Water Splitting Group at the annual SINATRA meeting in Ilmenau 2025. Presentation by Jacob Schneidewind and posters by Ebrahim Abedini and Ahmad Said.

Collaboration in Action: SINATRA Researchers Meet in Ilmenau for the 2025 Project Update

From 22 to 24 October 2025, the annual meeting of the SINATRA consortium took place at TU Ilmenau. Researchers and project partners used the opportunity to present recent results, exchange ideas, and develop joint perspectives for the next phases of the project.
Water Splitting Group at the annual SINATRA meeting in Ilmenau 2025. Presentation by Jacob Schneidewind and posters by Ebrahim Abedini and Ahmad Said.
Image: Kristína Rabatinová

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From 22 to 24 October 2025, the SINATRA Research Initiative met at TU Ilmenau for this year’s project update meeting. Over three days, researchers and project partners from across the network came together to discuss progress, exchange ideas, and strengthen collaborations withing the network.

The meeting began on the 22nd with a career coaching session led by Dr. Iris Köhler. Through interactive exercises and discussions, participants explored scientific career paths and personal development strategies in research. The session offered a mix of valuable insights and engaging activities that made for a lively start to the meeting. In the evening, the group gathered at Hotel Tanne for a dinner full of good food and relaxed conversations. 

The second day focused on scientific progress within the SINATRA project. Each group presented updates on their current research. Among the speakers Jacob Schneidewind presented recent updates from our work, followed by Ebrahim Abendinis presentation titled “SINATRA: SolSTEP – Two-Step Photocatalysis for the Integrated Production of Solar Fuels.” 

The day concluded with a poster session showcasing a wide range of topics (also from the Water Splitting Group):

  • Ebrahim presented “Photocatalytic Intermediate Water-Splitting using Alkali Metal-Modified and Hydrothermally Treated Carbon Nitride,”
  • Nadja shared her work on “SrTiO3-based Photocatalysts for Light-Induced Water Splitting,” 
  • Ahmad discussed “Can We Keep H₂O₂ Alive? Insights into Its Photodecomposition over Al:SrTiO₃ Photocatalysts in a Baggie Reactor,” 
  • and we showcased our work on “Understanding Light-Driven Water Oxidation through the Combination of Benzoquinone and a Nonheme Iron Catalyst.”

The final day on the 24th was dedicated to exchange and collaboration among PhD students and postdocs. Two presentations kicked off the session — one by Nadja on her recent progress in her work. The meeting ended on a light-hearted note with an informal icebreaking session, where participants shared funny and chaotic “lab stories” and ideas for future team-building activities.

Overall, the meeting successfully combined scientific exchange, professional development, and a good dose of team spirit. It strengthened the collaboration within the SINATRA Research Initiative and provided fresh momentum for the next phase of the project. Big thank you to the PARASOL team at Technische Universität Ilmenau for hosting this highly productive meeting!