Combining Academy and Practice: A UAS Professorship
2026-05-07 13:00 - 14:00 (Europe/Berlin)
A professorship at a University of Applied Sciences (UAS) unites both academia and professional practice. Through applied research, you may become a driving force for innovation in society and business in this role. In practice- and project-based teaching, you will train students and equip them with a wide range of skills to meet tomorrow’s challenges. Importantly, a UAS professorship allows for transitions across your lifetime.In this virtual lunch talk, Frank Dellmann introduces you to Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS)— the most common type of university in Germany in term of numbers. He will discuss professorship appointment requirements, prerequisites and processes, and present a new format called tandem professorship (in German ‘Tandemprofessur’ or ‘Nachwuchsprofessur’). This format is designed to provide postdocs with professional experience outside of higher education in order to meet the requirements for a UAS professorship. Bring your questions and get involved!

Register here!

Speaker:
Prof. Dr. Frank Dellmann
President of FH Münster University of Applied Sciences and Chairman of the Board of UAS7 e.V.
Frank Dellmann is passionately working on establishing national and international partnerships, both in his roles as President of FH Münster University of Applied Sciences (since 2021), and as Chairman of the Board of the network Seven German Universities of Applied Sciences UAS7 (since April 2024). In his previous role as Vice President for Teaching and International Affairs at FH Münster University of Applied Sciences (10/2014-09/2021), he was primarily responsible for the core process of education and the strategic development areas of digitalization, internationalization, and continuing education.

Date and Time

Organizer

From Academic Research to Policy Impact: Navigating the Science–Policy Interface
2026-04-13 13:00 - 14:00
Policymakers are confronted with multifaceted challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, energy security, the rise of populism, and the long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing these complex issues requires scientific evidence. At the same time, translating research findings into policy-relevant insights remains challenging, and many researchers perceive policymaking processes in parliaments, ministries, and other public institutions as a “black box”.
In this virtual lunch talk, Tome Sandevski (Goethe University Frankfurt) offers a practice-oriented introduction to the science–policy interface and to policymaking processes across key public institutions. Participants will gain an overview of written and dialogue-oriented formats of scientific policy advice that enable effective engagement with policymakers. The session will also highlight how such activities can support the demonstration of research impact, an increasingly important component of competitive funding applications.

Register here!

Speaker:
Tome Sandevski
Tome Sandevski heads the Policy Engagement Unit at Goethe-University Frankfurt. His work focuses on developing and implementing innovative formats for science–policy dialogue. He regularly organizes policy events in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region, Berlin, and Brussels.

Date and Time

Organizer

Exchange on the German Science and Humanities Council’s Vision for Academic Personnel Structure Reform
2026-03-26 13:00 - 14:00
In July 2025, the German Science and Humanities Council (Wissenschaftsrat, WR) published a position paper calling for a fundamental transformation of academic personnel structure in Germany – aimed at making the structures more transparent, attractive, and internationally competitive. Now, we are delighted to invite you to a lunch talk with Dr. Insa Großkraumbach from the WR’s Head Office. In this session with ample room for exchanging thoughts, she will explain the key points of the 2025 position paper and elaborate on the discussions that followed its publication thus far.
The proposal generated significant attention across the German higher education landscape and this lunch talk offers a unique opportunity for postdocs to engage directly with a key voice behind the proposed reforms, ask questions, and share their own perspectives on how changes could shape academic careers. It is part of our “Improving Research Culture” series which offers a comprehensive overview of the latest discussions, reforms, and initiatives aimed at improving research culture in Germany.
Whether you’re considering a long-term academic career or navigating next steps after your postdoc, join this event to…

hear firsthand from a WR representative about the intentions, priorities, and practical implications of the proposed reforms,
ask your own questions and
shape the discussion by bringing your experiences and expectations into a dialogue that could influence how these recommendations unfold across universities and research institutes.

Register here!

Further information
As we detailed in our August blog post, the WR proposes a new career framework with four categories (S1-S4) designed to create more transparent pathways, increase the number of permanent positions, and make German academia more competitive internationally. The paper emphasizes that not every academic career needs to aim at a professorship, and calls for attractive, permanent positions at the S3 level for established researchers who take on long-term responsibilities in teaching, research infrastructure, or science management. The proposal also recommends strengthening or introducing department structures to replace the traditional German “Lehrstuhl” system, aiming for more collaborative and transparent working environments with shared positions and decision-making, e.g. when hiring staff.
Read more details on the WR’s position paper here and access the document here.

