News Current news for doctoral candidates
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A selective 6-day summer school for PhD students at the intersection of physics, medicine, medtech and business. The program is a joint development with the academic guidance from University Hamburg Business School, University of Hamburg Physics, UKE, Stellenbosch University and the University of Groningen. Explore the market potential of breakthrough science, work in interdisciplinary teams, and turn promising technologies into first venture-ready opportunity spaces. The program brings together PhD students from physics, medicine, medtech, innovation and business for a selective 6-day Summer School focused on one central question: Participants will work in interdisciplinary teams around emerging technologies, explore market opportunities, analyze applications and develop first opportunity theses with support from mentors, researchers and ecosystem experts. Topics include: What matters most is giving researchers early exposure to entrepreneurial thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration and science-to-market pathways. Application deadline: 31.07.2026. | |||
The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Cognitive Science is an interdisciplinary, research-oriented program for Master’s and PhD students, offered by the Heidelberg University Cognitive Science Network. The Network provides all courses, and its members serve as instructors and examiners. Designed to complement students’ major or minor studies, the Certificate supports individual profile development with a focus on human cognition. It is grounded in the conviction that building bridges to computational approaches and artificial intelligence fosters mutual enrichment. Enrollment is free of charge. | |||
This session will help researchers to:
There are three sessions:
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In this lunch session we will have a look at France, whose academic system is largely comparable to Germany. But there are also differences. Especially the standard practices for doctoral education have undergone a significant change in the last 20 years. Among other things, the RNCD – Réseau National des Collèges Doctoraux (https://www.rncdfrance.fr/ ) has been established. The RNCD can be regarded as a kind of „french UniWinD“. How is the quality of the doctorate ensured in France, for example through cross-university exchange in the RNCD? Are there similar problems or debates? And since learning is always mutual: Can France also learn anything from Germany? We are very much looking forward to our speakers:
After a short presentation there will be time for your questions. Language of the session: English (subtitles available in Zoom). | |||
How do findings and innovative approaches from European research and innovation projects find their way into practice in Germany? Our panel discussion, held as part of Climate Adaptation Week 2026, brings together three EU projects from the Climate Adaptation Mission with German participation and highlights experiences, challenges, and prospects for implementing climate adaptation. Please register online. | |||
Have you ever thought about the application potential of your own research? If not, this workshop is for you. You will reflect about user groups and the network of stakeholders that surround you and your research. How will your research benefit them? Brainstorm potential use cases and help each other to take your ideas to the next level. Please enroll online until 14.09.2026. | |||
As a digital component of the 26th GAIN Annual Conference, these online workshops provide information on academic career paths in Germany. Through a selection of workshops, the event will provide guidance on topics such as early-career research groups, career paths at universities and non-university institutions, and tenure track positions in Germany, as well as address questions regarding careers in business and other sectors. Online registration is requested. The full program can be found on the website. | |||
COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) is a funding organisation for research and innovation networks. Our Actions help connect research initiatives across Europe and beyond and enable researchers and innovators to grow their ideas in any science and technology field by sharing them with their peers. COST Actions are bottom-up networks with a duration of four years that boost research, innovation and careers. On 16.09. und 06.10.2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on each date, the German Coordination Office for COST will offer open virtual consultation hours for applicants of new COST actions. Anyone in Germany who is working on a COST proposal for October 28 is welcome to join without registering. The corresponding Webex link will be published on the website shortly. | |||
