Meet Jakob Hutter, a standout BA in Data Science and Society and one of the recipients of the CEU Scholarship for the European Forum Alpbach (EFA) this year. Jakob has kindly shared his insights from the EFA. Dive into his reflections below—fair warning: you might find yourselfeeling truly inspired (and eager to take part in the forum yourself)!
FForum Alpbach is what you make of it." That’s what they told us during the opening ceremony, and to be honest, at first, I didn’t quite understand what they meant. But after two weeks of workshops, seminars, and socializing at the European Forum Alpbach (EFA), it became clear: no matter what you’re looking for, you can find it here. Whether you want to make lifelong friends, laugh, learn deeply about a specific topic, or even find a job, Alpbach is the place for you.
One of the sessions that stood out to me was the seminar "Staying Sane in a Modern World." This was led by an unlikely duo: a professor of psychiatry and a meditation entrepreneur. Over the course of five days, they introduced us to the intricacies of the human mind, sharing research-based strategies for leading a happy life, and pairing them with practical tools like meditation and self-care. What struck me most was the balance between the theoretical and the practical. A month later, I still practice what I learned—not just because it works, but because the seminar gave us the confidence to trust the process.
During the day, we were busy attending seminars, fireside talks with politicians and intellectuals, and networking. But the evenings were reserved for deepening friendships and connections. Whether through fun group activities or simply sitting on the terrace of the seminar center with a drink, every moment was an opportunity to bond. One evening, I met a group of people from Palumba, an app designed to help voters during the EU elections. I was fascinated by their vision and motivation, and their field of work lies right within my passion for Data science application in the political sphere. We’ve kept in touch, and I’m now attending weekly meetings, analyzing data on voting behavior, and working to further develop the project for future elections.
Meeting like-minded people who shared my passions and goals was a common thread throughout my Alpbach experience. Beyond making professional connections, I was surrounded by an atmosphere of openness, curiosity, and collaboration, which made the entire event feel transformative. It wasn’t just about learning from experts; for me it was about realizing the value of working with people who share your interests. That sense of community helped me understand how fulfilling life can be when you’re doing something you love, with people who truly get you. Alpbach also shifted my mindset—I learned to embrace JOMO (the Joy of Missing Out), focusing on what truly matters instead of trying to do it all.
So, did Alpbach change my goals? Not exactly. But it showed me how attainable they are with time and patience. It helped me redefine my goals in a way that makes them more manageable, and it reminded me why I’m passionate about them in the first place. Alpbach didn’t change my direction—it gave me the clarity to continue on the path I was already on, but with more focus and peace of mind.
“For students considering attending the European Forum Alpbach in the future, my advice is simple: don’t overthink it. Don’t be shy—jump in and live the experience. You’ll be surrounded by a unique crowd, and everyone is there to make the most of it. So, let yourself be part of it and see where it takes you.”
Photos courtesy of Jakob Hutter