From September 20 to 24, 2026, HyPERiON hosted its first summer school of the second funding period at the Hotel Waldachtal. The event marked a significant milestone, bringing together PhD researchers from the first funding period - many of whom are now finalizing their theses - and newly recruited PhD researchers from the second funding period. This exchange of knowledge and experiences laid the foundation for continued collaboration and innovation within the CRC.

The summer school program was designed to provide a comprehensive overview of magnetic resonance (MR) fundamentals, applications, and advanced topics such as topology optimization, data analysis, and AI. Interactive sessions included:

• Cross-cutting activities led by experts like Guinevere Mathies (MR Fundamentals), Kerstin Münnemann (MR Applications), Yongbo Deng (Topology Optimization), and Asena Karolin Özdemir (Data Analysis and AI).
• A poster session where participants presented their research, fostering discussions and networking.
• Special lectures by special guests and the CRC’s PIs.

We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Bernhard Blümich (RWTH Aachen) and to Diana Nordin (University of Malaya), a former KIT graduate, for joining the event and sharing their expertise and experiences with our doctoral researchers.

A highlight of the event was the session "Passing the Baton", where senior PhD researchers from the first funding period shared their insights, challenges, and advice with the new cohort. This session not only strengthened the sense of community within HyPERiON but also ensured a smooth transition between funding periods.

During the summer school, the PhD researchers elected four new members for the IRTG committee, ensuring the continued representation of their interests and active participation in shaping the CRC’s future. We warmly welcome the newly elected representatives (Jingyi Liu, Raymond Egenti, Misbah Iqbal, Benjamin Bischoffberger) and look forward to working with them in the coming years. At the same time, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to the outgoing committee members for their commitment, engagement, and valuable contributions to the doctoral training program.

Beyond the scientific program, the summer school offered numerous opportunities for informal exchange during the poster session, the social program, and shared meals, further strengthening the collaborative spirit of the CRC.

We thank all participants, speakers, and organisers for making the Summer School 2026 such a successful start to the second funding period and as we embark on the second funding period, we look forward to building on the success of this summer school and continuing to push the boundaries of research in magnetic resonance.