Fever has long been a threatening and inescapable feature of the human condition; as the German poet Friedrich Hebbel noted in 1860, “He who would live must hazard the fever.” For centuries, “fever” denoted a disease marked by various sensations – heat, but also an altered pulse, or delirium. Only from the 1840s onward was fever reduced to quantifiable temperature, and reframed as a symptom of diverse diseases, which from the late 1800s onward came to be associated with specific pathogens. Today, the re-emergence of old and the emergence of new infectious diseases rank among the principal challenges facing humankind. This multidisciplinary summer school brings together perspectives from the life and natural sciences as well as the humanities to re-examine the multifaceted nature of fever. Topics include epidemics and pandemics of febrile illnesses; their prevention, including vaccines and their societal acceptance (or resistance); the sensory register of fever, including but exceeding heat and temperature, e.g. its production, theorisation, and effects on the body; disease causation, e.g. through pathogens and vectors; and febrile sequelae, post-acute infectious syndromes, and the narratives of sufferers unable to fully recover from febrile infectious diseases. Taken together, these approaches invite a renewed reckoning with fever as both a biological phenomenon and a social and cultural object. The Academy is aimed at Master students as well as PhD candidates. A participation fee of 100€ - including room and board - will be charged. Travel costs are to be covered by the participants themselves. Participants are expected to present the current status of their work in a poster session and as a short pitch. Applications can be submitted online untill 14 June 2026. | |||
The graduate workshop kicks off the conference “Reading Between the Lines: Pragmatics of the Unspoken” (September 23–25, 2026) and offers early-career researchers a supportive setting to present their own projects and discuss them in depth in a small group. In the workshop, participants will learn how to craft the perfect short pitch. The workshop is open to master’s students and doctoral candidates attending the conference. Please submit an abstract of your own research project by August 31 to janine.dengler@gs.uni-heidelberg.de | |||
The following experts will discuss the renewed appeal of authoritarian politics in democratic societies at the closing event of the 2026 Hannah Arendt Days:
The discussion will take Arendt’s magnum opus, “The Origins of Totalitarianism”, as its starting point and address the following questions: How can we explain the growing yearning for supposedly strong leaders, for strictness and harshness? Why does it seem that individual and collective freedom is being so recklessly put at risk? In light of declining trust in state institutions and a growing distance from democratic values, the question arises: How can liberal societies become more resilient in the face of authoritarian and fascist tendencies? How can democracy counter the new appeal of authoritarian “proposals”? | |||
The European Commission plans to expand the current 2026/2027 work program to include additional calls for proposals. A key focus is the horizontal NATURE Call in the area of biodiversity. The official announcement of the call is expected by the end of September 2026. In this interactive event, we combine information with targeted interdisciplinary networking—here to facilitate exchange and lay the groundwork for joint project proposals within the framework of the NATURE Call. Following a brief introduction to the networking opportunities at the SSH-STEM VernetzBar, we’ll share practical tips and tricks for incorporating SSH into your project. In the subsequent pitch session, participants will have the opportunity to present their projects, research ideas, or areas of interest. Afterward, during the bilateral matchmaking session, you’ll have the chance to engage in direct conversation and discover common ground for collaboration. Whether you already have a project idea or simply want to make new contacts for future calls for proposals—this format offers the ideal setting for interdisciplinary exchange and new collaborations. Duration: approx. 4 hours (excluding break); advance online registration required. | |||
Are you doing innovative research in the field of medicines development and do you want to present your research, project, and findings to a large audience of professionals in the field of drug discovery, drug development and drug use? Participants of Dutch Medicines Days can choose to present their research with an oral presentation, with a poster, or with both. This year’s edition, themed “Innovate. Translate. Cure.”, will bring together professionals from academia, industry, and policy to explore the latest developments in drug innovation and healthcare. The deadline for submitting your abstract for oral presentations is 1 July 2026. The deadline for submitting your abstract for poster presentations is 1 September 2026. | |||
The event will focus on the DFG’s individual funding programmes and provide practical advice on preparing an application. Alongside a presentation by Dr. Anna Böhme from the DFG, the programme will include perspectives from a member of a DFG review board and a successful applicant, followed by an extensive Q&A session. Participation is free of charge, and the event is open to doctoral and postdoctoral researchers from all universities and academic disciplines. It is particularly relevant for postdoctoral researchers, junior professors, and doctoral researchers in the final stages of their dissertation. The presentations will be held in English; questions and discussions are welcome in both English and German. | |||
RP Aktiv is aimed at anyone interested in getting involved in the Framework Program for Research and Innovation – Horizon Europe. It is designed for those who are currently in the preparatory phase of submitting a proposal. Those directly involved in the proposal submission process will benefit most from participating. Prerequisites for successful participation include a good general understanding of European research policy and basic knowledge of the Horizon Europe framework program.
