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Dear GAIN Community,
With this issue, the GAIN office in New York is celebrating a special milestone: the German version of the GAIN newsletter is being published for the 250th time. Since April 2004, it has accompanied the internationally mobile research community from Germany in North America and beyond - providing information, calls for applications, event announcements, debates, and insights into research and science policy developments
This anniversary edition once again focuses on exchange and engagement: We share information about upcoming events and offer insights into current research and science policy debates. We are especially pleased to already announce the Save the Date for the GAIN26 Annual Conference, which will take place in August 2026 in San Francisco.
At this point, we would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the many colleagues and GAIN members who regularly enrich the newsletter with ideas, job postings, event information, and valuable input. Only with your contributions can we continue to provide relevant and engaging content in the GAIN newsletter. Thank you very much! As always, we wish you an enjoyable and inspiring read.
Warm regards,
Anna Oberle-Brill and Jana Groh
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GAIN at Events
Meet the GAIN team at the following events for career advice, networking, more information.
30th European Career Fair
5 to 8 March 2026 at MIT in Cambridge, MA
2026 NPA Annual Conference (National Postdoctoral Association)
13 & 14 March 2026 in San Francisco
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Please save the date! We are delighted to announce that the GAIN26 Annual Conference will take place from August 21 to 23, 2026, in San Francisco, CA.
Once again, the annual conference will bring together postdocs, German research institutions, funding organizations, and partners from academia and policy. Participants can look forward to a diverse program featuring interactive workshops, panel discussions, a dynamic Talent Fair, and numerous opportunities to exchange ideas with peers and representatives of the German research landscape.
This is a preliminary save-the-date announcement. Further information on registration will follow shortly.
We look forward to seeing you there!
| | GAINxGSO-Stammtisch Meetups | | |
Dates
Berkeley: on Wednesday, 4 February from 6.30 p.m. at Black Forest Kitchen (478 25th Street, Oakland, CA 94612), more information via this Google form
Boston: on Wednesday, 28 January from 6.30 p.m. until 8.30 p.m. at Democracy Brewing Downtown (35 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111), more informaiton via e-mail: toupalas@mit.edu
Chicago: on Friday, 13 February, further information via e-mail: StammtischCH@gso-gain.org
London (UK): on Saturday, 24 January from 7 p.m. at The Fitzroy Tavern, more information in this Facebook group
New York: on Monday, 9 Febuary at 12.15 p.m. Schnitzel lunch at Deutsches Haus (871 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017) - only by prior sign-up, please email groh@daad.de to be added to this Stammtisch meetup's WhatsApp group
Salt Lake City: always the last Tuesday of the month at Desert Edge (273 Trolley Square) at 7:00pm, more information in this Facebook group
San Francisco: on Wednesday, 28 January from 6 p.m. at Thee Parkside (1600 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107), more information via this Google form
Seattle: on Wednesday, 28 January at 7 p.m. at Rhein Haus Seattle (912 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122), more information via this Google form
Singapur: more information via e-mail:StammtischSIN@gso-gain.org
Toronto: more information in this LinkedIn group
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Get Connected: Researcher Stammtisch Meetups
The GAIN25 Annual Conference has inspired several of you to start new Stammtisch meetups or to revive existing ones. We regularly share updates about upcoming meetings and new groups on LinkedIn.
Are you interested in joining a Stammtisch? Looking for a group in your area or thinking about starting one yourself? Just get in touch with us. We look forward to hearing from you:
info@gain-network.org
https://www.gain-network.org/en/networking/stammtisch/
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U.S. Research Funding Between Cuts and Compromises
The U.S. Congress is close to passing the research budgets for 2026, thereby softening the drastic cuts proposed by the Trump administration. A recent report by the American Institute of Physics (AIP) outlines which research areas are being stabilized or strengthened despite the cuts, where budgets are being reduced, and what signals these decisions send for the future of U.S. science policy.
AIP: "Congress Set to Finalize Science Budgets Rejecting Trump Cuts“
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Universities Under Pressure
Hate mail, threats, and far-right attacks are on the rise at German universities. A recent report by the Frankfurter Rundschau summarizes new studies showing how severely those affected are impacted and why clear institutional positions, supportive structures, and an active approach to the concept of neutrality are crucial to protecting academic freedom and a democratic university culture.
Frankfurter Rundschau: "Hochschulen kämpfen gegen Hassmails, Drohungen und rechte Gewalt" (in German)
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AI Debate Reveals Deeper Structural Issues
The German Research Foundation’s (DFG) decision to allow the use of artificial intelligence for writing proposals and review has sparked strong reactions within the academic community. An analysis on the Wiarda Blog places the debate in context and shows that the real issue is not the use of AI itself, but rather a research funding system that has been overheated for years, along with structural deficits in higher education financing.
Der Wiarda Blog: "Aufregung über ein Symptom" (in German)
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DAAD & Humboldt Community
The new DAAD & Humboldt Community is aimed at current and former fellows, friends, supporters, and partners of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation who wish to stay connected with one another, with Germany, and with the world.
Register here.
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YOU’VE GOT A BOLD IDEA FROM YOUR RESEARCH – NOW WHAT?
Whether it’s a spark or already taking shape: The Top-Talents-Track is your launchpad to turn your innovation into impact.
