Communicate, Connect, Collaborate: Early Career Scientists Beyond Disciplinary Boundaries was held on 21–22 September 2026 at GFZ Potsdam. The workshop was designed to bring early-career researchers from different geoscientific backgrounds together and to address three closely connected skills that are essential for interdisciplinary work: communicating research beyond one’s own field, building professional connections, and developing collaborative ideas across disciplinary boundaries.

The first day focused on science communication. Participants discussed how to present their research clearly to audiences outside their own discipline and then applied this in practical exercises. In parallel, part of the group joined a guided tour of the Telegrafenberg campus. The second day shifted from communication to collaboration. Senior researchers shared experiences of career setbacks, rejection, and non-linear career paths in the “Behind the CV” session, followed by input on interdisciplinary proposal development. Participants then worked in six mixed groups, each supported by a mentor, to develop a short interdisciplinary research proposal.

The workshop concluded with group pitches on their mini proposal and feedback from a review panel. The format required participants to identify a common research question, combine different areas of expertise, define objectives and methods, and communicate the resulting idea within a short time. In this way, the workshop moved from individual communication skills to practical interdisciplinary collaboration and gave participants direct experience of developing and presenting a research idea with people outside their usual scientific environment.