Please register online. | |||
The Faculty of Psychology at the University of Havana opens its doors to the XIV edition of the International Meeting of Psychology Students, which will be held in Havana from October 26 th to 30 th, 2026. Faced with a global panorama that often fragments, polarizes, and confronts us with crisis realities, we choose a different response: to weave. In the native cultures of our Americas, weaving was never a solitary act. It is a collective gesture where knowledge, memory, and resistance intertwine to form a stronger and more beautiful product. It was a way of transmitting wisdom between generations, of building community, and, at crucial moments, of tracing routes toward hope together. We propose this meeting as a space to “weave science”: a science that places the human being at the center; a practice that cannot be a loose thread but must intertwine with the diverse, and often harsh, realities we inhabit, to shape a more dignified product. Participation in the event is posible as a presenter (submitting a paper) or as an attendee. Important Dates:
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The Certificate of Advanced Studies in Gender & Queer Studies is an interdisciplinary, research-oriented, and professionally relevant program for master’s and doctoral students, designed to help graduates develop a personalized profile for research and/or future professional practice. The CAS is open to students and doctoral candidates from all disciplines. The interdisciplinary course offerings are continuously expanded in line with the development of Gender Studies across the various disciplinary fields at Heidelberg University. The Gender & Queer Studies CAS is designed to enable students to apply theoretical and methodological approaches from Gender & Queer Studies to various topics, to recognize mechanisms of discrimination, and to address and communicate gender-related issues in an interdisciplinary manner. By learning to link different bodies of knowledge, they contribute to shaping gender-just and reflexive-critical discourses and practices in academia and professional practice. The certificate can be earned after a minimum of 2 semesters; however, a duration of 4 semesters is recommended. | |||
Artificial intelligence is transforming how research is written, shared, and reviewed. This session will explore how researchers can engage with AI tools confidently and responsibly, balancing efficiency with authenticity in research communication. This webinar offers valuable insights into: • Understand how to discover and interpret journal AI policies | |||
In its latest webinar, Campus+ spoke to four experts from the UK and North America to discuss how to expand the reach of your research beyond your institution. Denise Baden from the University of Southampton, Patricia Raun from Virginia Tech, Gregory Goldsmith from Chapman University and Krystina Silva from the University of Alberta talked to us about:
You can watch the webinar free of charge on the website of Campus+. | |||
Heidelberg Research Service – Information and Advice on Horizon Europe 2025 | Anytime | Under Horizon Europe, the EU's current framework programme for research and innovation (2021-2027), a large part of the funding budget is distributed by means of top-down calls for research proposals on specific subjects and aimed at international consortia of Principal Investigators (PIs) from different European universities and research organisations. These calls are predefined in work programmes for the various parts of Horizon Europe published every one or two years. Current drafts of these work programmes are available from the Heidelberg Research Service. If you are interested in these calls and would like to coordinate or participate in a consortium applying for them, we kindly invite you to get in touch with the EU Team of the Heidelberg Research Service. In individual consultations, we can share the details of the EU drafts with you and advise you regarding the next steps. If you are interested, then please contact Dr. Moritz Vogel (moritz.vogel@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de) or Dr. Xenja Herren (xenja.herren@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de). | |
Would you like to learn how to get the best possible protection for the intellectual property originating from your research results? Then you are welcome to visit the next open IP & Transfer consultation hour of ScienceValue Heidelberg GmbH (SVH) at INF Campus Heidelberg to receive advice on all questions related to the exploitation of your intellectual property! If you have any questions, find out more by visiting the website. You can contact the team by sending an email (for example about scheduling an individual appointment): sciencevalue.heidelberg@med.uni-heidelberg.de | |||
The PROM Programme is a short-term academic exchange designed to support doctoral students in expanding their knowledge and skills. The programme enables PhD students to take part in various short-term educational activities, including courses, workshops, professional internships, study visits, conferences, and summer or winter schools organized by the Jagiellonian University. The PROM Programme covers travel expenses, living costs, and, if applicable, conference fees or participation costs for summer and winter schools. To apply, candidates must independently identify a Jagiellonian University academic staff member willing to host and supervise the visit. | |||