Speaker: Dr. Insa Großkraumbach
After completing her PhD and working at a Collaborative Research Centre (Sonderforschungsbereich) in Contemporary History, Insa Großkraumbach transitioned from academia to science management and, more precisely, science policy. She first joined the German Science and Humanities Council’s Research Department, later became Deputy Head of the Medicine Department, and has headed the Council’s Department of Tertiary Education since June 2024. The Department covers a broad range of higher education policy issues, including academic career paths.

Date and Time

Organizer

GPN Annual Conference
2026-03-12 13:30 - 2026-03-13 15:00
Join postdoctoral researchers from all disciplines to exchange ideas on the current postdoc landscape and strengthen the nationwide German Postdoc Network (GPN). This conference offers a national forum to connect, co-develop solutions to shared challenges, and gather community input on GPN strategy, structure, and sustainability. Our program will also focus on transferable skills, practical career navigation, and cross-sector perspectives to support careers within and beyond academia.

Read more and register here!

Date & Time:

Organiser

Succeeding as a Scientist in Consulting
2026-03-06 13:00 - 14:00
Are you wondering what comes next after your postdoc? Our lunch talk series, Career Perspectives: Beyond the Postdoc, offers insights into diverse career opportunities beyond postdoctoral research.
In our next session, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Andrea Covini, Senior Consultant at Struktur Management Partner, a management consultancy specialized in turnaround and restructuring of medium-sized, family-owned German companies. Born in Italy, he obtained his PhD in Linguistics at the Università per Stranieri di Siena and as an international researcher at the University of Cologne (co-tutela). After two years as a university lecturer in Germany, he chose a career path outside academia from 2018 onwards.
In this lunch talk, we will discuss Andrea’s approach to career transition and his experience in completing an MBA after his PhD. We will explore how the skills developed during his time in academia can be valuable assets to tackle challenges in industry where innovative and creative mindsets are as relevant to be successful. Andrea will also talk about his current role and different career paths in consulting.
Join us for an engaging discussion on what it means to transition from academia to consulting and learn about the skills and competencies that contributed to Andrea’s career development!

Register here!

Speaker:
Dr. Andrea Covini, Senior Consultant at Struktur Management Partner GmbH
Dr. Andrea Lorenzo Covini received his BA and MA degrees in Classics from the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan in 2011 and 2013 and obtained his PhD in Linguistics in 2017 from the Università per Stranieri di Siena and the University of Cologne. In 2017 and 2018, he worked as a Lecturer at the University of Cologne and then, from 2018 to 2022, he held roles in Operations and Project Management at the EatHappy Group, a German multinational in the food retail industry. In 2022-2023, he completed an MBA with a specialization in strategy at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management in Düsseldorf. Since 2024, he has been working as a Senior Consultant at Struktur Management Partner GmbH, a management consultancy specialized in turnaround and restructuring of medium-sized, family-owned German companies.

Date and Time

Organizer

Career Planning in German Academia
2026-01-08 13:00 - 14:00
Building a successful academic career is rarely straightforward. It is influenced by external structures, funding opportunities, disciplinary trends, and sometimes sheer timing. Career development, however, should not be left to chance—particularly within the German academic system, which is often perceived as complex and opaque.
In this interactive 60-minute session, we will explore seven key steps for planning an academic career, with a particular focus on issues relevant to international researchers in Germany. Participants will gain practical insights and inspiration to strengthen their sense of agency, recognize opportunities, and navigate the uncertainties of the German academic system with greater clarity and confidence.

Register here!

Speaker:Mirjam Müller, Head of Postdoc Affairs and Academic Career Coach, University of Konstanz
Mirjam Müller is Head of Postdoc Affairs and Academic Career Coach at the University of Konstanz, Germany. She has extensive experience coaching postdoctoral researchers on their path to professorships and regularly offers training on academic career development and appointment procedures in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. She is the author of several career guides, covering academic careers in the postdoc phase (2014/2024), careers outside academia (2017), careers in science management (2020, co-authored with Oliver Grewe), and appointment procedures for professorships (2023). Her new book, From PhD to Professorship: A Practical Guide to Academic Careers in Germany, was published in December 2025.

