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Dear GAIN Community,
Welcome to the very first issue of the GAIN Newsletter in English!
We are excited to offer this new monthly edition to better reach and support the many non-German-speaking researchers who are interested in career opportunities in Germany. With this launch, we aim to make our information more accessible, strengthen our transatlantic network, and ensure that non-German-speaking colleagues can benefit from everything GAIN has to offer. Please feel free to share this newsletter with friends, labmates, or colleagues who may find it helpful.
The English-language section of our website has also been thoroughly updated and now offers even more information on events, funding opportunities, and career pathways in Germany.
If you would like to meet GAIN in person: Program Director Anna is at the Society for Neuroscience conference in San Diego from November 15–19 at the “Neuroscience in Germany” table and looks forward to speaking with you on site.
In addition, this newsletter introduces two exciting new features: our new online event series GAIN Momentum, which launches with interactive sessions on career topics in Germany, and a new section in which we take a closer look at one of our GAINxGSO Stammtisch meetups each month. This time, we’re heading to San Francisco!
Warm regards,
Anna Oberle-Brill and Jana Groh
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New: GAIN Momentum - The Online Event Series for Your Career
First session: „Your Way to Full Professorship at German Universities of Applied Sciences“
With GAIN Momentum, a new online event series is launching that inspires and informs postdocs through short, interactive formats. The first session offers a practical overview of the qualification and application requirements for professorships at German Universities of Applied Sciences (HAWs). Participants will learn about the role of professional experience outside academia, how international applicants are supported, and which qualifications are currently in demand.
Register now and join us!
📅 Date: Wednesday, 10 Dezember from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. EST
💻 Location: Online via MS Teams
🌐 Language: English
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GAIN at Career Fairs
This fall, GAIN was once again represented at several career fairs in the United States to provide information about research and career opportunities in Germany. As part of the Research in Germany booth, GAIN Program Director Anna advised numerous international postdocs at the WE25 (Women in Engineering Conference) in New Orleans on funding programs, career steps, and options for returning to Germany. A few weeks later, GAIN Program Officer Jana represented the network at the Fall 2025 Science and Technology Fair of the Penn Postdoc Association in Philadelphia, where she informed interested researchers about GAIN’s offers and the many ways international postdocs can connect with the German research landscape.
Both events once again demonstrated the strong interest in Germany as a research destination - and how essential personal conversations and networks remain for fostering exchange between North America and Germany.
| | GAINxGSO-Stammtisch Meetups | | |
Dates
Berkeley: on Wednesday, 3 December from 6:30 p.m. at Black Forest Kitchen (478 25th Street, Oakland, CA 94612), more information via this Google form
Boston: on Wednesday, 26 November from 6:30 p.m. at Democracy Brewing Downtown (35 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111), more information via e-mail: toupalas@mit.edu
Chicago: every first Friday of each month, more information via e-mail: StammtischCH@gso-gain.org
London: more information in this Facebook group
New York: more information in this LinkedIn 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 Thursday (Attention! a different day of the week than usually!), 20 November from 6 p.m. at Thee Parkside (1600 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107), more information via this Google form
Seattle: more information via this Google form
Singapur: more information via e-mail: StammtischSIN@gso-gain.org
Toronto: more information in this LinkedIn group
| | In Focus: The San Francisco Stammtisch | | |
The Stammtisch has been organized by Judith since January 2024, and she shared more details with us:
“We meet every two months at the bar Parkside in San Francisco from 6 p.m. until open end (17th St, Potrero Hill). On average, we are about 15 to 20 people. Every time, new participants join who have just moved to the area. We’ve also had up to around 30 attendees, for example in July. The next Stammtisch is on November 20, and GAIN Program Director Anna will be joining us as well. Interested individuals can sign up via this list.
The Stammtisch itself is a relaxed get-together without a fixed format. Parkside has a lovely backyard, and they offer beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks, and several food options (burgers, salads, tater tots, …). We talk about all kinds of topics, and often also discuss administrative issues that we internationals have to deal with here (e.g., visa applications, etc.). This is extremely valuable for everyone!
| | | Several participants have learned about GAIN and the annual meetings in Boston and San Francisco through this Stammtisch, as well as about locally organized events from DAAD/DFG/DWIH/GAIN. That’s why I hope that meetings like this help strengthen the GAIN network. I can only emphasize how important it is to have such formats!” | | | | |
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/de/vernetzen/stammtische/
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To Be Honest Conference 2025 – Navigating Uncertainty in Academia & Beyond
Academic careers have never felt more uncertain: fixed-term contracts, constant transitions, global instability. The To Be Honest Conference 2025 creates space for honest conversations about building a sustainable career in research and beyond. Join peers, mentors, and experts for two days of open discussion, practical insights, and concrete strategies.
Topics include career insecurity, financial fitness, networking, entrepreneurship, LinkedIn for researchers, and effective grant writing.