The programme offers selected participants a unique opportunity for personal and professional growth:
- Kick-Off Event in Berlin Start your journey with an inspiring in-person event to connect with peers and mentors. Travel scholarships are provided.
- Digital Workshops and Career Talks Engage in expert-led sessions on future skills and the founder mindset—from storytelling to innovation. Featuring role models who share their personal entrepreneurial journeys.
- Peer-to-Peer Exchange Collaborate in interactive formats over the three month programme to share experiences, ideas, and insights with like-minded peers.
- Personalised Career Consultations Receive one-on-one guidance to shape your next steps and connect with YES partner organizations, including university innovation centers.
- Networking Opportunities Meet entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs, trainers, researchers, and consultants. Learn from their successes—and failures—to shape your own path.
- Visibility & Reach Gain recognition through YES communication channels to boost your ideas and projects.
Applicants are selected based on their entrepreneurial drive, the potential breakthrough of their idea, and their willingness to actively engage. We especially encourage women and marginalised groups to apply. Please feel encouraged to apply if your idea is not fully developed.
Applications for the 2025 cohort are open from December 15 to January 31, 2026.
Question? Don‘t hesitate to ask: workshops@falling-walls.com
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Info Talks on DFG Funding Opportunities for Research Careers
Germany’s largest independent research funding organization offers funding opportunities for all career stages between doctorate and professorship. The organization regularly offers info talks on funding instruments.
Upcoming talks in the Prospects Series:
- 10/02/2026, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. CET – The Emmy Noether Programme
- 11/03/2026, 10:30 a.m. - noon CET – DFG-Förderangebote für Postdocs (in German)
- 14/04/2026, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. CET – Das Walter Benjamin-Programm (in German)
- 20/05/2026, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. CET – DFG funding Opportunities for Postdocs
Please check here for more information.
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Job Offers Saarland University
Saarland University is a campus university with an international outlook and a strong research profile. Its identity is shaped by four priority areas: Computer Science, BioMed, Sustainability, and Europe. Numerous research institutes in the university’s ecosystem and targeted support for start-ups make Saarland University an ideal environment for research, teaching, and innovation
Application deadline: February 24, 2026
Application deadline: February 26, 2026
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Job Offer University of Wuppertal
The University of Wuppertal is a dynamic, well-connected, research-oriented campus university. More than 25,000 researchers, lecturers, students, and staff work together to address challenges in science, education, culture, economics, social issues, technology, and the environment.
Application deadline: March 2, 2026
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Job Offers University of Cologne
The University of Cologne is one of the oldest and largest universities in Europe. Due to its outstanding scientific achievements and the high quality and diversity of its degree programs, it enjoys an excellent international reputation. The following positions are available:
deadline: 31 January 2026
deadline: 1 February 2026
deadline: 8 February 2026
deadline: 12 February 2026
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Job Offer Forschungszentrum Jülich
The Forschungszentrum Jülich is one of Europe’s largest interdisciplinary research institutions and a founding member of the Helmholtz Association. Researchers from around the world contribute their expertise here in the major future fields of energy, information, and bioeconomy.
Application deadline: at the earliest possible date
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Job Offer HKA
Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences (HKA) is one of the largest and most research-active Universities of Applied Sciences in Baden-Württemberg. Its passion for excellent teaching and innovative research defines the institution and is reflected in its strong ranking results. HKA works closely with regional and national industry partners and stands for diversity, innovation, sustainability, international orientation, and collaboration, with students and staff at the center of its development.
Application deadline: February 27, 2026
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Work on global challenges at international organizations!
The German government is currently advertising 24 JPO positions in more than 21 different international organizations worldwide, e.g. at the UN Secretariat in New York, UNICEF in Nairobi, the EBRD in London, UNEP in Montreal, or the World Bank in Washington, D.C.
These openings are part of the Federal Government's program for young professionals, helping early-career talent start a career in international organizations. Appointments are regular United Nations contracts with a minimum duration of two years.
Applications should be university graduates (Master's or Diploma) with German citizenship, two to four years of professional experience, a very good command of English and specialization in, for example, the following degree programmes:
- Social and Political Sciences
- Law
- Economics and Finance
- Natural Sciences and Engineering
Application deadline: 22 February 2026
Detailed information about the call and the application is available on the BFIO website.
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GAIN is a joint initiative of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), and the German Research Foundation (DFG).
Associated members include the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, German Cancer Aid, the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers, the Max Planck Society, the Leibniz Association, the German Academic Scholarship Foundation, and the German Rectors’ Conference.
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GAIN - German Academic International Network
c/o DAAD New York
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New York, New York 10017
newsletter@gain-network.org
The GAIN newsletter is provided by:
DAAD office New York, 871 United Nations Plaza New York, NY 10017,
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Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst e.V.,
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Tel: (212) 758-3223
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E-mail: info@gain-network.org
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Bonn (Deutschland), registered at the Bonn District Court, registry number VR 2105
Editorial team:
Anna Oberle-Brill
Jana Groh
Liability notice:
We assume no liability for third-party content. The content of linked pages is the sole responsibility of their providers.
Copyright © by DAAD e.V. The content of this newsletter is protected by copyright. All rights reserved. The use of text - even in excerpts - and images is not permitted without prior written consent from DAAD.
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