Date and Time

Organizer

Navigating Horizon Europe Funding Opportunities & Support Offers
2025-12-08 13:00 - 14:00
Many postdocs know about ERC grants and MSCA programs – but Horizon Europe offers far more. This lunch talk with Cornelia Schneider will introduce the broader Horizon Europe funding landscape, focusing on Pillar II and its thematic clusters. Participants will learn about current calls, funding options, and how to build strong consortia and networks. It will outline personalized support available through the EU Bureau of the BMFTR and the National Contact Points (NCP).

Register here!

About the EU Bureau of the BMFTRThe EU Bureau at the DLR Project Management Agency supports the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) on European research and innovation policy, particularly Horizon Europe and related programs. The EU-Bureau coordinates the Network of National Contact Points, operates a Front Office and hosts several German NCPs, which provide free, confidential guidance to applicants and participants.
About Cornelia SchneiderCornelia Schneider is Head of the Coordination Group for NCPs at the EU Bureau of the BMFTR. Since 2017, she has coordinated Germany’s NCP network for Horizon Europe and serves as an expert in the “Strategic Configuration” program committee. With over 15 years of experience in European Framework Programmes, she advises researchers and institutions across Germany on EU funding opportunities and supports the national implementation of Horizon Europe.

Date and Time

Organizer

2nd GPN Townhall Meeting
2025-11-17 13:00 - 14:00
Active GPN members!

It is time for our 2nd Town Hall meeting on Monday, 17th November 2025 at 13:00 to get together, celebrate our progress, and discuss the next steps of our network together.

Are you new to GPN and curious to hear more about it? You are welcome to join, too!

You can expect news and progress updates from our coordinators regarding our newly appointed advisory board and more. The working groups of Survey, Advocacy and Annual Conference will give insights into their ongoing projects and highlight opportunities for you to join and contribute.

It is also your chance to further discuss pressing issues or ask any questions you might have.

Register for a working group to get the invitation to the event!

Register here!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Understanding Visibility: Challenges and Opportunities for Female Scientists
2025-10-16 13:00 - 14:00
In this lunch talk, we will explore the concept of doing visibility in the context of academia. What is visibility and which factors play a role in its success? Scientists` visibility can play a crucial role in shaping a researcher’s recognition, career development, and access to opportunities, which can be especially important during the postdoctoral period.
Drawing on insights from the Prof:inSicht project, funded by the BMFTR, the talk will highlight how conditions and prerequisites for visibility can differ by gender and other intersecting factors. The focus will be on gender-specific challenges. At the same time, the topic of visibility is not limited to individual action. It concerns the broader academic community. We therefore warmly welcome participants of all gender identities to join the discussion.
The aim is to gain a broader understanding of visibility and its underlying mechanisms. The session will include both research findings and theoretical background on visibility, with time for open discussion at the end.

Register here!

Ronja Philipp
After completing her studies in social work and a master’s degree in social change and participation, she began working at Munich University of Applied Sciences. She is doing her doctorate and worked as a research assistant in the BMFTR-funded project Prof:inSicht – Visibility of Female Professors at Universities of Applied Sciences. She is currently working on the BMFTR project MiA on power abuse in academia.

Lina Spagert
Before joining the Munich University of Applied Sciences, she studied social work and completed a master´s degree in applied research in social work. She worked as a research associate in the BMFTR-funded project Prof:inSicht – Visibility of Female Professors at Universities of Applied Sciences and began her doctoral studies. She is currently working on the BMFTR project MiA on power abuse in academia.

Date and Time

Salaries for Researchers in the German Public Sector
2025-10-07 12:00 - 13:00
Are you wondering how salaries for scientists in Germany are structured? In the first session of our new online lunch talk series Understanding the System, we will take a closer look at the collective agreements TV-L and TVöD that govern pay in the public sector.
Whether you are working at a university, a university of applied sciences, or a non-university research institution, this talk will help you understand how the system works: what the different pay bands and levels mean, how professional experience and qualifications are taken into account, and what to consider when it comes to negotiation. We will also share tips on how to talk about salary with HR or your supervisor and point out where to find support if needed. The perspective of international researchers will be a special focus.
The event is organized in cooperation with the German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (DHV) and will be led by Hanna Lemp, who is a scientist and lawyer at the DHV. There will be time for questions, and we would be happy if you could already share some of yours with us during registration.

