NRW returnees network

06.10.2025 Sabine Nitz

Young top researchers who have worked abroad and were brought to universities in North Rhine-Westphalia through the state's return program met to discuss their work and experiences. The idea came from Junior Professor Dr. Giovanni Cerchiari from the University of Siegen.

NRW-Rückkehrer bei ihrem Treffen an der Uni Münster.

The NRW returnees at their workshop at the University of Münster.

After careers abroad, they are back at universities in North Rhine-Westphalia: young top researchers who are setting up junior research groups at a university in the state with funding from the NRW Ministry of Culture and Science. The NRW returnees met for the first time for a joint workshop. The idea came from Junior Professor Dr. Giovanni Cerchiari, who received one of the coveted return places for his research group "Atoms and Light" at the University of Siegen. He joined the Department of Physics in 2024. "Because," says Cerchiari, "the conditions here are perfect for my multidisciplinary research, which lies at the interface between quantum technology, quantum optics and particle physics."

He was given a very warm welcome at the University of Siegen a year and a half ago and has received a lot of support and appreciation since then. "I myself appreciate the open-hearted working atmosphere at the University of Siegen, which gives me a lot of freedom to build up my independent research group," emphasizes the physicist.

Together with other NRW returnees, Cerchiari took part in an initial cross-thematic workshop at the University of Münster. The meeting was organized by the local returnees Jun.-Prof. Dr. Iris Niehues (Quantum Technology), Jun.-Prof. Dr. Diana Khormoskaia-Fritsche and Jun.-Prof. Dr. Robert Hein (both Materials Science). The aim of the workshop was to bring the junior group leaders together to exchange ideas, present research results, establish new collaborations and discuss career opportunities. A total of eleven returnees from previous years took part in the workshop and presented their research. Other junior research group leaders from Münster were also invited. The workshop met with a positive response and is now set to become an annual event.

Giovanni Cerchiari emphasizes: "The annual returnee workshop is a wonderful opportunity to get to know the numerous new research directions that are opening up here in NRW. It is fascinating to see how quickly the network of young talent in NRW is growing." Iris Niehues, one of this year's organizers, adds: "I really enjoyed hosting the workshop together with Diana and Robert in Münster. Networking and exchange within the program are particularly important for us young researchers."

All new and former returnees are welcome to take part in next year's workshop in Paderborn. Contact persons are: Giovanni Cerchiari (University of Siegen), Nicholas Güsken (University of Paderborn), Iris Niehues (University of Münster).