The Graduate Academy would like to invite doctoral candidates from all faculties to participate in the Focused Writing Group Program. The program will provide participants with a physical working space, experts on call, and a community of like-minded peers to support doctoral researchers in their academic and dissertation writing process. Registration is now open. Visit the Graduate Academy Website for more information and the opportunity to register! | |||
In Baden-Württemberg ist rund die Hälfte aller Studierenden weiblich, doch nur wenige Professuren und Führungspositionen in der Wirtschaft sind von Frauen besetzt. Um diese Geschlechterungleichheit sichtbarer zu machen und Frauen aus der Wissenschaft zu motivieren, ihre Karriereplanung in die Hand zu nehmen, veranstaltet die Stiftung jährlich den Empowerment-Tag. Die Veranstaltung richtet sich an Nachwuchswissenschaftlerinnen, an Studentinnen, Doktorandinnen und Postdocs, die in Baden-Württemberg leben. Auf der Empowerment-Tag Webseite können Sie sich registrieren, um frühzeitig über den nächsten Empowerment-Tag informiert zu werden. | |||
What is eDOCation all about? eDOCation is the first online platform where young scientists ("eDOCs") offer continuing education for companies. I launched the initiative together with my former doctoral colleague Tobias Hornig (now a data scientist at Siemens). The platform contributes to the transfer of knowledge from universities into business practice and to improving the financial situation and future prospects of doctoral students, postdocs and junior professors. Market research conducted by us has shown that our eDOCs could earn a high three-digit € amount for a two-hour research workshop in companies. At the same time, eDOCation offers companies and their employees the opportunity to benefit from state-of-the-art science in the sense of lifelong learning and to gain access to the country's brightest minds as mentors in the "war for talent". The company is currently being promoted by the Stifterverband as one of the “30 best ideas for the education, science and innovation system of tomorrow” as part of the WIRKUNG HOCH 100 initiative. More information about eDOCation is available in the attached presentation at http://www.edocation.org You want to get to know us? The eDOCation Powerbank regularly offers free and non-binding workshops that can support you in research & teaching as well as personal growth. The following events are planned for the semester break (including links to Eventbrite)
please send your application to: edoc@edocation.org More information, such as selection criteria or forms of continuing education, can be found here. You can view the profiles of our current eDOCs here. How else can you support us? If you find the idea of eDOCation exciting, we would be happy if you would personally recommend it to friends and acquaintances in academia and industry. You can also help us to expand our network and keep up to date with the latest news by following us on LinkedIn. | |||
Have you ever considered in the context of your dissertation – be it in the humanities, life sciences, natural sciences or social sciences – whether your research work can be protected and commercialized? As part of the exclusive service offer for all employees of the university, you can now use the IP consultation hours of the patent and start-up management. In a confidential and non-binding conversation you will have the opportunity to inform yourself about the following topics:
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Überlebensstrategien ist ein gemeinsames Projekt der lebenswissenschaftlichen Sonderforschungsbereiche der Universität Heidelberg mit der Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung (RNZ). Die Redakteure der Stadtredaktion Heidelberg begleiten jeweils eine Veranstaltung mit ihren persönlichen Fragen zu den vorgestellten Forschungsthemen, den beteiligten Wissenschaftlern und den Methoden. Dieses Format der Moderation soll eine lebendige Brücke zum Publikum bilden, das in den Dialog einbezogen wird. In zwanglosem Rahmen im Karlstorbahnhof und mit musikalischer Begleitung durch Mitglieder des Collegium Musicum stellen die Sonderforschungsbereiche ihre Fragestellungen und langfristigen Ziele vor. | |||
The free legal council ("unentgeltliche und unabhängige Rechtsberatung") offers students legal advice from specialized lawyers. We will schedule you an appointment, if you write an E-Mail stating your situation to: rechtsberatung@stura.uni-heidelberg.de To the appointment you will need to bring you student-ID card. | |||
Der Career Service der Universität Heidelberg unterstützt Doktorandinnen und Doktoranden, Studierende und Young Professionals beim Übergang von der Universität in außeruniversitäre Arbeitsbereiche, damit Sie von Anfang an erfolgreich in Ihre Karriere starten bzw. sie fortführen können. Als Doktorandinnen und Doktoranden profitieren Sie von einem breit gefächerten Veranstaltungs- und Beratungsangebot in den Bereichen „Berufliches Know-how“ und „Professionell Bewerben“. Sie haben die Möglichkeit, Ihr Profil zu schärfen, Kenntnisse zu erfolgreichem Bewerbungsmanagement und wichtige Schlüsselkompetenzen zu erwerben. Darüber hinaus erhalten Sie Informationen zu Unternehmen, Berufsfeldern und Arbeitsmarktperspektiven. Die Kurse, Einzelberatungen und Veranstaltungen werden sowohl von erfahrenen Mitarbeiterinnen des Career Service als auch von Experten/innen aus der Wirtschaft durchgeführt. | |||
This spring, academics GmbH is offering a new round of online seminars aimed at doctoral candidates and postdocs. The seminars will deal with topics such as: "Are doctoral studies right for me?", "Looking for and applying for jobs", "Which jobs am I suited for?" (all in German) and "Applying for doctoral and postdoc positions at German universities" (in English). It is necessary to be registered for the acadmics job newsletter in order to participate in the seminars. |