The latest edition of the annual Student Spring Gathering took place in Oberammergau from 25.04. – 27.04.2025 under the theme “Natural & Cultural Heritage”. As a tradition, it was planned and hosted by students of the Science and Technology Studies M.A. (STS) and Responsibility in Science, Engineering and Technology M.A. (RESET) with the support of the Study and Quality Management STS.
The Student Spring Gathering brings together students and alumni from both programs around a new theme each year. It features guest speakers, excursions, activities, and discussion sessions — blending academic enrichment with community-building.
The theme of this year was "Natural & Cultural Heritage," inviting the STS and RESET students to explore, question, and reflect on how heritage, technology, and society intertwine while experiencing Oberammergau both in the traditions of this historic town and the surrounding landscapes. We took “Heritage” as something more than just what we inherit, but what we make of, while considering the intra-relations surrounding it.
The weekend kicked off with a town expedition and scavenger hunt through Oberammergau, encouraging participants to connect with the location while expanding their reflections on the theme. In the afternoon, our guest speaker Dr. Mauch (STS Dept. lecturer) gave a keynote on the environmental history of Munich.
Th students then joined the Fireside Chat hosted by the STS Munich – Student & Alumni Association, where Annika Essmann (RESET alumna, graduation 2020) shared her experiences. The session offered valuable insights into career-building, job searching, and applying knowledge and skills gained from STS and RESET in professional life.
Saturday concluded with the STS Munich – Student & Alumni Association’s General Assembly, where updates from the past year were shared, and ideas for future initiatives were discussed. Also, a new board of the Association has been elected; we congratulate and wish success to the new board members: Lena, Elif, Yiğit, Angela, and Ian!
The day ended with a cozy bonfire and stick bread at the foothills of the German Alps. Alongside the discussions centered around our theme, there were many more conversations, from everyday university life to living in Munich as a student and a professional, as well as exchanging career tips and wisdom. On Sunday, the Gathering wrapped up with excursions — hiking and riding an Alpine Coaster.
The 2025 Student Spring Gathering was an inspiring, interdisciplinary, and community-building weekend that left participants full of ideas and energy for the rest of the summer semester and beyond!
Article: Elif Aksu Çelebi