Recap of the GAIN 2026 Annual Conference
by Dr. Anne Schreiter (Executive Director of GSO and member of the GPN Advisory Board)
Ever heard of GAIN?
If you are a postdoc in North America thinking about your next step, GAIN is worth knowing. And if you are already in Germany, the takeaways are just as relevant.
The German Academic International Network (GAIN) connects researchers abroad, especially in the US and Canada, with universities, research organizations, funders, and other institutions in Germany. Its annual conference combines a Talent Fair, workshops, panels, and lots of opportunities to talk to people who know the German research system.
With conditions for researchers in the US changing, Germany and Europe are also getting more attention as possible places to continue an academic career.
What postdocs wanted to know
At GAIN26, the German Postdoc Network (GPN) and GSO – Guidance, Skills & Opportunities for Researchers shared a table at the Talent Fair. I was there as Executive Director of GSO and as a member of the GPN Advisory Board.
Many questions were very practical:
Which TV-L or TVöD level would I start at? When should I approach a potential host? Can I contact someone even if there is no open position? Which funding programs should I know about? What can I negotiate?
For many researchers, it was surprising how much of this knowledge is informal. We also heard very positive reactions to the fact that there is a network representing postdocs across Germany and bringing their perspectives into discussions about the research system.
Five takeaways
GSO also hosted three workshops at GAIN26 on becoming a group leader, returning to Germany, and mentorship in academia. Here are five points that came up repeatedly:
- Start early. Funding programs often have specific eligibility windows and deadlines.
- Do not only look at advertised jobs. Academia has a hidden job market too. Sometimes a conversation can lead to an opportunity.
- Know why you fit. Be able to explain why you, why this institution, and why this project.
- Learn how the German system works. Contracts, salary levels, funding routes, and career stages are not always self-explanatory.
- Talk to people. Reach out to potential hosts, mentors, peers, and researchers already in roles you are interested in.
Already in Germany? This applies to you too.
You may know your own university well and still know relatively little about hiring elsewhere, funding options, salary negotiations, or possible next steps.
So use the free resources that already exist. GPN offers events, an info hub tailored to postdocs, exchange, and a voice for postdocs across Germany. GSO offers free career resources and events on career strategy, funding, leadership, and careers inside and outside academia.
And if you missed GAIN26 in person, there are still GAIN Digital workshops and online sessions to check out.
The main takeaway? Do your research, but also talk to people who know the system.
