Research Exchange in the Alps: IMCS at “FE ohne Schnee” 2025

Four members of our institute participated in the annual seminar “FE ohne Schnee”, held in the scenic Kleinwalsertal earlier this week. The event, founded by Prof. Ekkehard Ramm in 1985, has since established itself as a unique platform for informal scientific exchange between structural mechanics groups from various German universities. Hosted at the Söllerhaus, the seminar combines technical presentations with outdoor activities, fostering a collaborative and open atmosphere. This year’s edition brought together researchers from TU Munich, University of Dortmund, University of Hannover, RWTH Aachen, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, and the University of Stuttgart.

Representing our institute, Dharini Balachandran, Eugenia Gabriela Loera Villeda, Bishr Maradni, and Ratnadeep Pramanik joined the seminar. Gabriela and Bishr even gave presentations about their ongoing research: Gabriela introduced an embedded mesh approach for coupling isogeometric and Cartesian meshes for contact problems, while Bishr shared insights on probabilistic virtual sensing of reinforced concrete structures using Gaussian Processes. Their presentations sparked active discussions among the participants and contributed to the broader exchange on finite element methods, high-fidelity simulations, machine learning, and design optimization.

The combination of scientific dialogue and shared mountain hikes — including a tour through the Breitachklamm and the ascent to Hoher Ifen — made this year’s seminar a memorable experience. As highlighted by our colleagues, the setting offered an ideal space for young researchers to exchange ideas and receive valuable feedback in a relaxed, interdisciplinary environment. We sincerely thank the Institute for Structural Mechanics at the University of Stuttgart, especially Dr.-Ing. Malte von Scheven, for the excellent organization and warm hospitality.

^{Title photo: © Institut für Baustatik und Baudynamik, Universität Stuttgart}

^{Photo bottom: © Dharini Balachandran, IMCS, UniBw M}