(27.09.21) Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the 70th General Assembly of the Collège International pour la Recherché en Productique (CIRP) due to take place last year had to be cancelled. It was finally possible to hold the meeting this year, though not in Munich as originally planned but virtually instead.

Academics from all over the world took part in the production technology conference from 22 to 29 August 2021, making the most of the opportunity to exchange ideas with each other. On entering the virtual entrance hall, registered conference participants had the opportunity to find out about the programme’s extensive academic programme as well obtain general information about the CIRP. Just a few steps away in the virtual exhibition hall, visitors were able to peruse exhibitors’ virtual stands and stock up on information material.

“Research in Germany” was involved as an exhibitor with a virtual stand providing information about research and funding opportunities in the field of production technology in Germany. Here, visitors were able to gain an initial impression of the German research landscape based on videos. A range of different information brochures was provided for more in-depth study of potential career paths and funding options in Germany; for example, the new “Research in Germany” brochure “Manufacturing Science and Engineering” was available for download, providing a subject-specific insight into the German research landscape. Visitors also had the opportunity to chat directly with representatives of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the German Academic Exchange Service, the DFG and the Fraunhofer Society.

“Research in Germany” also invited conference participants to take part in a virtual coffee break. In a relaxed setting over a cup of coffee, the representatives of the AvH, DAAD, DFG and the Fraunhofer Society welcomed visitors to engage in informal dialogue. With the participation of international early-career researchers as well as established academics, the virtual coffee break was not only diverse but also facilitated lively debate on current developments in research and funding. The visitors took the opportunity to establish new contacts with each other, refresh existing ones and consider the prospect of new collaborations in the future – almost as if they had run into each other at the physical “Research in Germany” stand and not on a computer screen.

Further information on the conference:

• https://www.cirp2020.de/

Further information on the “Research in Germany” initiative:

• https://www.research-in-germany.org