GetTogether 2024 – Networking and Exchange at the Start of the Semester

© ILK/Lehmann

As in previous years, the Institute of Lightweight Engineering and Polymer Technology (ILK) at TU Dresden hosted its traditional GetTogether in 2024. The event took place at LEIV, the National Lightweight Engineering Validation Center, and provided a relaxed setting for students and ILK staff to celebrate the beginning of the semester together. The GetTogether serves as a platform for exchange on multiple levels, offering ILK research groups and faculty members the opportunity to introduce themselves to students.

A key objective of the event is to strengthen the dialogue between students and ILK staff while helping new students transition smoothly into their studies and integrate into the academic community. At the same time, the event fosters connections across different year groups, creating a strong network within the discipline. Over the years, the GetTogether has also become a valuable platform for intercultural exchange between Dresden-based students and international students. The event provided an ideal opportunity to build relationships, share experiences and strengthen an open, diverse community within the field. This international networking highlights the importance of a global community in the lightweight engineering industry while also reflecting the interdisciplinary and collaborative spirit that defines research at ILK.
Another valuable networking opportunity was provided by the Academic Club Lightweight Engineering e.V. at the TU Dresden, which was represented with its own stand. The ACL connects graduates, scientists and sponsors of the ILK and serves as a platform for knowledge transfer between academia and industry. Students were able to find out about the benefits of membership, make valuable contacts and enrol directly in the network.
Another special highlight this year was the opportunity to connect with alumni, who presented their diploma theses. This gave students valuable insights into the research and development process of scientific work and helped them find inspiration for their own final projects. Additionally, they could explore current research projects, thesis topics and student assistant positions at ILK while engaging directly with the responsible staff members.
Alongside professional exchange and networking, fun and teamwork were also an integral part of the event. Students competed in various games, including a lightweight engineering quiz as well as construction and skill-based challenges that tested their technical knowledge and team spirit. No team went home empty-handed—while all participants received small prizes, the winning team was rewarded with vouchers.

Impressions of the GetTogether 2024.

With the GetTogether 2024, ILK once again contributed to strengthening the student community and fostering exchange between different year groups, faculty, alumni and ILK staff. The event provided a refreshing break from everyday university life and numerous opportunities for networking. We are already looking forward to the next GetTogether in the coming year!