The term “Postdoc” is widely used but inconsistently defined — and this lack of clarity has real consequences. It affects how postdocs are represented, how their needs are addressed, and how career paths are shaped within the German research system.

The German Postdoc Network invites you to join the PostDoc Definition Workshop, an interactive event dedicated to addressing this crucial question: What defines a Postdoc in Germany?

This workshop marks the starting point of a broader initiative to develop a clear, widely accepted definition of the term “Postdoc,” grounded in the experiences and perspectives of postdoctoral researchers themselves.

Why participate? A shared understanding of what it means to be a postdoc is essential to:

• Build a unified postdoc community across Germany
• Advocate more effectively for postdoctoral needs and interests
• Improve data collection and visibility of postdocs within the research system
• Lay the groundwork for future dialogue with institutions, policymakers, and funders 

This is the first of several workshops. In it, the focus will be on the voices of postdocs and postdoc networks. Through impulse talks, open discussions, and breakout sessions, you will have the opportunity to exchange views, reflect on your own experience, and contribute to a definition that reflects the diversity and reality of postdoctoral work in Germany. Subsequent workshops will be held to engage the larger scientific community, including researcher developers, research institutions, academic organizations/networks, and research funders, with the aim of fostering a comprehensive dialogue.