(15.03.23) From 6 to 9 March 2023, the initiative made its eighth appearance at the world’s most important conference in the field of solid-state physics. German funding organisations, research institutions and the German Physical Society (DPG) once again participated in the event in Las Vegas.

The APS March Meeting brings together more than 10,000 solid-state physicists every year in alternating US cities. This year, the renowned academic congress took place in the gambling city of Las Vegas in Nevada for the second time since 1985. For one week, the scientists met at the Caesars Forum conference centre to share the latest research results and innovative research approaches in all areas ranging from condensed matter and quantum computing through to climate physics. Even though the hotels and casinos along the famous Las Vegas Strip were just a few yards away from the conference venue with their lively entertainment programme in full swing, the conference offered sufficient seclusion and an effective, subject-focused atmosphere for research dialogue.

Research in Germany was represented at the APS March Meeting with quite a large information booth and a special event. Meanwhile presentations by the American Friends of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AFAvH) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) were to be found right next to the entrance to the exhibition hall, alongside the DFG. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the Max Planck School of Photonics, the Cluster of Excellence Quantum Alliance and the Munich Quantum Valley network comprising several Bavarian research institutions were also represented at the joint stand. The presence of additional researchers and members of the German Physical Society and Max Planck Institutes rounded off the comprehensive range of information and advice on offer at the booth. Anyone interested had the opportunity to find out everything they needed to know about funding programmes for doctoral researchers and postdocs and core areas of German quantum research, as well as current developments at universities and non-university research institutions in Germany. As in previous years, the range of offerings was in great demand and much appreciated by the international visitors to the conference.

For all conference-goers who wished to gain more in-depth information and get into contact with Germany-based researchers directly, the opportunity was provided on 8 March. International doctoral researchers and early-career researchers had the opportunity to engage in dialogue at a Science Lunch called “Play your cards right with Research in Germany” – a title inspired by the fact that the conference was being held in Las Vegas. At a total of six topic tables, it was possible to engage in in-depth discussion on aspects of graduate funding and academic career planning in Germany, as well as research opportunities at Fraunhofer Institutes, Max Planck Institutes, the Quantum Alliance and Munich Quantum Valley, also with the opportunity to address individual questions. Some 50 international physicists at various career stages took part in this event. When the attendees regrettably had to leave the workshop room an hour later, the conversations remained just as lively.

The Research in Germany appearance at the APS March Meeting demonstrated once again how effective it is for funding organisations and research institutions from Germany to appear jointly. It is thanks to the committed and trusting cooperation between the various actors and institutions over many years that by the end of an event like this, numerous international researchers have a better idea of how to approach and organise a research stay or take the next step in their research career in Germany. The concept and information offered by Research in Germany continues to be not just highly in demand but also very topical in view of the debate on the need for international skilled specialists in Germany.

A full list of the institutions represented at the joint Research in Germany booth:

• Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
• German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• German Research Foundation (DFG)
• German Physical Society
• Max Planck Society
• Max Planck School of Photonics
• Munich Quantum Valley
• Quantum Alliance

Further information on the APS March Meeting 2023 in Las Vegas.