MESIGA25 Potsdam

10 March 2025

From March 10th to 13th, the German SIAM and GAMM student chapters met in Potsdam for the MESIGA25: Numerical Methods in Applied Mathematics .

MESIGA is short for "Meeting of the European SIAM and GAMM student chapters", a small workshop organized by student chapters for student level researchers with the goal to connect passionate young researchers. After a little break, it is intended to be held biennially, this time hosted jointly by the chapters Berlin and Potsdam.

Due to generous funding by the GAMM, we were able to participate with 7 members. After a not-so-long train ride via Berlin to Potsdam, the conference started on the evening of March 10th with an industry event. At a bar in the heart of Potsdam, we listened to a talk about mathematics applied in the industry, in particular the automotive world, by an enthusiastic speaker from CARIAD. Afterwards, there was, of course, also room for some informal chatting and connecting.

The next morning, we commuted to the campus in Golm for the scientific program. The special guests, GAMM treasurer Andrea Walther and SIAM president Carol Woodward, opened the session, followed by brief introductory presentations from each participating chapter. In order to get to know the people and not only the chapters, we also played some icebreaker games.

In three days, we had the opportunity to listen to numerous great talks by young researchers as well as four engaging plenary talks given by senior-level researchers. Throughout, there were naturally a number of breaks as well as joint lunch to get in contact with everybody.

Additionally, there were some special events. On Tuesday evening, there was a poster session with more outstanding work by young researchers. Wednesday evening was more devoted to one of the most important components, networking. Those who were interested got a tour of the city of Potsdam, including the iconic landmark Sanssouci palace. The conference dinner was split into multiple groups for easier interactions, but was then wrapped up again by a joint get-together.

The final day was, why we consider this conference extra special. Of course, what would be a student chapter meeting without a morning session dedicated to exchanging best practices with other chapters, keeping traditions alive, and planning new exiting events. Then, in the afternoon, everybody got the chance to attend a soft skills session, where experts from a local poetry slam ensemble helped to practice storytelling, humor and stage presence. All game-changing assets when it comes to presenting our scientific work.

Last but not least, we would like to thank the student chapters Potsdam and Berlin, in particular Adrian, Franzi, Hans, Sri, and Josie, for their extraordinary organization. As well as all funding organizations for their support. We really enjoyed our time in Potsdam and are already looking forward to the next event.