From September 24 to 26, 2025, Leoben will host the SAL-DC Summit – the annual highlight of the SAL Doctoral College (SAL-DC), which was launched in 2020 in cooperation with Graz University of Technology, JKU Linz, and the University of Klagenfurt. The aim of the program is to provide doctoral students in the field of Electronics and Software-Based Systems (ESBS) with structured scientific training and an inspiring, interdisciplinary exchange.

This year's summit will focus on the theme of “Scientific Communication” and will address the question of how research can be communicated effectively. You can look forward to a diverse program with renowned speakers and interactive formats, including:

  • Keynote speech by Oliver Graydon, editor-in-chief of Nature Photonics, on current developments in scientific publishing
  • Workshop on science communication with Prof. Dr. Peter Iwaniewicz (University of Vienna, Falter)
  • Insights into funding opportunities for postdocs with Dr. Therese Lindahl (FFG, National Contact Point MSCA)
  • Research talk on Knowledge based plasma process development by Prof. Dr. Julian Schulze (Ruhr University Bochum)
  • Training on scientific marketing with Isabella Preuer, Head of Communications & PR at SAL
  • Poster and presentation sessions by SAL-DC PhD students
  • Contribution on open access and open science strategies with Dr. Sabine Lengger (SAL)

Venue: Live Congress Leoben
Date: September 24–26, 2025


More information on SAL-DC 

New: Apply for one of the coveted places at the SAL-DC Summit 2025

For the first time, SAL is opening up the Summit program to external PhD students. If you are pursuing a doctorate in the field of electronics and software-based systems and are enthusiastic about scientific exchange, we cordially invite you to apply for one of the three places available.

What we offer:

  • Participation in the SAL-DC Summit 2025 in Leoben
  • Coverage of accommodation, meals, and summit fees
  • Access to a strong network in research and industry

Documents to be submitted:

  • A one-page resume (CV)
  • A short letter of motivation (max. 250 words) in which you describe the content of your dissertation, explain its relevance to the ESBS field, and explain your motivation for participating

Selection criteria:

  • Relevance of your research topic
  • Quality of your CV
  • Convincing presentation of your motivation

Application deadline: August 24, 2025, 11:59 PM
Submission to: SALDC-Contest2025@silicon-austria.com
Data protection notice: Data protection - Silicon Austria Labs (SAL)

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming new scientific perspectives to our research community.