Registere here!

Date and Time

Life as a Chief Editor in Nature Communications
2025-09-25 13:00 - 14:00
Are you wondering what comes next after your postdoc? Our lunch talk series Career Perspectives: Beyond the Postdoc offers insights into diverse career opportunities beyond postdoctoral research.
In our next session, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Stephanie Koo, Chief Editor for Cancer at Nature Communications and Advisory Editor at npj Breast Cancer.
Dr. Koo earned her PhD in Oncology and Cancer Biology from the National University of Singapore. She began her postdoctoral path at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) in Singapore, then moved to London to continue her research at Imperial College London and King’s College London. After nearly eight years as a postdoc, she transitioned into scientific publishing, starting as an Associate Editor at Springer Nature Group. Over the past eight years, she has continued to grow within the company, and this November marks her second year as Chief Editor.
In this lunch talk, we will explore the key skills and experiences from Dr. Koo’s academic journey that prepared her for a successful career in scientific publishing. She will also share insights into the main responsibilities and challenges of being a Scientific Editor. The session will conclude with time for questions and open discussion.
Join us for an engaging conversation on transitioning from academia to scientific publishing and discover more about this exciting path within science communication.

Register here!

About Stephanie Koo
Dr. Stephanie Koo graduated with a degree in Biochemistry in 2004 and obtained her PhD in Oncology and Cancer Biology in 2009 from the National University of Singapore. That same year, she began her postdoctoral path at A*STAR (Agency for Science, Technology and Research) in Singapore, working on cancer glycobiology. In 2011, she moved to London to continue her research as a Postdoctoral Researcher at Imperial College London, focusing on the molecular mechanisms of forkhead box proteins in breast cancer progression and treatment for nearly two and a half years. Her final postdoctoral position before transitioning into scientific publishing was at King’s College London, where she studied the roles of TAO kinases in mitosis and anti-cancer treatment. Since 2017, Dr. Koo has been working at Springer Nature Group. She began as an Associate Editor and progressed to Senior Editor and Team Manager at Nature Communications. In 2023, she was appointed Advisory Editor for npj Breast Cancer and Chief Editor for Cancer at Nature Communications.

Date and Time

Organiser

Postdoc Networks for a Stronger Future
2025-09-16 12:00 - 13:30
Join us for a unique opportunity to connect with fellow postdocs, learn about the value of networks, and discover how to advocate for change at your institution. Together with Nicola Dengo from Eurodoc & Samuel H. Cosper from NetPDR, we will explore how to build postdoc representation and create a stronger, more supportive community. Don’t miss this chance to make your voice heard and shape the future of postdoc research!
We will begin the event with an introduction of the different speakers and their organizations/networks, providing an overview of their backgrounds and expertise. This will be followed by an interview with our speakers from Eurodoc and NetPDR, where they will share their experiences and insights on how to build postdoc representation, advocate for change, and ensure implementation. After the interview, we will have a Q&A session, where attendees can ask questions and engage in a discussion with the speakers. Finally, we will conclude the event with a wrap-up, where we will summarize the key takeaways and provide an opportunity for attendees to network with each other over a cup of coffee.
Join us for a dynamic and interactive discussion on how to build postdoc representation and create a stronger, more supportive community. We look forward to seeing you there!

Register here!

Eurodoc: Eurodoc is a grassroots federation of national associations of early career researchers from European countries, advocating for the rights and interests of doctoral candidates and junior researchers (R1 and R2 stages) at the European level.
NetPDR: NetPDR is a network of postdoc representations of universities in Germany that provides a platform for exchange, networking, and advocacy to ensure that the postdoc community is valued, understood, and heard in decision-making processes at scientific institutions.

