Working Groups

Our Working Groups (WGs) are the heart of the German Postdoc Network (GPN)—where ideas take shape, connections flourish, and impact happens! We warmly invite postdocs and enthusiastic supporters to actively engage with the network, collaborate with peers, develop valuable skills, contribute to shaping GPN’s future, and enhance your CV along the way.

Our WGs 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 to ensure efficient, results-driven collaboration—without excessive time commitment.

Currently, we have four specialized working groups and one overarching team, each with a unique vision and scope.

🚀 Ready to make a difference? Sign up for a WG to actively shape the GPN, or reach out if you have additional ideas and skills you'd like to contribute!

WG Annual Conference

The goal of Annual Conference Working Group is to create a platform where postdocs from all institutions and research topics are invited to:

  • come together,
  • discuss shared challenges,
  • showcase their work,
  • inspire collaboration.

We aim to provide a space for postdocs to expand their professional network, meet potential future employers, and engage in interdisciplinary learning.
Therefore, the Annual Conference Working Group’s main objective is to plan and execute the first Germany-wide Postdoc conference in 2025/2026

WG Strategy & Concepts

This working group supports the GPN Coordination Office in shaping key structures like the advisory board and regional groups—ensuring they meet postdocs' needs. It also oversees the formation of new working groups, sets topics for Town Hall meetings, and contributes to the network’s strategic direction.

Looking ahead, the group will play a role in financial consolidation and provide feedback on outreach activities, including talks, social media, and newsletters. It also brings forward topics relevant to postdocs.

As an advisory body, the WG operates without elected structures or appointed spokespersons.

WG Survey

The Survey group aims to gain a deeper understanding of the realities postdocs face in Germany by collecting and analyzing data on key topics such as working conditions, mental health, career trajectories, and scientific integrity.

To achieve this, the WG reviews existing literature and designs, distributes and evaluates its own survey. The findings will be shared with postdocs and institutions to raise awareness and contribute to policy discussions, working closely with the other working groups to support evidence-based recommendations.

By gathering valuable insights, this WG strives to highlight challenges, inform decision-makers, and drive positive change for postdocs in Germany.

WG Advocacy

The working group aims at representing postdocs working in Germany and advocating for postdoc rights. Our mission is to empower postdoctoral researchers in Germany by focusing on four key objectives:

  • Raising Awareness: Inform stakeholders and amplify postdoc challenges.
  • Empowering Postdocs: Educate on rights, obligations, and laws.
  • Advocating for Accountability: Promote fairness and institutional responsibility.
  • Representation: Give postdocs a unified voice.
  • Highlighting Postdoc Value Beyond Academia
Register here

... and join one of our working groups! We will contact you soon and invite you to the next meeting of the working group!