On Monday 11.01.2016 the official onset of Baltic TRANSCOAST was celebrated. Over 30 participants joined the meeting, which took place in the new rooms of the graduate training group at Albert-Einstein-Str. 21. All 12 PhD positions have been filled with a few candidates beginning their training and research work in March 2016. Another 12 students are expected to join the group as ‘associated PhD students’. During the kick off meeting three scientific talks were given by young scientist who are already working in the study site of Baltic TRANSCOAST, the nature reserve Heiligensee/Hütelmoor. In addition, the training and workshop programme of Baltic TRANSCOAST that is planned for 2016 was presented to the PhD students.