Date and Time

Career Coaching for Postdocs
2025-09-15 15:00 - 16:30
Are you currently reflecting on your next career step, but unsure where to begin?
This webinar hosted by Judith Münch from the German Postdoc Network is designed to support postdocs in a phase of career orientation. It offers both an orientation to your career options and a deeper dive into career coaching—so you can take your next step with more clarity and support.
To start off, we will present a brand-new graphical overview of career paths for postdocs, spanning academia, industry, the public sector and more. This visual guide offers an overview of typical job profiles, key responsibilities, and useful skills across different sectors.
The main focus of the webinar then switches to valuable insights into career coaching, how it can provide you guidance in moving from awareness to action during your career orientation.
Dr. Nicola Bauer, a passionate career coach and trainer, will explain how coaching can help you reflect on your values and goals, explore meaningful options, and navigate career transitions with greater clarity and confidence. You will learn:

What career coaching is — and what to expect from it
How it can help during times of uncertainty or decision-making
When and where to seek career coaching opportunities

Through interactive elements and reflective questions, you will gain a hands-on impression of how coaching works in practice. A moderated conversation with fellow peers will offer insights into their personal coaching experiences. You will also have the opportunity to ask your own questions in a dedicated Q&A session.

Registere here!

Dr. Nicola Bauer is a coach and trainer for postdocs and doctoral researchers with focus on purposeful career orientation, self-development and mental health. After a PhD in stem cell biology at the MPI-CBG and BioTec in Dresden, she spent several years in pharmaceutical business consulting. At the age of 30, she decided to pursue a second degree in psychology and subsequently worked for six years as a career coach and trainer at the career center for postdocs and doctoral students at Helmholtz Munich. Nicola is thus highly experienced in professional (re-)orientation and in providing people with targeted support.
https://www.joyworks-trainings.de/

Core Facility Manager at a Research Institute
2025-07-01 13:00 - 14:00
Ever wondered what it takes to manage the cutting-edge technology that drives today’s scientific research?
In our next Beyond the Postdoc lunch talk, we dive into the fascinating world of Core Facility Management — a career path that blends science, strategy, and service. Core facilities are the backbone of modern research institutions, providing high-end technologies, expert guidance, and tailored training to enable groundbreaking science. But behind every smoothly running facility is a skilled manager who makes it all happen.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Barbara Steigenberger, Manager of the Proteomics and Mass Spectrometry Facility, and Dr. Daniel Bollschweiler, Cryo-EM Facility Manager, both from the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry. Dr. Steigenberger holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry (LMU Munich) and, after postdoctoral research in crosslinking mass spectrometry at the University of Utrecht, now leads the Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, combining her passion for science with mentoring young researchers. Dr. Bollschweiler transitioned into facility management in 2018 after a PhD in cryo-electron tomography at the MPIB and a postdoc at the University of Cambridge, where he helped establish cryo-EM technologies.
Join us to hear how these two scientists found their path into this growing field, what their day-to-day work involves, and what skills and mindsets are crucial for success in a role that is as scientific as it is strategic. Whether you are curious about careers beyond the bench or want to understand how research infrastructures really work — this is your chance to get a behind-the-scenes look.

Register here!

Barbara SteigenbergerBarbara Steigenberger is a chemist with a background in organic chemistry and mass spectrometry. She received her PhD from the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich) in 2016, where she focused on the synthesis of epigenetic DNA building blocks. After completing her PhD, Barbara held a postdoctoral position at the University of Utrecht in the Netherlands, where she developed and synthesized a new crosslinking reagent for mass spectrometry. Since 2020, she has been heading the Mass Spectrometry Core Facility, where she enjoys interacting with young researchers and working close to science.
Daniel BoschweilerDaniel Bollschweiler is a postdoctoral researcher with a background in chemistry and biochemistry. He holds a diploma in chemistry from the University of Freiburg and a PhD in cryo-electron microscopy from the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry. Daniel has a strong focus on cryo-electron tomography and has worked on various projects in this field. He is currently working as an EM facility manager at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry and has been in this position for almost 7 years and really enjoys his role.

