Dear DAAD Friends and Alumni!🎓

Welcome to the final edition of the DAAD Australia Newsletter for 2024!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support of DAAD Australia and for fostering academic exchange between Australia and Germany.

As we reflect on the achievements of 2024, we celebrate the growth and strengthened collaboration between Germany and Australia in academia, research, study, and cultural exchange.

Recent highlights include the successful German Weeks Australia 2024, which strengthened academic ties across Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, and Melbourne. The events highlighted the importance of international collaboration, particularly in research networks and student exchange, with participation from DAAD Research Ambassadors, academic leaders, and young scholars.

Looking ahead, the EURAXESS European Research Days 2024 (09–13 December) will be a key event for Australian researchers, focusing on EU funding and career opportunities. On the final day, a special session will showcase PhD and Postdoc opportunities in EU Member States, with a presentation by DAAD Research Ambassador Assoc. Prof. Clemens Ulrich (UNSW) on opportunities in Germany.

Adelaide German Week

Science, Business and Innovation Day

In mid-September, the DAAD Information Centre Sydney participated in the Science, Business, and Innovation Day as part of German Week Adelaide to highlight research opportunities in Germany and the funding programs offered by DAAD. Hosted at the Australian Space Agency Discovery Centre, the event provided an excellent platform for fostering new ideas and strengthening partnerships between South Australia and Germany, paving the way for future collaborations. We extend our gratitude to Adelaide German Week, The University of Adelaide, and Flinders University for co-hosting the event.

A special thanks to DAAD Research Ambassador Dr. Stefan Hajduk for sharing valuable insights on the German Studies Institute Partnership Program (GIP).

Brisbane German Week

German-Australian Science and Innovation Day

In early October, DAAD Research Ambassador Dr. Michael Netzel from the University of Queensland delivered a presentation in Brisbane focused on research opportunities in Germany and the various DAAD research funding programs available. Dr. Netzel also provided valuable insights into several DAAD-funded research projects currently taking place at Queensland universities.

As part of his presentation, Dr. Netzel shared details of his own research initiatives, offering a firsthand look at his work within the German-Australian research environment. The session aimed to deepen understanding of collaborative research between Germany and Australia and to highlight the potential for future partnerships.

Further information about the Germany Australia Joint Research Cooperation Scheme is available here.

Photo: Brisbane German Week

Canberra German Week

Science and Innovation Day

The first Science and Innovation Day in Canberra, held at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia, spotlighted the growing collaboration between Germany and Australia in the fields of research and innovation. This event was designed to foster deeper connections and exchange of ideas between the two nations.

DAAD Research Ambassadors Prof. Alex Maier (Australian National University) and Prof. Elke Stracke (University of Canberra) presented in the event.They provided an overview of their own research projects, showcasing the collaborative nature of the German-Australian research network. Their presentations emphasized how both countries are working together to advance knowledge and innovation across various academic fields.

Following their presentations, the session transitioned into a panel discussion featuring young academic leaders.The discussion provided a platform for emerging scholars to explore opportunities for collaboration.

This segment aimed to inspire the next generation of researchers to engage in global academic partnerships between Germany and Australia.

Photo: Canberra German Week

German Week Melbourne

German Careers Day at the University of Melbourne

The Careers Day was a huge success. About 300 high school and university students from Victoria came along to the event as part of Melbourne German Week. The day offered the opportunity to join different presentations, panel discussions, workshops and a theatre production showing the many different career paths one can take with a German language qualification. The DAAD Lecturers in Melbourne, Andreas Wiebel and Jessica Lesjak, as well as DAAD Teaching Assistant Lena Glaubach informed about studying in Germany and how the German language can open career doors. The event was organised by the DAAD, the Goethe-Institut, the University of Melbourne and Monash University.

Photos:Dominik Lack

DAAD Cultural Contributions at the German School Melbourne

The German School Melbourne became a cultural and football activity spot during Melbourne German Week. A lively afternoon offered many attractions for visitors of all ages.

Students from the University of Melbourne presented posters on the topic of "The Canon". They focused on the question of who determines the importance of German artists as part of German culture.

