On 8–9 September, the Institute of Social and Political Sciences held its first retreat in Eger, bringing together colleagues for two days of professional exchange, team-building, and research development.

The program opened with an interactive session moderated by HR coaches, designed to set the tone for collaboration and to strengthen personal connections within the Institute. This was followed by lively PechaKucha presentations, where colleagues introduced their research interests in a fast-paced and engaging format. The presentations not only provided insights into the diverse scholarly work underway at the Institute but also laid the foundation for the creation of new research groups.

Drawing on the themes that emerged during the PechaKucha sessions, participants formed dedicated research clusters to pursue common topics and explore opportunities for collaboration. These groups will continue to meet regularly, exchange ideas, and develop joint projects, providing a long-term structure for academic cooperation.

Overall, the retreat proved to be a fruitful and inspiring event. Colleagues not only gained a deeper understanding of each other’s work but also had the chance to connect on a more personal level. The atmosphere of open dialogue and shared curiosity led to new conversations and the birth of promising research initiatives that will strengthen the Institute’s scholarly community in the years ahead.