Date & Time

Organiser

Beyond the Postdoc: Desk Officer in the Public Service
2025-06-18 13:00 - 14:00
Are you wondering what comes next after your postdoc? Our talk series, Beyond the Postdoc, provides insights into diverse career opportunities beyond academic research.
In our next session, we welcome Dr. Petra Born, Desk Officer at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, Germany. Originally trained in microbiology, she completed her PhD at the University of Tübingen, gained experience in industry, and spent several years as a postdoctoral researcher at both university and non-university research institutions in Germany and abroad. She eventually transitioned out of academia to pursue studies in science management, focusing on science marketing and business coaching. This shift led to a role as a project coordinator for a Leibniz research alliance and later as a career advisor for postdocs at the Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf before she ultimately moved into public service as a Desk Officer (Referentin) in the unit for Academic Career Paths and Further Training at the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Her tasks include e.g., reviewing texts and writing up summaries for different audiences, coordinating meetings and participating in committees.
But what does a Desk Officer do? In public administration, desk officers are subject-matter experts responsible for policy development, strategic coordination, project management, and advising leadership—far beyond administrative tasks. Their work helps shape policies and programs in key areas, including research and education.
Working in Germany’s public service offers many advantages, such as job security, structured career progression, and flexible working arrangements, but also comes with challenges like rigid hierarchies and defined structures.
Join us to learn more about career paths in public service, the role of a desk officer, and Dr. Petra Born’s personal journey—along with the key skills and competencies that helped her succeed!

Registere here!

Date and Time

Organiser

From Here to Anywhere: Advancing Your Research Career with EURAXESS and MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships
2025-05-23 13:00 - 14:00
Are you a postdoctoral researcher looking for your next position? Do you want to explore opportunities beyond your current institution or even beyond your home country? Navigating the next step in your academic career can be complex, but the right tools and funding opportunities can open doors to a successful future.
For this session, we have invited Vitaliy Bondarenko, coordinator of the German EURAXESS network and member of the National Contact Point for the MarieSkłodowska-Curie Actions, who give you key insights into two major resources designed to support your mobility and career development:

Part One: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships – A Steppingstone to a Successful Career
The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship is not just another funding program—it is a competitive grant that can significantly boost your career prospects. Winning this fellowship can position you for future success, enabling you to apply for prestigious grants such as the ERC Starting Grant, but also to expose yourself to industry through valuable intersectoral mobility. Vitaliy will provide an overview of the eligibility criteria and application process, as well as a guidance on where to find in-depth training for writing a competitive proposal.
MSCA is especially relevant for you if you are:

a postdoc of any nationality having spent less than 12 months in Germany by the next application deadline on 10th September 2025 and seeking funding for your research project in Germany, or
a postdoc who is either a European national (of a Member State or Associated Country) or who have been continuously living in Europe (EU Member States or Horizon Europe Associated Countries) for at least five consecutive years interested in conducting a research stay in a Third Country, followed by an obligatory return period of twelve months at the host institution in Europe.

Part Two: EURAXESS – Your Gateway to International Mobility
EURAXESS is a pan-European initiative that supports internationally mobile researchers by providing advice on funding and job opportunities, visa and residence permits, social security and taxation as well as offering career development tools and networking resources. You will learn how to use the EURAXESS platform to connect with potential employers, find hosting offers, and showcase your researcher profile to maximize your visibility.

If you are a postdoc currently exploring new opportunities, this session is tailored for you. Join us and take the next step towards a successful research career—wherever it may lead you!

Register now!

Date and Time

Organiser

A Journey to Professorship
2025-05-15 13:00 - 14:00
Are you wondering what comes next after your postdoc? Our new talk series, Beyond the Postdoc, offers insights into diverse career opportunities beyond postdoctoral research.
In our next session, we are pleased to welcome Prof. Chaitanya Gokhale, Professor of Theoretical Biology and the Dynamics of Living Systems at the University of Würzburg. Originally from India, Prof. Gokhale earned his PhD in evolutionary biology in Kiel, followed by postdoctoral research stays in Germany and New Zealand. After leading a research group at the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Biology, he achieved a W2 professorship at the University of Würzburg in 2023.
In this lunch talk, we will discuss his path to a professorship in Germany, the support systems that helped him along the way, and the challenges he faced. We will also explore how his daily life as a professor compares to his time as a postdoctoral researcher and hear his perspective as an international scholar navigating the German academic system.
Join us for an engaging discussion on what it means to be a professor at a German university, Prof. Gokhale’s journey, and the skills and competencies that contributed to his success!

Register here!

