On December 3, the first research retreat of the Sensorized Surgery project took place. The ENT Department of Jena University Hospital invited all project partners to spend a collaborative day in the laboratories of the Clinical Biophotonics Group. The primary goal of the retreat was to provide an in-depth, hands-on insight into the workflows and contributions of the ENT team within the project—and to help project partners, especially the PhD researchers, better understand and connect with each other.
Interactive Start: Getting to Know Each Other
The day began with an introduction to the laboratory environment and a safety briefing. This was followed by an interactive round of introductions, giving all participants—and particularly the PhD students—the opportunity to get to know one another, exchange perspectives, and build stronger personal connections. This exchange set the tone for the day and prepared the groups for the practical sessions that followed.
Four Stations – A Comprehensive Insight into the ENT Team’s Work
The core of the retreat consisted of four hands-on stations, each representing essential steps carried out by the ENT team for the project. Participants were able not only to observe but to actively engage with these processes:
1. Thin Section Preparation
Creation of high-quality tissue sections using microtome and cryotome techniques, including identification of potential artefacts.
2. B-SRS Measurements (CORAL)
Performing measurements on prepared samples and gaining an introduction to spectral evaluation.
3. H&E Staining
Staining and microscopy of FFPE and cryo tissue sections—fundamental procedures for visual tissue analysis.
4. Annotation Training
Collaborative analysis and annotation of tissue sections as preparation for AI-supported evaluation workflows.
A Day of Connection, Understanding, and Shared Learning
The retreat offered project partners an in-depth look at the day-to-day work performed by the ENT team for the project. At the same time, it created space for collegial exchange, professional discussion, and personal interaction—particularly valuable for the PhD students whose work is closely interconnected.
The open atmosphere, strong motivation, and active engagement of all participants made the retreat an important step toward deepening collaboration across the project.
Looking Ahead
With the insights gained and the strengthened relationships, the project team moves forward with renewed motivation. The retreat highlighted the importance of understanding each partner’s contributions—and the value of personal connection in driving successful scientific collaboration.