by Dr. Nicholas Russell (Member WG Survey)

The Helmholtz Association Postdoc Network (HAPN) invited the German Postdoc Network (GPN), together with the Max Planck PostdocNet and the Leibniz Postdoc Network, to its Annual Meeting at the Max Delbrück Center (MDC) in Berlin for an engaging cross‑network exchange. As a member of the GPN Survey Working Group I, Nicholas Russell, was happy to attend and represent the GPN at this meeting. The objective was to develop a clearer understanding of how some of Germany’s major postdoc networks operate, identify similarities and differences between how each network functions, brainstorm collective activities and synergistic areas to collaborate, and to network with individual members of each organization. 

Key takeaways from our lively and constructive discussion:

• Addressing survey fatigue: Postdocs may be starting to feel survey fatigue, so how can we convince postdocs that surveys are a vital resource, even if the survey results do not result in change during a researcher’s postdoctoral career? We found two possible avenues. Firstly, we can better identify the precise needs of our networks at a local level, as well as what needs to change on the global (German-wide) level, by asking similar questions across networks. As well, providing institute-specific results can motivate postdocs to fill out surveys, as they can see a more direct consequence of their effort. 
• Policy preparedness: With big policy discussions in the Bundestag coming up revolving around the WissZeitVG and the Arbeitszeitgesetz, we need to have more continuous discussions so that we are prepared for when the Bundestag asks for feedback on proposals for new policy. 
• Keeping research at the centre: While advocacy is a vital part, we must also not lose sight of who postdocs really are: scientists and researchers. Therefore, we must find better ways to create more career and research-based collaborative efforts, whether that is mini-conferences where postdocs from all networks can share their research or weekly online seminars where postdocs can come together and hear about each other’s research. 

Thank you to the whole HAPN team for convening this important exchange—and especially Fiona Brown Burke for the invitation and excellent organisation. GPN looks forward to translating these insights into shared initiatives and continuing the collaboration across Germany’s postdoc community.