Date and Time

Organiser

Workshop: What Defines a Postdoc?
2025-05-06 13:00 - 15:00
The term “Postdoc” is widely used but inconsistently defined — and this lack of clarity has real consequences. It affects how postdocs are represented, how their needs are addressed, and how career paths are shaped within the German research system.
The German Postdoc Network invites you to join the PostDoc Definition Workshop on May 6th, from 13:00 to 15:00, an interactive event dedicated to addressing this crucial question: What defines a Postdoc in Germany?
This workshop marks the starting point of a broader initiative to develop a clear, widely accepted definition of the term “Postdoc,” grounded in the experiences and perspectives of postdoctoral researchers themselves.
Why participate? A shared understanding of what it means to be a postdoc is essential to:

Build a unified postdoc community across Germany
Advocate more effectively for postdoctoral needs and interests
Improve data collection and visibility of postdocs within the research system
Lay the groundwork for future dialogue with institutions, policymakers, and funders

This is the first of several workshops. In it, the focus will be on the voices of postdocs and postdoc networks. Through impulse talks, open discussions, and breakout sessions, you will have the opportunity to exchange views, reflect on your own experience, and contribute to a definition that reflects the diversity and reality of postdoctoral work in Germany. Subsequent workshops will be held to engage the larger scientific community, including researcher developers, research institutions, academic organizations/networks, and research funders, with the aim of fostering a comprehensive dialogue.

Your input is essential.
By participating, you will help shape the foundation for future discussions with research institutions, academic organizations, and funding bodies.
We invite you to join the discussion and contribute to this important step towards better recognition and representation of postdocs in Germany.

Register here for the workshop!

Date and Time

Kick-Off Event Regional Group Lower Saxony
2025-04-28 11:00 - 12:00
🌟 Calling All Postdocs in Lower Saxony: Join the Regional Postdoc Network! 🌟
Are you a Postdoc looking to network, share ideas, and build a supportive community with fellow researchers in Lower Saxony? It’s time to be a part of something exciting!
A Regional Group is a self-organized network that brings together Postdocs. The goal is to support, connect, and empower Postdocs like you through regular meetings, community-building, and discussions on key challenges that we face navigating academia.

What’s in it for you?

Community: Monthly online meetings to stay connected and get to know new people from various disciplines and institutions
Opportunities to plan networking events and activities based on your interests!
Professional Growth: Enhance skills and competencies like networking, leadership, public speaking, and negotiation skills.
Larger Impact: Expand your reach to drive meaningful change by connecting with researchers all over Lower Saxony
Visibility: Highlighting of our work and support by the German Postdoc Network (GPN)

What’s Next?
👉 Join the Mailing List – Stay in the loop and connect with other Postdocs.👉 Join for the Kick-off Meeting – Monday, 28th April 2025 at 11 a.m.👉 Spread the Word – Tell other Postdocs in your institute to join in!

Agenda for the Kick-off Meeting:

Naming of our network-
Clear definition of our goals.
Deciding the structure we want (elected board, spokespersons, etc.).
Discuss events and activities that interest you.

Let’s work together, support each other, and build a stronger Postdoc community! 💡💬

Be part of a growing community that will amplify your voice! See you at the kick-off meeting!

Register for the Kick-Off Event!

Register for the mailing list

Rethinking Success: How Postdocs Can Thrive in Industry
2025-04-02 13:00 - 14:00
Are you wondering what comes next after your postdoc? Our new talk series, Beyond the Postdoc, offers insights into diverse career opportunities beyond postdoctoral research.
In our next session, we are pleased to welcome Dr. Anh Vu Doan, Senior Project Leader at Infineon Technologies, Germany’s largest semiconductor company. Born in Belgium with Vietnamese roots, he obtained his PhD in Electrical Engineering at the Université libre de Bruxelles before embarking on a postdoc journey in Japan (Keio University) and Germany (Technical University of Munich and Fraunhofer IKS). After 8 years of postdoctoral experiences, he is now settling in the industry since 2023.
In this lunch talk, we will discuss about how disappointments in academia can transform into opportunities outside of academia. We will explore how the skills developed during a postdoctoral experience can be valuable assets to tackle challenges in industry where innovative and creative mindsets are as relevant to be successful. Academia is not the only location where postdocs can shine, and industry can be an environment offering exciting activities similar to academic research!
Join us for an engaging discussion on what it means to transition from academia to industry and learn about the skills and competencies that contributed to Anh Vu’s career development!

Register now!