When & where:
- December 4 & 5, 2025
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Online via Zoom – Register now for free!
- You can join both days, one day, or individual sessions.
Organized by GSO – Guidance, Skills & Opportunities for Researchers e.V., supported by AlumNode and funded by the Klaus Tschira Stiftung.
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Ag Science Exchange: Opportunities for German Postgrads in China
Do you have a degree in agricultural or food sciences and are looking for postgraduate study or research opportunities in China?
Join us on 28 November for a webinar featuring the Graduate School of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (GSCAAS) — one China’s leading institution for agricultural Master’s and PhD programs. GSCAAS offers a wide range of disciplines — from crop and veterinary sciences to ecology, management, and engineering — along with attractive scholarships for international students.
Date: 28 November
Time: 11:00–12:00 (Germany) | 18:00–19:00 (China) | 5:00–6:00 (EST) | 2:00–3:00 (PST)
Zoom link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89612081952 | Meeting ID: 896 1208 1952
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Your path to a professorship at a University of Applied Sciences in Germany – Online event on 04 December 2025
Does science and its practical application go hand in hand for you? Well then, practical application is the USP of German Universities of Applied Sciences (UAS) - and so it is for their professors!
Our online-event “Career Goal UAS professorship” will inform you about tasks and requirements as well as support on the way to a professorship.
During our panel-discussion, Professor Zerrin Harth and Professor André Kaufmann will give special insights into their daily work and personal career paths.
Thereafter you are welcome to ask all your questions.
If becoming a professor would be an interesting career option for you, we are happy to welcome you on Thursday, 04 December 2025 from 4-6 pm. You will find the calendar entry on our Homepage. Registration is not required.
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Science for Peace, Not Power Politics
With the Hamburg Manifesto, the Association of German Scientists (VDW) calls on researchers to defend academic freedom. In light of growing authoritarian tendencies and global crises, the manifesto emphasizes that research must serve peace, the climate, and humanity, not power.
Frankfurter Rundschau: „Wider den Trumpismus“ (in German)
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#IchBinHanna and the Limits of Gender Equality
Despite numerous support programs, gender equality in academia has stalled. In their essay, Amrei Bahr and Kristin Eichhorn examine how structural issues, from fixed-term contracts to overwork and unequal expectations, undermine existing measures. Their conclusion is clear: the best support for women in academia are fair working conditions.
Soziopolis: "Ziel erkannt, Ziel verfehlt?" (in German)
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“Brain Gain” for Europe: U.S. Researchers Move Across the Atlantic
More and more top researchers from the United States are seeking to relocate to Europe: According to new data from the European Research Council (ERC), the number of U.S.-based applications for EU research funding has increased fivefold. Europe is positioning itself as a safe haven for academic freedom, offering attractive funding conditions and targeted programs for researchers looking to continue their careers.
Politico: "Top US researchers rush to relocate to Europe"
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“Science Diplomacy Is No Longer a Soft-Power Topic”
In times of geopolitical tension and growing technological dependencies, international science faces new challenges. In an interview with Table.Briefings, DFG President Katja Becker discusses how science diplomacy has shifted from a tool for building bridges to a strategic component of foreign and security policy. She explains why research security, resilience, and responsible internationalization must be considered together, what role tech companies play, and why she is calling for a national platform for research security with links to intelligence services.
Table.Briefings: „Science Diplomacy ist längst kein Softpower-Thema mehr“ (in German)
| | GSO Leadership Academy 10: Individual Development and Strong Networks | | | |
- How do I build my research group and which leadership style fits me?
- What paths can I take toward a professorship in Germany?
- What options are available to me in other sectors?
- How can I develop personally?
The GSO Leadership Academy (LSA) helps researchers find answers to these questions within an interdisciplinary and international cohort.
The LSA is a funding program for German-speaking early- and mid-career researchers from all disciplines who work at universities or other research institutions abroad, as well as for (recently returned) researchers who have been back in Germany for less than 18 months.
Each year, 25 full scholarships are awarded to exceptional academics who want to take on responsibility now and in the future: in research, industry, the non-profit sector, other areas, or as founders.
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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:
- 12/11/2025, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. CET – DFG Funding Opportunities for Postdocs
- 14/01/2026, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. CET – The Heisenberg Programme
- 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)
Please check here for more information.
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Job Offer Ravensburg-Weingarten University of Applied Sciences
RWU is a University of Applied Sciences located in one of the most beautiful and economically strongest regions in Europe. Our work is centered around our students. With a practical and collaborative approach, we equip them with the tools they need to shape their own professional paths. In doing so, we combine teaching with applied research and address the societal challenges of our time, regionally rooted and globally connected.
Application deadline: February 15, 2026
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Now hiring! PhD and Postdoc positions in the new Excellence Cluster SynthImmune
We’re excited to announce the launch of the new DFG Excellence Cluster SynthImmune!
