Our Working Groups:

Our Working Groups are the heart of the GPN—where ideas take shape and connections flourish. They focus on meaningful, mid- to long-term projects, such as organizing our annual conference or conducting a postdoc survey. Whether you bring fresh ideas or want to contribute to ongoing initiatives, you’ll have the flexibility to work self-organized with creative freedom while we provide the necessary infrastructure and support.

Currently, we have 3 postdoc-led working groups and one led by the coordination office. Here is a spotlight on the groups with their newly elected or re-elected spokespersons:

WG Survey

Their goal is to gain a deeper understanding of the realities postdocs face in Germany by collecting and analyzing data on working conditions, mental health, and career trajectories.

Spokespersons:

• Dr. Maria Dorofeikova (Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Neuroscience)
  "I am eager to deepen our understanding of the experiences of postdocs in Germany, and to support mental health of young scientists by collaborating with Working Group Advocacy on policy recommendations." — Maria

• Dr. Nicholas Russell (Humboldt University of Berlin, Mathematics and Plant Biology)
  "A survey on postdocs throughout Germany is vital towards understanding the problems that postdocs face so that we can represent and advocate for them." — Nicholas

We are happy that Maria has stayed on as spokesperson. Her experience and further commitment will be invaluable as we move forward.

What’s Next? 
The Survey group plans to launch their comprehensive survey this year.

WG Annual Conference

Their goal is to create a platform where postdocs from all institutions and research topics can come together, discuss shared challenges, and inspire collaboration. The main objective is to plan and execute the second Germany-wide Postdoc conference in 2027.

New Spokespersons:

• Dr. Rachel Gilmore (Heidelberg University Hospital, Human Genetics)
  "Postdocs in all disciplines deserve a space to connect with each other, be supported through infrastructure & resources, and receive acknowledgement for their hard work." — Rachel
• Dr. Simone Fabian (University of Regensburg, Yeast Genetics)
  "I truly value the postdoctoral phase as a time for growth, exchange, and new perspectives, and I believe it becomes even more meaningful when we create spaces to connect across disciplines." — Simone

WG Advocacy

Their goal is to represent postdocs working in Germany and advocate for postdoc rights. The team focuses on raising awareness, empowering postdocs on their rights, and advocating for accountability.

Spokespersons (Re-elected):

• Dr. Stefan Pieczonka (The University of Queensland & TU Munich, Analytical Food Chemistry)
  "As the GPN, we can unite the collective voice of postdocs to advocate for our interests and position ourselves as key contributors to policymaking." — Stefan
• Dr. Yves Klinger (Justus Liebig University Gießen, Ecology)
  "As a spokesperson of the group, I want to foster collaboration with other networks, create sustainable structures that future members of the network can build on, and stand up for postdoc rights where necessary." — Yves

We are delighted that Stefan & Yves have been re-elected as spokespersons. We are incredibly happy to have their continued experience and commitment as they guide the group forward.

What’s Next?
The Advocacy team is working hard to further expanding the GPN Info Hub and preparing statements on policy proposals.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Our Working Groups are the engine of the GPN. Whether you want to help plan the next conference, advocate for policy change, or gather data to drive reform, there is a place for you.

Register here to join a Working Group or reach out if you have additional ideas and skills you'd like to contribute!

We wish our new spokespersons a great start in their roles and look forward to this next year and to seeing what our Working Groups will achieve together.