About Anh Vu Doan
Anh Vu Doan received his MSc degree in Electrical Engineering from the Université libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Belgium, in 2009 and obtained his PhD degree in Engineering Sciences and Technology from the ULB in 2015. While developing his doctoral research, he also worked as a teaching assistant from 2011 to 2016 at the ULB and as a stand-in lecturer in 2015 at the IÉSEG School of Management, France. In 2016, he joined the Amano laboratory at the Keio University, Japan, as a postdoctoral fellow under an Erasmus-Mundus grant (EASED program) and extended his stay under a JST/CREST program. In 2018, he occupied a second post-doc position at the Chair of Integrated Systems of the Technical University of Munich, Germany, and is giving a lecture there since then. In 2021, he joined the Fraunhofer Institute for Cognitive Systems (IKS) in Munich as a Senior Scientist. Since 2023, he is working as a Senior Project Leader (System Flow and Methodology) at Infineon Technologies in Neubiberg.

Date and Time

Organiser

Power Abuse in Academia: Responses and Prevention
2025-03-26 13:00 - 14:00
Power abuse remains a critical challenge in German academia, where steep power imbalances, limited transparency, and a lack of accountability can foster unethical behaviors such as bullying, exploitation, and fraud. Only more recently is the significant damage acknowledged that is often caused by it. This lunch talk, part of our series on Improving Research Culture, will explore how these structural vulnerabilities impact academic environments and the personal experiences of those affected. Prof. Daniel Leising from TU Dresden will examine the factors that permit or promote misconduct, discuss emergency responses available to individuals facing these challenges, and highlight broader reforms needed to prevent future abuse.

Join us for this session to shed light on what is often treated as a taboo subject, share your perspectives, and continue to work with us on improving research culture in academia.

Register now!

Date and Time

Organiser

Let's establish a regional group in Lower Saxony!
2025-03-07 13:00 - 14:00
Calling All Postdocs in Lower Saxony – Let’s Connect!
Are you a postdoc in Lower Saxony looking to connect with peers across institutions and disciplines? While some cities already have strong local networks, a regional postdoc group does not yet exist – and we want to change that! We invite you to an informal online meeting on March 7th, 1-2 PM (Zoom) to discuss how we can establish a self-organized regional network. Our goal is to bring together postdocs from different cities, research institutions, and fields, while also connecting with existing local structures.
This meeting is open to all postdocs, postdoc coordinators, and supporters in the region. Together, we will:✅ Assess the current landscape of postdoc networking in Lower Saxony✅ Exchange ideas on what a regional group could look like✅ Identify a team interested in shaping and launching this initiative
We, the GPN, are here to support the process – but this will be your network, shaped by and for postdocs in the region.Join us and be part of building something new! Looking forward to the discussion.

Register here!

Date and Time

Organiser

Beyond the Postdoc: Science Manager in the Academic Sector
2025-02-27 13:00 - 14:00
Are you wondering what comes next after your postdoc? Our new talk series, Beyond the Postdoc, offers insights into diverse career opportunities beyond postdoctoral research. In our next talk we welcome Dr. Tina Scheibe, Science Manager at the Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences. Originally trained in marine biology she left academic research after her PhD and postdoc stay at a Max-Planck-Institute to support postdocs as a researcher developer. Today, her tasks include developing concepts for junior professor positions, advising and supporting postdocs and the coordination of a doctoral research center.The profession of science manager is still young, but changes at universities and research centers, where continuously tasks are emerging that cannot or should not be covered by traditional administrative or academic staff, are leading to a fast-growing field.Join our talk to learn more about the field, the journey of Dr. Tina Scheibe and competences and skills that helped her succeed.

Register here!

Date and Time

Organiser

First GPN Town Hall Meeting
2025-02-26 13:00 - 14:00
We are excited to invite all active members of our network to our upcoming digital Townhall meeting, where we will come together to discuss the mission and vision of the network, as well as the path ahead. During this meeting, each working group will present their objectives, timelines, and working structures, offering a deeper understanding of the collaborative efforts at play.
If you are not currently active in the network but are interested in contributing, this is a perfect opportunity to get involved! You’ll have the chance to join a working group, learn more about what we do, and become an integral part of our collective efforts.

Read more!

Date and Time

Organiser
