On Wednesday, the 2nd of October, SAP-affiliated and collaborating PhD candidates came together at SAP Labs Munich. This event served for community building, networking, and professional exchange, fully embracing SAP Munich Labs’ philosophy of "Creating Impact Together". It brought together PhD candidates from various programs and institutions, such as the University Alliances PhD Graduates Program, the strategic partner UCC Munich, and joint SAP&TUM research projects.
The event centered on building a community and providing the opportunity to connect, learn from one another, and foster meaningful cross-institutional exchange. The gathering highlighted the value of maintaining research connections between PhD candidates and SAP and undermined the importance of industry-academia collaboration and the interface of research and application. As SAP continues to expand its academic partnerships and support for PhD candidates, we are excited to see the future innovations that will emerge from these efforts.
Dr. Katharina Schäfer, Global Head of University Alliances (UA), kicked off the event by emphasizing the value of strong networks, drawing from her own experience as a former PhD. Just this year, UA launched its PhD Program and onboarded the first PhDs. Also, Dr. Rüdiger Eichin and Dr. Tobias Müller from the SAP&TUM Industry-University Collaboration team gave an engaging presentation on the SAP&TUM approach, focusing on Munich’s ecosystem as the perfect hub for research-driven product innovation.
Besides a tour of the new SAP Labs Campus Munich which showcases the interdisciplinary, synergetic work between SAP and the TUM departments, participants spent time to network and present their research to each other - leading to multiple cross-institutional project ideas. In further group discussions, they brainstormed ideas on staying connected and supporting one another and future PhDs both professionally and personally. The event was just the kick-off to many more.
After the formal program, the PhDs were transferred to the Oktoberfest to continue the discussions, socialize in a casual atmosphere and enjoy the German traditions.
Further Links
SAP Research Community
CRS Central Research Services
UCC TUM
SAP Labs Munich and TUM Campus
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