A special highlight of the event was the ceremonial appointment of the three new Athene Young Investigators (AYI), who were included in April 2025 to the Athene Young Investigator Programme. The ceremonial appointment was carried out by Professor Franziska Lang, Vice President for Academic Careers at TU Darmstadt.

In her laudatory address, Professor Lang praised their outstanding academic achievements and their commitments to pursuing an academic career. She emphasized that the three researchers had convinced both the external reviewers and the selection committee that they are well prepared to take the next step towards a scientific career. By joining the Athene Young Investigator Programme, the researchers are now empowered to lead their own junior research groups, manage independent budgets, and develop their own research projects and academic profiles. The programme thus represents a strong vote of confidence in their future.

Following the ceremony, the event turned to a panel discussion addressing the key questions for ECRs regarding the topic of scientific independence: How can scientific independence be achieved? How does one gain visibility and recognition in the academic community? And what are the main challenges along the way?

The panel featured Prof. Dr. Jens Braun, DFG Liaison Officer at TU Darmstadt and Professor in the Department of Physics, as well as four junior research group leaders: Dr Jan-Yie Schnellbach (Department of Computer Science, TU Darmstadt), Dr Pelin Tozman (Department of Materials and Earth Sciences, TU Darmstadt), Dr Anna Wanka (Department of Education, Goethe University Frankfurt), and Dr Vanessa Zeller (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, TU Darmstadt).

Based on their own academic journeys, the panelists emphasized that independence in research often begins with writing one’s own grant proposal, securing third-party funding, and taking on increasing responsibility within research projects - particularly through the supervision of PhD candidates. The panelists currently lead or have led projects supported by prominent funding programmes, including BMBF, the Emmy Noether Programme, the Athene Young Investigator Programme, and the ERC Starting Grant. These programmes have enabled them to establish a distinct research profile, implement independent projects, and publish autonomously - thus increasing their visibility in the scientific community and gaining independence from supervisors and collaborators.

However, the path to academic independence is not without obstacles. The panelists highlighted the importance of resilience in the face of criticism, perseverance during setbacks, confidence in one’s research approach, and clear communication within research teams as essential traits for building an academic career.

In the concluding Q&A session, participants engaged actively by sharing their own perspectives, asking questions, and exchanging insights with the panel.

The event wrapped up with a reception, offering participants the opportunity to network across disciplines, connect with colleagues from the other Rhine Main Universities, and continue the conversation in an informal setting.

The annual Young Investigator Appreciation Day emphasizes the importance of promoting the ECRs within the RMU-Alliance.