GPN Annual Conference 2026
Establishing a Strong Postdoc Network and Exploring Career Perspectives & Postdoc Skills
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.
Program Highlights:
- Keynotes on building strong personal networks and finding opportunities
- Postdoc-tailored workshops to develop practical and mental skill-sets
- World Café peer exchange
- Many networking opportunities with peers and sponsors
- Inter- and transdisciplinary poster session to present and discuss your work
We are excited to welcome you to the 1st Annual Conference of the German Postdoc Network!
Date: Thu, March 12 – Fri, March 13, 2026
Location: Helmholtz Center Munich, Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Oberschleißheim
Who is the conference for?
For postdoctoral or early career researchers in Germany (any stage after your PhD) who want to help build a strong national postdoc community. If you are keen to expand your interdisciplinary network, gain fresh perspectives, and sharpen your transferable skills, this is your conference.
How can you register/take part?
Register for the conference through the registration link below. Attending the conference is free of charge, however after a confirmation round your registration is binding – help us ensure a fruitful exchange with your in-person participation.
Preliminary Agenda
March 12, 2026 - Establishing a Strong Postdoc Network
March 13, 2026 - Career Perspectives & Transferable Postdoc Skills
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Anne Schreiter
Dr. Anne Schreiter is the executive director of GSO – Guidance, Skills & Opportunities for Researchers e.V., an independent nonprofit in Berlin that empowers researchers and institutions through career development and innovative funding programs. She holds a PhD in Organizational Sociology from the University of St. Gallen and conducted research at UC Berkeley. A certified systemic coach, Anne has designed leadership programs and led workshops helping researchers shape their careers within and beyond academia. She serves on the advisory boards of the German Postdoc Network, Network Science Management, and the Kohli Foundation for Sociology.
Dr. Lydia Repke
Dr. Lydia Repke is a team leader at GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, where she heads the team “Scale Development and Documentation” in the Survey Design & Methodology department. A committed advocate for early-career researchers, she spent four years shaping the Leibniz PostDoc Network, including three as spokesperson (2018–2021) and one as financial officer (2021–2022). As a member and former spokesperson of the Young Academy of Science and Literature | Mainz, she helped build a nationwide network of Young Academies in Germany and remains active in the Leibniz Mentoring Alumni Network. Lydia currently serves on the board of the DGS Section on Sociological Network Research and is part of the German–Spanish Science Network, with her research spanning social networks, survey methodology, and intercultural social relations.
Dr. Pil Maria Saugmann
Dr. Pil Maria Saugmann holds a PhD in Theoretical Physics from Stockholm University. Her current research is within the field of higher education studies. On behalf of European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers (Eurodoc) she represents early career researchers in the Council of Europe in the Steering Committee for Education (CDEDU) and as an academic member of its Bureau and in the European Research Area as a representative researchers and innovators within the ERA Fora. She was the president of the Eurodoc 2024/2025.
Workshop Topics
Conference Location & Directions
Helmholtz Munich
Conference Centre
Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, 85764 Oberschleißheim
Join Us & Get Involved
There are many opportunities to get involved further beyond the conference. Do you want to contribute to a network that aims to drive cultural change, that recognizes the societal value and scientific contributions of postdoctoral researchers? Do you want to share your expertise and empower other early career researchers across all disciplines during that career-defining period? Or would you like to help build a hub connecting postdocs and stakeholders? Join in the German Postdoc Network to build a strong foundation for early-career researchers together. – Get more information here.
