Fiasco Fiesta, Fri 3 July, 9am - 2pm
Rejection is part of academia - gain CONFIDENCE and make it fun!
The Fiasco Fiesta is the place where career misfortunes in academia are shared, snacks and drinks are served, laughs are had, and we celebrate each other as the excellent researchers we are, resiliently moving towards our best professional selves.
The Fiasco Fiesta Workshop
If you attend the Fiasco Fiesta, you will...
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Experience what it’s like to talk about challenges in a space where kindness and encouragement are the norm. You’ll discover the relief and connection that come from sharing stories in a non-judgmental, supportive environment.
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Get to know your own strengths and inner resources. You’ll gain insights into how you personally cope with challenges - and how to tap into those strategies more intentionally when the next Fiasco hits.
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Learn how to look at setbacks with a clearer, more constructive perspective. Instead of feeling stuck or discouraged, you’ll explore new ways to respond and grow from difficult moments.
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Connect with others and build your own network of peer support. Whether it’s a new conversation partner, a listening ear, or an accountability buddy - you might just walk away with a community that lasts beyond the event.
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What is a "good failure" to share on the workshop?
A few examples people shared last year:
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"My application was rejected."
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"Stayed way too long in a job because I didn't want to let people down."
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"Ordered something expensive. Non-returnable. Wrong one."
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"My career looks great from the outside. I am not happy."
Rejection is part of academia - gain CONFIDENCE and make it fun!
The Fiasco Fiesta is the place where career misfortunes in academia are shared, snacks and drinks are served, laughs are had, and we celebrate each other as the excellent researchers we are, resiliently moving towards our best professional selves.
Presenters
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Sabrina Krüger
Life Scientist with experience in academia and industry, currently working as a Scientific Training Specialist and Program Coordinator. Experienced in biomedical research, training development, and multicultural environments. Passionate about supporting fellows’ professional growth and contributing to collaborative, impactful initiatives.
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Karin Lambert
Works with leaders, entrepreneurs, and people in positions of responsibility. Combines body language, embodiment, and leadership to support a more natural, authentic, and impactful presence, communication, and leadership style.
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Brady Hughes
Recreation Therapist and Certified Grief Recovery Method Specialist with a diverse background in business/finance, health/social care, youth work, adult learning, and art. Understands the value and benefits of learning how to fail better, and that having the proper tools and support can drastically improve our ability to move forward.
https://hughesws.com
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Marion Gürth
Careers advisor for doctoral researchers with a background in molecular biology, experience in science management and project coordination. Loves connecting early career researchers with opportunities and fostering exchange and mentoring across career stages and sectors. Enjoys exploring unconventional training formats that create space for genuine exchange and personal growth.
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Preliminary Programme
08:30
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Workshop Group Allocation, Networking & Coffee
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09:00
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Welcome & Oops! Failure - Short Stand-Up Comedy
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09:45
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Fiasco Fiesta Workshop
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12:00
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Walk to TP BBQ-Area
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12:15
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Burning Fiascos & BBQ
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14:00
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End
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Get a glimpse of last year’s Fiasco Fiesta:
Find a short recap, participant feedback, and impressions from the 2025 event in our recap document!
Venue
The Fiasco Fiesta event on 3 July will take place in the DKFZ Communication Center. Please come to the reception from 8:30am to collect your badge. We will walk together for the BBQ to the TP-Area (TP 585).
Directions can be found under the "How to find us" section in the upper left menu.
We are grateful for Johanna Stadlbauer and Arqus European University Alliance for sharing the playbook with us.
