss Hasenwinkel.
Accommodation and meals are provided on site. (The agenda below has been updated to show the correct dates.)

Who’s invited

The retreat is designed for doctoral candidates in the Wetskills Training Programme, with additional participation from PIs and other Wetscapes 2.0 members, who will receive a separate invitation.

What to expect

The event centres on doctoral candidates presenting their research proposals and exchanging ideas with peers, postdocs, and PIs.
Two short workshops — for example on Good Scientific Conduct and Gender Sensitivity — will complement the programme.
Details on proposal requirements are available in the Wetskills Key Info document on this project website (file repository section).

Building on feedback from our first event, this year’s schedule allows more time for informal exchange, including a relaxed evening session on 26 November.

Participation

Attendance is expected for all doctoral candidates of the Wetskills training programme. Presenting your research (10 min presentation + 10 min feedback) is a valuable opportunity to discuss and refine your project.
Programme elements for postdocs will be announced soon.

Practical information

• Bring solid shoes for potential walks or outdoor sessions.
• If you have a Wetskills outdoor chair, please bring it along — a limited number will also be available on site.
• Travel arrangements:
  Public transport runs regularly to Ventschow station, from where colleagues can pick you up, or you can book a VLP Rufbus to Hasenwinkel in advance.
  Please submit your business trip applications ahead of time and contact us if you need assistance with travel reimbursement.
  For participants not affiliated with the University of Rostock, an Externals Form (including pre-filled finance details such as the Kostenstelle) is attached.

RSVP

Please confirm your attendance by 14 November 2025.

We look forward to seeing you all at Hasenwinkel for two inspiring days of exchange, learning, and collaboration!

Tentative Retreat Programme

Day 1 – Wednesday, 26 November
09:00–10:00 – Welcome and Introduction
10:00–10:15 – Coffee, tea & juice break
10:15–11:00 – Postdoc Presentation #1 (speaker tba)
11:00–11:45 – Postdoc Presentation #2 (speaker tba)
11:45–13:00 – Lunch break
13:00–14:20 – Doctoral Candidates (A-Projects, 4×10 + 10 min)
14:20–14:45 – Coffee, tea & juice break
14:45–17:15 – Workshop (topic tba)
17:15–18:00 – Individual time / informal networking (drinks available in the lobby)
18:00–19:00 – Dinner
19:00–19:30 – Individual time
19:30–21:00 – Social event (optional, tba)

Day 2 – Thursday, 27 November
08:30–10:00 – Doctoral Candidates (B-Projects, 4×10 + 10 min)
10:00–10:30 – Coffee, tea & juice break
10:30–12:30 – Doctoral Candidates (C-Projects, 4×10 + 10 min)