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Dear GAIN Community,
Happy Spring! Over the past few weeks, GAIN has been present at key events across the USA - from the European Career Fair at MIT to the National Postdoctoral Association’s Annual Conference in San Francisco. At the same time, preparations for our next major GAIN Annual Conference, taking place from August 21 to 23, 2026, in San Francisco, are already in full swing. You will find details regarding this in the newsletter; we kindly ask that you forward this information to any interested postdocs within your networks.
In this issue, you will once again find the latest news from the worlds of research and science policy, information on funding opportunities and upcoming events, as well as networking opportunities. We look forward to meeting many of you again, whether in person or virtually, in the coming months, and to continuing to strengthen the transatlantic research community together.
Warm regards, and happy reading,
Anna Oberle-Brill and Jana Groh
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Photos: Anna Oberle-Brill
GAIN has been very busy in recent weeks: Program Director Anna Oberle-Brill advised postdocs from March 5th to 8th at the 30th European Career Fair at MIT in Cambridge, MA. A week later, she represented the network at the 2026 NPA Annual Conference (National Postdoctoral Association), which GAIN co-sponsored, in San Francisco.
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The GAIN26 Annual Conference will take place from August 21 to 23, 2026, in San Francisco, CA.
Once again, the annual conference brings together postdocs, German research institutions, funding organizations, and partners from the academic and political spheres. Attendees can look forward to a diverse program featuring interactive workshops, panel discussions, a varied Talent Fair, and numerous opportunities to network with peers and representatives of the German research landscape.
GAIN26 Annual Conference
August 21 to 23, 2026
Marriott Marquis San Francisco
780 Mission St
San Francisco, CA 94103, US
GAIN26 Registration: https://gain26.converve.io/
GAIN26 Digital Workshops
September 17, 2026
Online, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. CEST
Further information on GAIN26: https://www.gain-network.org/de/gain-jahrestagung/
Information for postdocs: https://www.gain-network.org/de/gain-jahrestagung/gain26-infos-fuer-postdocs/
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Please share: GAIN26 Conference Also Open to Non-German Speaking Postdocs
Non-German speaking postdocs based in the U.S. and Canada are invited to attend the entire GAIN26 Annual Conference, taking place from August 21–23, 2026 in San Francisco. All time slots will feature English-language workshops, making full participation possible.
Two participation options are available:
- Full conference (through GAIN participation scholarship)
- Saturday afternoon-only
GAIN Participation Scholarship
Non-German spekaing postdocs can apply for a scholarship covering:
- Conference fee (approximately USD 650 incl. meals)
- Two hotel nights (except for SF-area residents with a direct BART connection)
- Note: Travel costs are not covered.
Apply now via the registration portal: https://gain26.converve.io/
Select "PostDoc" [Full conference or Saturday afternoon only], select "GAIN" as your inviting organization, upload your CV, and briefly state your motivation. Please book your hotel only after scholarship confirmation.
| | GAIN25 Throwback: Transatlantic Research Networking at the 2025 GAIN Annual Conference in Boston | | |
Photos: DAAD/DavidFoxPhotography/Moritz Brinkforth
To get you and us in the mood for the upcoming annual conference, we are taking another look back at the previous meeting: The 25th GAIN Annual Conference, held in Boston from August 29 to 31, 2025, provided early-career researchers working across the Americas with the opportunity to learn more about Germany as a hub for science and research. The event focused specifically on potential career paths and return options, whether as junior research group leaders, for professorships at universities or universities of applied sciences (HAW), or within science management. You can find a detailed summary, the program, and a list of participating institutions from the last GAIN Annual Conference, along with photos, videos, organizational guidelines (for exhibitors), and other resources, right here:
https://www.gain-network.org/en/annual-gain-conference-2/gain25-program-photos-orga
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APPLY NOW: GAIN26 Science Slam at the GAIN Annual Conference in San Francisco
GAIN26 Science Slam Applications Due by June 15th! Win a great cash prize of 3,000 USD.
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Present your research at GAIN26 Annual Conference and Talent Fair in San Francisco on August 22, 2026.
A group of international researchers from various fields will present their findings in a six-minute pitch in front of the GAIN26 audience. The objective is to impart current research results to a diverse audience in an understandable and entertaining way.
WHO CAN PARTICIPATE:
We want you! We are looking for international researchers to present their findings in the brief and lively Science Slam format. Any postdoc or early career researcher from GAIN26 can apply. Only your own research can be presented. Applications from all disciplines are welcome!
YOUR AUDIENCE:
The GAIN annual conference is the largest German science and research career fair in the US with participants ranging from early career researchers to representatives from over 80 German universities, research institutions, and funding agencies. The GAIN26 audience will vote on the winner.
WHERE AND WHEN:
The GAIN26 Science Slam will take place on August 22, 2026,
5:15pm - 6:45pm PDT at
Marriott Marquis San Francisco
HOW TO APPLY:
The application deadline is 15 June, 2026. To apply, submit the link to a one-minute video pitching your slam in English:
→ log into your Converve account if you have already registered for GAIN26, or register first
→ in your profile, check the box “I want to apply to present at the GAIN26 Science Slam”
→ add the link to a public or unlisted Youtube or Vimeo video (An unlisted video means it’s publicly visible only to those who have the specific link to the video. It won’t appear in search results, on your channel’s video tab, or in suggested videos for other users.)
