A Shared Beginning: SCALA’s First Training School

On September 18 and 19, the first Training School of SCALA took place at the Institute of Geoinformatics, University of Münster in Germany. The event brought together 15 doctoral candidates, their supervisors and leading domain experts in an intensive two-day event. For the first time in the project, everyone was in the same place, which allowed for getting to know each other and their work, and enabled everyone to explore potential collaborations and to learn from each other.

Each participant briefly presented their own labs, background and ideas for their research projects, which led to lively discussions after each presentation and during the breaks.  In addition, the programme included lectures from three well-known domain experts: Prof. Dr. Dan Montello, Prof. Dr. Barbara Landau, and Dr. Ioanna Markostamou, who each gave insights into their work and the fundamental concepts of their research areas.. Interactive discussions, project overviews, and shared reflections throughout the event, ensured that every participant left with a clearer understanding of how their work fits into the wider picture.

Beyond the formal sessions, the training school created a space for building connections and shaping the future for the project. The first of three integrated projects involving multiple DCs across all involved sites kicked off with a first session held on the second day. During a lab tour, everyone learned about the facilities available at the Institute for Geoinformatics and related ongoing research projects. 

This first gathering set the tone for how SCALA will contribute to research and how it might contribute towards improving the quality of life by exploring effective spatial communication across the lifespan.

The principal investigators and doctoral candidates of SCALA and associated partners at the first Training School in Münster on the 17th-18th of September 2025.