2nd TRR 379 Retreat: Building Momentum for the Future

The 2nd TRR 379 Retreat brought together nearly 100 team members on February 12-13, 2026, for two days of productive scientific exchange and collaboration. Following the successful first retreat in 2025, this year’s event strengthened connections across all project areas and generated excitement for the work ahead.

Distinguished Guests, Scientific Highlights and Project Updates #

We were honored to welcome James Blair (Scientific Advisory Board) and Gal Richter-Levin (Reviewer Panel) to the retreat. Another highlight was the keynote lecture by Martin Rettenberger, who presented current results in sexual violence research, focusing on the relevance of mental disorders and neuropsychological findings for predicting sexual (re-)offending.

All projects across Areas A, B, and C presented their latest research progress in parallel sessions. From neural mechanisms of aggression to social and environmental influences on behavior, the presentations showcased the breadth and depth of our collaborative research network. Q-projects provided updates on cross-cutting research activities, highlighting advances in methodology, data management, and community engagement.

Interactive Formats and Knowledge Exchange #

The “World Café” on the second day provided an interactive platform for cross-disciplinary dialogue and creative idea exchange, fostering new connections between researchers across different areas. Oliver Günther presented the TRR’s social media initiative “angry.brains,” demonstrating our commitment to science communication and public engagement.

Equity and Community #

Andreas Chiocchetti presented on behalf of the Equal Opportunities Committee, reflecting on equity and awareness within the TRR one year after its inception. The retreat also featured parallel meetings of the Citizen Advisory Board and Equal Opportunities Committee, ensuring diverse perspectives shape the TRR’s future direction.

In conclusion, the 2nd TRR 379 Retreat successfully combined rigorous scientific exchange with community building.

As we look toward the future, our team is energized and ready to advance our shared mission of understanding the biological and social mechanisms of human aggression.