26.02.2026 Early Career Researchers meet at first “M4C Coffee Connect”

The first iteration of the recurring "M4C Coffee Connect" meeting took place recently, an informal get-together to discuss science, administrative topics and living in Marburg.

Meet the first wave of Early Career Researchers at M4C: Amal Raj Thoppil Rajan, Dominik March, Anuj Kumar, Sofia Applegren, Maria Sauer, Laura Dorner, Marian Dünkel, Raksha Jain

With the launch of M4C in January, Marburg has been welcoming a new wave of Doctoral and Postdoctoral Researchers. Over coffee, tea, and freshly enjoyed traditional Kreppel (also known as Berliner, Pfannkuchen, or Krapfen), 8 Early Career Researchers (ECRs) met for their very first joint gathering.

The M4C administrative team provided insights into the cluster’s structure, upcoming events, and the graduate and postdoctoral program. Short introductions to the scientific projects showcased the breadth and connectivity of research within M4C. By connecting historical insights, current discoveries, and forward-thinking innovation, the experts at M4C are on their way to powerful breakthroughs in the understanding and utilization of microbial carbon cycling and lay the foundation for vital solutions to mitigate climate change.

For many participants, this meeting was also their first opportunity to connect beyond the lab. Having recently relocated to Marburg, the relaxed setting created space not only for scientific exchange, but also for sharing practical tips, local insights, and first impressions of life in this beautiful city at the heart of Germany.

This iteration of “M4C Coffee Connect” was the starting point of a supportive, interdisciplinary ECR network at M4C and we thank all doctoral researchers and postdocs who joined. We look forward to the discoveries, collaborations, and shared successes ahead. The journey has just begun and we are excited to shape the scientific future of microbial carbon cycling together.

In the upcoming weeks and months, many more researchers will join M4C and we are excited to connect and get to know them all during the M4C Welcome Days in April, the next “M4C Coffee Connect” and many more future events.