Another highlight was a reading and discussion on German clichés, truths and other funny stories Down Under with German-Australian writer Robert Skinner.

In a second exhibition, German students from Monash University presented episodes of their podcast project "Language & Identity". The audio exhibition featured interviews with Germans in Australia talking about the importance of the German language for their identity.

The exhibitions were organised by DAAD Lecturers in Melbourne, Jessica Lesjak and Andreas Wiebel, and DAAD Teaching Assistant Lena Glaubach.

DAAD promotes German Language in Australia

The DAAD supports around 400 DAAD-Lecturers worldwide. Their teaching expertise is mainly in German language, German studies and related disciplines. However, in select instances, their specialisation also encompasses German law, politics, and history. At present, three lecturers in Australia are funded by the DAAD to enhance Germany's global reputation as a hub for academic study and research. Their activities are supported by DAAD teaching assistants who are also funded by the DAAD. A special scholarship provides the assistants with the opportunity to gain practical teaching experience in the context of German language instruction abroad, while also facilitating intercultural exchange.

Meet the DAAD-Lecturers in Australia, Andreas Wiebel, Jessica Lesjak and Tessa Revink as well as the DAAD Teaching Assistant Lena Glaubach by visiting our website here.

Learn German creatively abroad with DHoch3

The Dhoch3 program supports the education of future German language teachers abroad through online study modules. These modules address global trends, such as the growing demand for German in professional contexts and study-integrated German courses. They provide valuable, research-based content for teachers of German and promote digitalization in higher education. Developed by German universities, the modules are designed for blended learning.

Targeting university educators and Master's students, Dhoch3 focuses on regions with emerging teacher training programs or strong interest in methodology, didactics, and professional communication.

You can register for free of charge at the DHoch3 Moodle platform here.

Further information about the program is available here.

New Edition of "Wissenschaft weltoffen 2024"

Germany is number 2 worldwide for international academics and researchers

Germany is the second most important host country for international academics and researchers after the USA, according to the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) in the publication "Wissenschaft weltoffen 2024" which was published last month. Over 75,000 researchers from all over the world worked in Germany. In addition, 380,000 international students were enrolled at German universities - a new record.

"The latest figures show that Germany is the most important European destination for international academics and researchers, even ahead of the United Kingdom" ... "These trends underline Germany's attractiveness as a location for science and study, which is based in particular on the high quality of German universities and research institutions and their international integration," said DAAD President Prof. Dr Joybrato Mukherjee.

Read the DAAD press release here, and the latest edition of "Wissenschaft weltoffen" can be read here.

Pathfinder for PhD Candidates

Are you interested in doing your PhD in Germany? Then the PhD Pathfinder is the right tool for you! Planning your PhD phase and application can be challenging, especially in another country. That is why Research in Germany has launched a new tool that helps you find your way through the German PhD landscape, including the following topics:

▪️ Requirements for a PhD in Germany

▪️ Different PhD paths

▪️ Searching for a PhD position

▪️ Finding a supervisor

▪️ PhD funding options

▪️ Writing an application

By answering some questions, the PhD Pathfinder can provide you with relevant information – and even a personalised checklist.

Check out the PhD Pathfinder here.

EURAXESS - European Research Days 2024

The European Research Days 2024 - Oceania (9-13 December) is a free virtual event designed to provide the research community with valuable insights and support for fostering scientific collaboration and exchange with Europe. The event spans five days, with each day focusing on a specific theme tailored to different segments of the research community.

On the fifth and final day, the event will highlight PhD and Postdoc Opportunities in EU Member States, offering a comprehensive look at research and academic career prospects in Europe. This session will be especially relevant for early-career researchers seeking international opportunities.

A notable feature of the event will be a presentation by DAAD Research Ambassador, Assoc. Prof. Clemens Ulrich from the University of New South Wales, who will specifically address PhD and Postdoc Opportunities in Germany. This session is open to researchers across all disciplines and nationalities, providing essential information for those interested in pursuing further academic and research careers in Germany.

The event is organised by EURAXESS Australia and New Zealand, in partnership with the EU Delegation in Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific.

