Connecting the Dots – Highlights from the ECH Research Retreat 2025

From 2 - 3 October 2025, members of the Environment and Climate Research Hub (ECH) gathered at the College Garden Hotel in Bad Vöslau for their annual research retreat – two days dedicated to what defines the Hub’s mission: connecting the dots across disciplines, methods, and perspectives.

The retreat centred on fostering interdisciplinary dialogue – linking environmental and climate research between all disciplines; from natural sciences to social sciences, policy, law and beyond - over 15 disciplines were covered. Through flash talks, collaborative presentations, and open discussions, participants explored how diverse approaches can complement one another to address today’s complex environmental challenges. The topics discussed included how Geophysics can help answer questions around the proper use of Carbon Dioxide Removal Technologies, the climate effects of microplastics floating in our atmosphere, parenthood in times of the climate crisis, Horizontal Environmental Litigation (HEL) and how scientific evidence can be translated to courts, and many more.

“These two days in Bad Vöslau showed how powerful it is when different disciplines come together – not just to talk, but to really listen and collaborate. ‘Connecting the Dots’ felt less like a theme and more like a way of working together,” said Thilo Hofmann, ECH Co-Director.

Sabine Pahl, Co-Director, added: “It is inspiring to see how our members increasingly engage in this kind of interdisciplinary dialogue. The Hub is truly becoming what it set out to be – a platform for lasting collaboration across fields.”

In addition to structured sessions, the retreat offered plenty of space for informal exchange – from conversations during a walk through the hills of Bad Vöslau to a lively pub quiz in the evening. On the second day, a World Café format encouraged participants to identify shared research priorities and develop new ideas for cross-disciplinary collaboration. Lora Fleming, ECH Ambassador and expert for environment and human health, offered her insights on fostering interdisciplinary relationships between researchers.

Already bridging 13 faculties with its 70 members, the ECH continues to grow as a vibrant network of researchers at the University of Vienna. The annual retreat has become a cornerstone of this community – a place where ideas meet, disciplines connect, and new collaborations begin.