2026 YCN Workshop in Poland

The 5th YCN Workshop, Bridging the Gap to the Next Stage of Your Career, was held from July 6th–9th, 2026, at Otrębusy Palace, Poland. Organized by ECerS and YCN, it celebrated the 10th anniversary of the YCN Committee and brought together 35 participants from 13 countries. The workshop focused on career development, collaboration, and emerging trends in ceramics, with an emphasis on funding, leadership, networking, and AI tools.

Five expert-led sessions were held:

• Dr. Anne Jantos: Hands-on workshop on responsible AI use in research.
• Paulina Makol: Behavioural lab on assertive communication using the DESC framework.
• Dr. Louise Settle: Session on structuring competitive proposals for early-career funding.
• Kate Jennings: Interactive session on leadership development using the WIIFM framework and GROW coaching model.
• YCN Committee: 10th-anniversary workshop on research journeys, community-building, and future activities.
   

Beyond the structured sessions, the workshop featured rapid-fire presentations where participants shared their research in concise, engaging talks, sparking lively discussions and feedback. 3 winners were chosen by the audience and the YCN Committee, winning each of them a prize money of 200€:

• Joao Miranda (University of Aveiro): "UHS of Nb-doped SrTiO3"
• Nima Amousa (HZB Berlin): "Revealing oxidation-driven degradation by synchrotron microscopy"
• Ines Vieira (University of Aveiro): "Tailoring Stoneware Glazes"

Collaborative discussions allowed attendees to exchange ideas, tackle shared challenges, and explore potential partnerships. Social networking events, including informal gatherings and group activities, provided opportunities to build connections in a relaxed setting, strengthening professional relationships and fostering a sense of community.

Building on the 2024 Writing Retreat’s success, the 2026 workshop maintained a distraction-free, expert-led, and balanced format. Post-event, resources were shared, and a new YCN Special Issue in Open Ceramics was announced for the end of 2026.

The YCN Committee was thankful to the Jecs Trust Board for renewing its trust in YCN and for its financial support.

Check the flyer of the Workshop here.