The Cluster of Excellence IntCDC hosted the second AdvanceAEC Postdoc Network Meeting at the University of Stuttgart from 29 -30 September 2025. Fourteen postdoctoral researchers from our AdvanceAEC network partner institutions in Sydney (arc ArchManu), Zurich (NCCR dfab), Braunschweig (SFB-TRR277), Dresden (SPP2177), and Stuttgart came together for two days of networking, and exchanging ideas.
The first day focused on professional development, starting with a workshop on leadership in science led by Maria-Christina Spießberger. This was followed by an entrepreneurship training conducted by Sebastian Donath from TRACES alongside IntCDC researchers and entrepreneurs Laura Kiesewetter (ICD), Hans Jakob Wagner (ICD), and Jorge Christie (ITKE), who shared their experiences in founding and running startups. Participants then visited the remarkable Stuttgart 21 train station construction site, before concluding the day with a lively networking dinner.
Day two offered an in-depth look at cutting-edge research facilities. The postdocs explored the ILEK tent and the D1244 adaptive high-rise building, engaging directly with projects led by Daria Kovaleva (ILEK) and Gennaro Senatore (ILEK).
At IntCDC’s Large-scale Construction Robotics Laboratory (LCRL) – central hub for interdisciplinary exchange and an interface between research and practice at IntCDC – Cluster Principal Investigators Achim Menges (ICD), Cordula Kropp (SOWI), Volker Schwieger (IIGS), Daniel Weiskopf (VISUS), and Oliver Sawodny (ISYS) introduced participants to the latest research findings. The event concluded at the IntCDC Open Day, where guided tours through the LCRL provided insights into the IntCDC's research platforms. Among other things, robot-assisted processes for the manufacture of wood building systems, for the production of coreless wound fiber composite components, mobile manipulators for AI-assisted assembly of building components, and collaborative multi-robot systems for use in new construction and existing buildings were presented. All AdvanceAEC postdocs actively engaged in networking opportunities throughout the event, particularly during the IntCDC Cluster party, promoting new exchanges and connections.
The meeting was a resounding success, fostering collaboration, inspiration, and knowledge exchange across the AdvanceAEC network. A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this meeting a great success. We particularly look forward to the upcoming AdvanceAEC Postdoc Network Meetings in Braunschweig and Sydney.
More information on the research network AdvanceAEC: www.advanceaec.net