Please note that separate registration is required for each day of the event, so interested participants should ensure they sign up accordingly.

Find more information and register here.

ZEIT GERMANY: Study and Research

Dreaming of studying or doing research in Germany? Check out the newest edition of “ZEIT GERMANY: Study and Research”!

Every year, German magazine ZEIT Campus publishes “ZEIT GERMANY: Study and Research”, its magazine for international high-school graduates, university students and young researchers interested in coming to Germany.

Some topics of the current issue:

▪️ How to succeed in your studies or research in Germany?

▪️ How to find a good student job in Germany?

▪️ How do students and researchers from around the world view Germany's academia?

Browse through the online edition and find out here!

Image: Zeitverlag

DAAD Artists-in-Residency Program

Call for Applications for 2026

The DAAD Artists-in-Berlin Program is a residency program for international cultural practitioners that facilitates and supports creative processes, encounters, and collaborations.

Both during and after their period of residency in Berlin, the fellows receive support from the Artists-in-Berlin Program to develop and present exhibitions, concerts, performances, film projects, readings, and publications.

Collaboration with guests and partners results in new creative endeavours that are presented at the daadgalerie, in other cultural institutions in Berlin, throughout Germany, and in locations all around the world.

Application deadline: 15 December 2024.

Further information is available here.

A Spotlight on: Mental Health

Putting research into practice: the new German Center for Mental Health

Since 2023, the German Center for Mental Health (DZPG) has developed a comprehensive research program that focuses on early detection and prevention, urban mental health and improved psychotherapy. One of eight German Centers for Health Research (DZG), the DZPG aims to improve the mental health of the population and reduce the stigma attached to mental disorders. Research at the Center is practice-oriented and cooperative: the goal is to bring results to patients as quickly as possible. Patients and their families are involved in all phases of the research through studies and other forms of participation.

For researchers, the DZPG also offers plenty of opportunities: the DZPG Academy, which is currently being set up, will provide a platform for education and training as well as interdisciplinary networking, particularly for early career researchers. Also check out the Center’s job postings, which include PhD positions and scholarships! The DZG are an initiative of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, with the DZPG being one of the most recent openings.

~~Find the spotlight story at the German Center of Mental Health~~ here.

Research in Germany - December Newsletter

A Spotlight on: Diversity in Science

To conduct research that is relevant to the challenges of our time, science needs diversity and a wide range of perspectives. The German Research Foundation (DFG) is the central and largest funding organisation for research in Germany. As such, it promotes a research landscape that reflects diversity and equal opportunities – and offers numerous measures to reach that goal.

Fair and square: the DFG’s equity and diversity principles for funding: How diverse is German science? As you will see, this question is not always easy to answer. For example, data on the race or ethnicity of researchers is not routinely collected at German institutions of higher education (find out why in the “A closer look” section!). But one thing is clear: Germany is host to a large and diverse community of researchers from around the world – in fact, the country is number 2 worldwide as a destination for international academics.

Read the Research in Germany December Newsletter here.

Scholarships, Grants and Programs

Call for Applications

DAAD Research Grants in Germany for Doctoral Candidates and Postdocs

Doctoral students interested in pursuing a research project in Germany are invited to apply for funding for a period of between 2 and 12 months. Similarly, postdoctoral researchers who have already obtained a PhD are eligible to apply for funding periods of between 2 and 6 months.

This program has replaced the previous Short-Term and One-Year Research Grants.

Application deadline: 3 April 2025

(Start of funding in August 2025)

Further information is available here.

Call for Applications

Friends of Goethe Scholarships: Internationale Tagung der Deutschlehrer:innen (IDT)

Take the opportunity to apply for a scholarship to attend the world's largest forum for German as an additional and second language in the city of Lübeck, Germany from 28.07-01.08.2025 (Internationale Tagung der Deutschlehrer*innen - IDT). The Friends of Goethe Australia scholarship is open to early career German teachers in Australia.

Application deadline: 15 December 2024

Further information is available here.

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Further information is available here.

For further information or comments, please email us at info@daad-australia.org.

You can also download previous newsletters from our website.