Research, Team Spirit, and a Secret Formula

Two Days of Research, Collaboration, and Team Spirit

How does a team work toward its shared future? Sometimes with guidelines, working groups, and strategic planning—and sometimes with a secret formula in a candy factory.

On September 21 and 22, 2026, the team from the Chair of Psychological Aging Research gathered for a two-day retreat. The focus was on professional exchange, joint reflection, public outreach, and the further development of collaboration.

Professional Exchange and New Ideas

The first day was primarily devoted to academic topics. After a group lunch in the university’s food court and a brief session to settle in and catch up, the agenda featured current developments and controversies surrounding the S3 guideline on dementia. Dr. Janina Florack then reported on her trip to the IAGG and shared new insights and ideas from international gerontopsychological research. A public lecture marking World Alzheimer’s Day on the topic of “Communication in Dementia” concluded the academic program.

Teamwork—With and Without Candy

In the afternoon, the professional exchange gave way to a slightly different form of teamwork: During a group escape room experience at Escape Game Siegen in Weidenau, participants had to demonstrate their ability to think creatively, communicate effectively, and work together to solve puzzles. Conveniently, the escape room was right next to the Gartenhaus restaurant, where the day concluded with a group dinner.

Thus, the evening became not only a welcome change of pace but also a very practical team-building experience: after all, good solutions often emerge when different ideas come together.

Thinking Ahead Together

On the second day, the focus shifted more toward the team itself. In a retrospective session, participants reflected on shared experiences, discussed current topics, and developed next steps. An important outcome was the future structuring and consolidation of the joint research into four working groups: Care, Participation, Lifespan, and Missing Data.
Afterward, the focus shifted to the practical aspects of public relations. In small groups, participants worked on various sections of the website. The department’s research profile was further developed, and the working groups took a close look at their respective project pages. Many ideas were implemented immediately—ranging from adjustments to content and design to a complete overhaul of the section on the department’s research profile.

Following the presentation of the results, the retreat came to a close.
Two days full of professional inspiration, collaborative work, new ideas, and, above all, plenty of team spirit.