This year’s Trifels Summer School was organized under the auspices of the TU Darmstadt, in particular the teams of the DFG Research Training Group KRITIS and the LOEWE Center emergenCITY, and was dedicated to the highly topical subject of “Critical Infrastructures”. For one week, 14 scientists from different disciplines worked together on questions of infrastructure research in the beautiful late summer ambience of the Kurhaus in Annweiler am Trifels. In addition to scientific exchange, there was also room for joint activities and networking.

The international and interdisciplinary group first got to know each other in a round of “Science Speed Dating” and learned more about the research focus and interests of the other participants. In the following days, three sessions by Anique Hommels, Jiska Engelbert and Jochen Monstadt offered further insights into different perspectives and facets of infrastructure research. In three interdisciplinary working groups, the discussions were taken up again during the week, deepened and enriched with insights and experiences from their own research and disciplines. Finally, all working groups presented their perspectives on the thematic complexes “Resilience”, “System of Systems” and “Transformation of Technology”.

The simulation game “Neustart - Die Blackout-Simulation” provided variety in the program. For a few hours, the participants were able to put themselves in the position of a crisis team and work cooperatively on strategies for crisis management during a power outage in the fictitious Schwarzbach. In addition, the group did not miss the opportunity to visit local sights, such as the historic Trifels Castle, in glorious weather.

The conclusion of this successful week was the 8th Trifels Talk: Together with many interested people from the region, the participants of the Summer School followed the panel discussion on the topic “Digitalization of infrastructures and its challenges for security”. Jens Ivo Engels was able to welcome Interior Minister Michael Ebling, scientists Jochen Monstadt and Matthias Hollick, and IT expert Manuel Atug to the podium as moderator.

After days of intensive exchange, the participants left with fresh impulses for their own research, new contacts and initial ideas for future collaborations in their luggage.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude for this great week, especially to the dedicated participants and our outstanding speakers for their contributions and joy of discussion. We would also like to thank the management of the Research Training Group KRITIS as well as the LOEWE Center emergenCITY and the Meeting Center Kurhaus for their organizational and financial support of the Summer School. Furthermore, we thank the team of the Jugendstilhotel Trifels for the accommodation and the excellent hospitality during our stay.