As part of this interdisciplinary research initiative, we are looking for highly motivated PhD students and Postdoctoral researchers to explore the fascinating interface of synthetic biology to immunology towards treatment and prevention of AIDS, malaria, pancreatic and brain cancer.
👉 What we offer:
- Excellent research environment within a vibrant, international, and collaborative network
- Access to cutting-edge infrastructure and interdisciplinary mentoring
- Comprehensive training and career development opportunities
📍 Location: Heidelberg and Mannheim
📅 Application deadline: 04.12.2025
🔗 More information & how to apply: https://application.synthimmune.de
Join us in shaping a new generation of researchers who not only understand the immune system — but reimagine it.
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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: December 11, 2025
Application deadline: December 12, 2025
Application deadline: January 4, 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: January 5, 2026
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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. The following position is currently advertised:
Application deadline: November 30, 2025
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Job Offer University of Lübeck
The University of Lübeck stands for excellent research and excellent teaching. We are a modern foundation university with thematically focused degree programs. Under the motto “Focusing on Life,” we offer a life-science–oriented spectrum ranging from medicine, health sciences, and psychology to mathematics, computer science, natural sciences, and engineering.
- The following position is to be filled, combined with the leadership of the cross-campus Institute for Transfusion Medicine: W3 Professorship in Transfusion Medicine and Immunogenetics (m/f/d)
Application deadline: December 28, 2025
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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: 19 November 2025
deadline: 19 November 2025
deadline: 23 November 2025
deadline: 25 November 2025
deadline: 25 November 2025
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In eigener Sache: GAIN Mitgliedschaftsbereich - Datenbankaktualisierung
Das GAIN Netzwerk umfasst eine Vielzahl von registrierten Mitgliedern. Als Mitglied könnt Ihr u.a. über das Wissenschaftlerverzeichnis nach Wissenschaftlerinnen-Peers an Eurem Standort oder Fachbereich suchen und wertvolle Kontakte aufbauen. Um die hinterlegten Daten auf den neusten Stand zu bringen, möchten wir Euch bitten, Eure Mitgliederkonten zu reaktivieren bzw. Kontaktdaten und Email-Adressen zu aktualisieren. So bleibt Ihr nicht nur mit uns, sondern auch untereinander in Kontakt.
Benutzerkonten können hier reaktiviert und aktualisiert werden:
https://www.gain-network.org/de/vernetzen/wissenschaftlerverzeichnis/
| | | GAIN ist eine Gemeinschaftsinitiative der Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung (AvH), des Deutschen Akademischen Austauschdienstes (DAAD) und der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG). Die Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, die Deutsche Krebshilfe e.V., die Helmholtz-Gemeinschaft Deutscher Forschungseinrichtungen, die Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, die Leibniz-Gemeinschaft, die Studienstiftung des deutschen Volkes e.V. und die Hochschulrektorenkonferenz sind assoziierte Mitglieder. | |
GAIN Mitgliedschaft
Noch nicht für die kostenlose GAIN-Mitgliedschaft registriert? Werde Teil des GAIN-Netzwerkes und habe Zugang zur international mobilen Wissenschaftscommunity aus Deutschland. Finde über das Wissenschaftlerverzeichnis Wissenschaftlerinnen-Peers an deinem Standort oder aus deinem Fachbereich.
Für alle Registrierten bitte aktualisiert Euer Profil.
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GAIN - German Academic International Network
c/o DAAD New York
871 United Nations Plaza
New York, New York 10017
newsletter@gain-network.org
Der GAIN-Newsletter wird bereitgestellt von:
DAAD Außenstelle New York, 871 United Nations Plaza New York, NY 10017,
rechtlich vertreten durch Herr Kai Sicks,
Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst e.V.,
Kennedyallee 50, 53175 Bonn
Tel: (212) 758-3223
Fax: (212) 755-5780
E-Mail: info@gain-network.org
Internet: https://www.gain-network.org
Vereinssitz:
Bonn (Deutschland), eingetragen beim Amtsgericht Bonn, Registergericht VR 2105
Redaktion:
Anna Oberle-Brill
Jana Groh
Haftungshinweis:
Wir übernehmen keine Haftung für die Inhalte Dritter. Für den Inhalt verlinkter Seiten sind ausschließlich deren Betreiber zuständig.
Copyright © by DAAD e.V. Der Inhalt dieses Newsletters ist urheberrechtlich geschützt. Alle Rechte vorbehalten. Die Verwendung des Textes - auch auszugsweise - und der Bilder ohne vorheriges schriftliches Einverständnis des DAAD ist nicht gestattet.
Abmeldung:
Wenn Sie den GAIN-Newsletter nicht mehr empfangen möchten, schreiben Sie uns an info@gain-network.org oder nutzen Sie bitte den unten stehenden Abmeldelink.
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