International Research Careers: Postdoc Mobility, Global Exchange & Strategic Internationalisation in Challenging Times
Wednesday, 21 October 2026 | 5:00–9:00 PM
In-person event at the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BAdW), Odeonsplatz, Munich
Organized by the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BAdW), the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH), and the German Postdoc Network (GPN)
Is it still advisable to plan a postdoc aboard? How to fund a postdoc outside Germany? What are options for international postdocs? How are geopolitical developments changing international scientific collaboration? How are universities and research organisations adapting their internationalisation strategies?
International mobility and global scientific exchange have long been central to academic careers and scientific progress. Yet for many early-career researchers, planning an international career path has become increasingly complex. Geopolitical tensions, funding uncertainties, changing migration policies, and growing personal and professional insecurities are reshaping the realities of academic mobility worldwide. At the same time, German and European research institutions continue to emphasize the importance of international collaboration, global talent circulation, and open research ecosystems that go beyond national borders.
We invite advanced doctoral researchers, postdocs and researchers, research managers, and institutional stakeholders to join us on October 21st to discuss what internationalization means in practice for the next generation of researchers today. Together, we will explore both practical career questions like as well as the broader strategic developments. The evening will feature keynote impulses, panel discussions, networking opportunities, and an interactive opportunities fair.
We warmly invite advanced doctoral researchers and postdocs in Bavaria – both German and international – who are interested in international academic careers and global research collaboration. We also welcome science managers and institutional representatives working in the areas of internationalization and support for early-career researchers.
The event is free of charge and will be held in English.
Please register via the registration form below:
Agenda - October 21st
Quotes from our Speakers & Organisers
Welcome
Prof. Dr. Markus Schwaiger
President of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities
Keynote Speakers: The Double Helix of Innovation: Global Exchange and the Future of Science
Prof. Dr. Daniel Rückert
Alexander von Humboldt Professor for AI in Medicine and Healthcare at the Technical University of Munich
Prof. Dr. Andrea Bréard
Vice President Education & Alexander von Humboldt Professor, Chair for Sinology with a focus on the Intellectual and Cultural History of China, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
Public Panel Discussion I: International Research Careers – Challenges and Opportunities for Postdocs
Dr. Alexander Rudolph
Moderator: Postdoc at the Institute for German Philology at LMU Munich and Member of the Young Academy of the BAdW
Ilka Schießler-Gäbler
Moderator, Head of Unit Programs and Networks, Max Planck Society
Dr. Patricia Ogger
Postdoc at the Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry
Dr. Anne Schreiter
Executive Director of GSO – Guidance, Skills & Opportunities for Researchers e.V.
Dr. Philipp Baumert
Assistant Professor & Scientific Director "Research Unit for Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Injury Prevention, Institute for Sports Medicine, Alpine Medicine and Health Tourism, UMIT TIROL
Panel Discussion II: Postdoc Mobility, Global Exchange & Strategic Internationalisation in Challenging Times
Dr. Markus Zanner
Secretary General, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH)
Prof. Dr. Francesca Biagini
Vice President for Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics & International Affairs, LMU
Prof. Dr. Gerhard Kramer
Senior Vice President Research and Innovation, Technical University of Munich
Prof. Dr. Petra Schwille
Director, Max Planck Institute of Biochemistry
Dr. Mostafa Moonir Shawrav
Executive Director, Marie Curie Alumni Association
Exhibitors of the Opportunities Fair
- German Postdoc Network
- Guidance, Skills & Opportunities for Researchers e.V. (GSO)
- Young Academy (Junges Kolleg) of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities
- CERFA – The Society of Spanish Scientists in the Federal Republic of Germany Sociedad
- TUM ForTe / TUM Talent Factory & TUM Global & Alumni Office
- Research Funding Unit LMU & International Networks, LMU Munich International Office
- Unit for International Relations, Max Planck Society
- Research of Bavaria, Bavarian State Ministry of Science and the Arts
- Bayerische Forschungsallianz (Bavarian Research Alliance)
- Bayerisch-Tschechische Hochschulagentur (Bavarian-Czech Academic Agency)
- Bavarian Academic Center for Latin America (BAYLAT)
- Bavarian Academic Center for Central, Eastern and Southeastern Europe (BAYHOST)
- Bavarian-Indian Centre for Business and University Cooperation (BayIND)
- Franco-Bavarian University Cooperation Center (BayFrance)
