The Summer School and its program is open to IMPRS-QST members only.
Details regarding the tutorial talks and the soft skills workshops open to IMPRS-QST students at the Summer School.
Tutorial Talks
This year, we will feature four tutorial talks, structured as complementary pairs on two key topics: Quantum Key Distribution and Cluster States & Measurement-Based Quantum Computing.
Each topic will be covered by two speakers, providing both an introduction and an exploration of practical applications:
- Quantum Key Distribution: Ramona Wolf (University of Siegen) & Luis Trigo Vidarte (ICFO)
- Cluster States & Measurement-Based Quantum Computing: Sophia Economou (Virginia Tech) & Robert Rausendorf (Leibniz University)
Each tutorial block will be 3 hours in total, including breaks for group discussions and a Q&A session to explore the topic in depth. This interactive format ensures an engaging learning experience, fostering interactions among participants.
Soft Skills Workshops
Explaining Science with Images
This interactive workshop teaches the basics of graphic design and visual communication, specifically for scientists. The workshop aims to improve the ability to analyze and create useful images. Hence, participants learn to think critically about how their individual research output and its visual representation are related and get the opportunity to implement their ideas and techniques right away. The course covers the historical use of images in science and data representation and establishes the fundamental components of visual communication and design theory. Insights into analyzing and creating useful scientific illustrations are provided by looking in more detail into i) tools, ii) typography, iii) color and iv) layout. Participants are encouraged to design a valuable project for upcoming publications or presentations.
About the trainer
Dr. Johannes Richers is a scientist and designer located in Tübingen, Germany. In his work, the self-employed freelance creative combines the fields of science, art and design. He received his academic education from the Technical University of Munich (M.Sc. Chemistry and Dr. rer. nat.), the Technical University in Berlin (2nd M.Sc. in Science Marketing), and the Hasso Plattner Institute in Potsdam (Design Thinking – Basic Track). He was supported by the German National Academic Foundation (Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes), received the ‘SciFinder Future Leader Award’ from the American Chemical Society in 2016, and was selected as ‘Artist in Residence’ at Factory Berlin × Sonar+D in 2019. Jo Richers has designed more than 100 cover pages for scientific journals, has contributed to a range of successfull research grant proposals (incl. ESC, POF, SFB, COE, NCCR) and is eager to share his knowledge in a variety of seminars and workshops.
Not in the Job Posting: Discovering Careers Through Informational Interviews (a.k.a. Coffee Chats)
That’s why informational interviews (a.k.a. coffee chats) are important. These informal conversations help you understand what a job is really like, how someone got there, and whether it might be a fit for you. They are especially useful when you’re unsure what you want next or are looking beyond traditional academic roles.
Before you can have a meaningful conversation, it helps to know what you’re curious about and who might have insight. In this workshop, we’ll start with a bit of self-reflection to clarify what matters to you in a job and what kinds of roles you might want to explore. Then we’ll turn to the heart of the workshop: learning how to ask good questions, finding people worth talking to, and practicing the kinds of conversations that reveal what jobs are really like. You’ll get hands-on experience conducting informational interviews, first with an AI simulation and then with each other, so that reaching out to real people feels like a natural next step.
About the trainer
Dr. Aggie Branczyk is a physicist and entrepreneur with a PhD in Physics from the University of Queensland. She has over a decade of experience in quantum research and tech, including academic roles at the Perimeter Institute and industry positions at IBM Quantum. Now, as the founder of Quantum Salon, she helps deep tech teams explain what they're building and why it matters. Aggie is active on LinkedIn sharing insights about her journey and ongoing discoveries. She also co-hosts a new podcast with Tobias Osborne (The Aggie & Tobias Podcast), where they discuss wide-ranging topics including the joys and struggles of research, teaching, making YouTube lectures, productivity, and how AI is reshaping how they work and learn. Aggie lives in Waterloo, Canada.
Rhetoric Training
For young scientists, the ability to present their research convincingly is essential for engaging in academic discourse and gaining recognition. This seminar provides the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to communicate effectively through language, voice, and body expression. Participants will enhance their speech style and rhetorical presence, improve their expressive abilities for academic presentations, and learn how to train and develop their voice. Practical exercises in body, breath, voice, and speech will help manage stage fright and apply learned techniques to personal pitches. With a mix of theoretical input, hands-on practice, and targeted feedback, participants will refine their communication skills and optimize their speaking performance.
About the trainer
With a background in Speech Communication and Rhetoric (M.A., University of Regensburg) and Speech Therapy (B.A., LMU Munich), Julia Rupprecht combines scientific expertise with practical experience. Her training approach is rooted in evidence-based methods and tailored to individual needs. By asking the right questions and finding the right answers, she helps participants develop effective communication strategies. In a structured and supportive environment, she guides them in exploring and practicing new solutions — with experience, empathy, and clarity.
Time- and Self-Management: Making the best of time and personal resources
In this workshop, participants will learn valuable strategies for effective time- and self-
management. By setting priorities and reevaluating personal goals, attendees will be equipped to make the most of their time and personal resources. Through discussions and activities, individuals will gain insights into achieving a better work-life-balance, enhancing mental wellbeing, and ultimately maximizing productivity and success in academic and personal endeavors.
About the trainers
Dr. Silvana Weber is a research associate, trainer, and coach at the LMU Center for Leadership and People Management. She studied Psychology at the University of Göttingen and UC Berkeley and completed her PhD with research stays in Australia and Austria at the University of Koblenz-Landau (2016). She is currently pursuing her habilitation at the University of Würzburg. In addition to her academic work, she gained several years of experience in the startup sector and works as a systemic consultant.
Stefanie Krauth, M.Sc., is a research associate, trainer, and PhD candidate at the LMU Center for Leadership and People Management. She studied Psychology at the University of Vienna, with a focus on Work, Organizational, and Social Psychology during her Master's program. She regularly leads workshops for PhD students and postdocs on topics such as creativity, intercultural leadership, and communication.
