Helmholtz AI Consultant Retreat 2026

27 Jan 2026, 12:30 → 29 Jan 2026, 14:30 Europe/Berlin

Hotel Lenz

This is the event page for the internal Helmholtz AI consultant retreat!

Dear fellow AI Consultants,

we are happy to officially announce the 2026 Helmholtz AI Consultants Retreat! 

Location: Hotel Lenz
Leipziger Straße 122/124, 36037 Fulda

Start: Tuesday, Jan 27, 12:30-14:00 (arrival & lunch), welcome starts at 14:00.
End: Thursday, Jan 29, 14:00

If you plan to attend, please register by Fri, Oct 31.

To make our retreat truly interactive, we ask that each participant contributes in some way. This could be by chairing a session, leading a program activity, presenting in the poster session, or organizing one of the parallel sessions. When you register, just let us know which option you prefer. 

Make sure to join the retreat Mattermost channel where you can ask questions and get the latest info from the organizers.

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Lisa and Jonas

Tuesday 27 January

12:30 → 14:00 Arrival & Lunch

14:00 → 14:40 Welcome & Icebreaker

14:40 → 15:00 Retreat Agenda

15:00 → 16:00 Scientific Session 1: Open Space Exchange A1 / A2

This session offers a structured platform for Helmholtz AI consultants from across the six centers and research domains to contribute their own topics of interest. Participants may present posters, deliver short talks, or facilitate focused discussion rounds. Multiple parallel sessions will run concurrently, allowing for interdisciplinary exchange, cross-center collaboration, and the sharing of innovative approaches and challenges from diverse scientific contexts.

16:00 → 16:30 Coffee Break

16:30 → 17:30 Scientific Session 1: Open Space Exchange B1 / B2

This session offers a structured platform for Helmholtz AI consultants from across the six centers and research domains to contribute their own topics of interest. Participants may present posters, deliver short talks, or facilitate focused discussion rounds. Multiple parallel sessions will run concurrently, allowing for interdisciplinary exchange, cross-center collaboration, and the sharing of innovative approaches and challenges from diverse scientific contexts.

17:30 → 18:30 Scientific Session 1: Open Space Exchange C1 / C2

This session offers a structured platform for Helmholtz AI consultants from across the six centers and research domains to contribute their own topics of interest. Participants may present posters, deliver short talks, or facilitate focused discussion rounds. Multiple parallel sessions will run concurrently, allowing for interdisciplinary exchange, cross-center collaboration, and the sharing of innovative approaches and challenges from diverse scientific contexts.

18:30 → 19:30 Dinner

Wednesday 28 January

09:00 → 10:30 Workshop 2: Use of LLMs in Scientific Context

In this moderated workshop by Heidi Seibold, participants will engage in a structured discussion on the use of large language models (LLMs) in scientific and research contexts. Attendees are encouraged to share tools, methods, and best practices to support mutual learning and promote responsible and transparent use of AI technologies in line with institutional and ethical standards.

10:30 → 11:00 Coffee Break

11:00 → 13:00 Workshop 2: Use of LLMs in Scientific Context

In this moderated workshop by Heidi Seibold, participants will engage in a structured discussion on the use of large language models (LLMs) in scientific and research contexts. Attendees are encouraged to share tools, methods, and best practices to support mutual learning and promote responsible and transparent use of AI technologies in line with institutional and ethical standards.

13:00 → 14:00 Lunch

14:00 → 15:30 Scientific Session 3: World Café

A collaborative session to further explore key topics and insights that emerged earlier in the workshop.

15:30 → 16:00 Coffee Break

16:00 → 18:30 Scientific Session 3: World Café

A collaborative session to further explore key topics and insights that emerged earlier in the workshop.

18:30 → 19:30 Dinner

19:30 → 21:00 PubQuiz

Thursday 29 January

09:00 → 09:15 Warm-Up

09:15 → 10:15 Scientific Session 4: Foundation Models and Model Zoos Across Helmholtz

This session provides an overview of current activities related to foundation models and model zoos across the Helmholtz Association. Each team will briefly present initiatives from their respective research field, highlighting whether and how foundation models are being used, addressing key questions such as: What is a foundation model? but also giving insights into available model zoo initiatives, their purpose, typical structure, and role in supporting accessibility and collaboration in research. The session aims to foster cross-domain awareness and facilitate knowledge sharing across centers.

10:15 → 10:45 Coffee Break

10:45 → 11:45 Scientific Session 4: Foundation Models and Model Zoos Across Helmholtz

This session provides an overview of current activities related to foundation models and model zoos across the Helmholtz Association. Each team will briefly present initiatives from their respective research field, highlighting whether and how foundation models are being used, addressing key questions such as: What is a foundation model? but also giving insights into available model zoo initiatives, their purpose, typical structure, and role in supporting accessibility and collaboration in research. The session aims to foster cross-domain awareness and facilitate knowledge sharing across centers.

11:45 → 13:00 Scientific Session 5: Open Discussion - Opportunities and Challenges

Session 5: Open Discussion - Opportunities and Challenges
Description: This closing session invites all participants to engage in an open discussion on the practical use, limitations, and potential risks associated with field-specific foundation models and model zoos.

13:00 → 14:00 Lunch

14:00 → 14:30 Wrap-Up & Feedback