→ add a tentative title
→ check that your CV is uploaded in Converve
Learn more and get inspired by competitors from previous years here!
| | GAINxGSO-Stammtisch Meetups | | |
Dates
Berkeley: Wednesday, 22 April at Black Forest Kitchen (478 25th Street, Oakland, CA 94612) at 6.30 p.m., more information via this Google form
Boston: on Wednesday, 25 March at Democracy Brewing Downtown (35 Temple Place, Boston, MA 02111) from 6.30 p.m. until 8.30 p.m., more informaiton via e-mail: toupalas@mit.edu
Chicago: further information via e-mail: StammtischCH@gso-gain.org
London (UK): more information in this Facebook group
New York: please email groh@gain-network.org to be added to this Stammtisch meetup's WhatsApp group
Salt Lake City: Tuesday, 24 March at Desert Edge (273 Trolley Square) at 7:00 pm, more information in this Facebook group
San Francisco: Wednesday, 18 March at Thee Parkside (1600 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107) at 6 p.m., more information via this Google form
Seattle: Saturday, 21 March at Rhein Haus Seattle (912 12th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122) at 7 p.m., 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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Gender inequality continues to stagnate in many areas
Current data shows slight progress in reducing the gender pay gap and the pension disparity between men and women; however, progress in labor force participation, part-time employment rates, and unpaid care work remains stagnant. Even at universities, progress remains limited: The NRW Gender Report 2025 documents persistent imbalances in professorships, leadership positions, and salaries. An overview of the current situation on International Women's Day.
Forschung und Lehre: "Aktuelle Daten machen Hürden bei der Gleichstellung sichtbar" (in German)
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Gender equality as a driver of innovation: Minister Bär sets new priorities
Federal Research Minister Dorothee Bär visited the Max Delbrück Center in Berlin on International Women's Day and emphasized that gender equality is not an end in itself, but rather a driver of innovation. In addition to the Professorinnenprogramm 2030 (Professorship Program for Women 2030), the ministry is planning a new federal scientific prize for gender research, which is to be announced in 2026. Currently, women hold approximately 30 percent of professorships nationwide.
Max Delbrück Center: "Equality in research drives innovation"
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Final selection round of the Professorinnenprogramm 2030 (Professorship Program for Women 2030) completed
44 universities successfully submitted their gender equality concepts in the third and final selection round of the Professorinnenprogramm 2030. They can now apply for seed funding to appoint female researchers to tenured professorships. Five universities will also receive the distinction of "University with Strong Gender Equality." The federal and state governments are providing a total of €320 million for the program.
idw - Informationsdienst Wissenschaft: "44 Hochschulen überzeugen mit starken Gleichstellungskonzepten." (in German)
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Trump's budget cuts are driving US scientists abroad
Billions of dollars in budget cuts, eliminated funding programs, and a hiring freeze at the NIH: The US research landscape is experiencing massive cutbacks. Thousands of early-career researchers want to leave the US, many heading to Europe. This report from The Guardian shows what this means for global research and especially for postdocs.
The Guardian: "‘We’re no longer attracting top talent’: the brain drain killing American science"
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Joint Science Conference Prepares for Attacks from Right-Wing Parties
The Joint Science Conference (GWK) of the German states met at the end of February to prepare for potential electoral successes of the AfD (Alternative for Germany) in this year's state elections. Since 2007, the GWK agreement has allowed a single state to withdraw and thus dissolve the entire GWK. This is to be amended at the next meeting in July. Wiarda also argues that the GWK should go even further and adopt the Pact for Research and Innovation as a federal-state agreement.
Der WIARDA-Blog: "Rettungsaktion hinter verschlossenen Türen“ (in German)
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Lecture Series on AvH Funding Opportunities for Academic Careers
Humboldt Discoveries is an event series that offers prospective fellows, hosts, and all interested parties the opportunity to learn more about specific programs of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Recognized experts present the respective program and answer open questions. Current fellows and/or alumni share their experiences.
Upcoming dates of the Humboldt Discoveries series:
- 16 April 2026, 2:00–3:00 CET – Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship
- 06 August 2026, 2:00 - 3:30 CET - Infoveranstaltung: Henriette Herz-Scouting-Programm
- 24 September 2026, 2:00 - 3:00 CET - Infoveranstaltung: Feodor Lynen-Foschungsstipendium
Please click here for further information.
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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:
- 14 April 2026, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. CET – Das Walter Benjamin-Programm (in German)
- 20 May 2026, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. CET – DFG funding Opportunities for Postdocs (in English)
- 25 June 2026, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. CET – The Emmy Noether Programme (in English)
- 31 August 2026, 10:00 - 11:30 Uhr CET – The Walter Benjamin Programme (in English)
Please check here for more information.
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Job Offer 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: April 2, 2026
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Job Offer Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences
Down-to-earth, Frisian, authentic - and in a leading position when it comes to future-oriented innovations: Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences is a driving force for the region.
Application deadline: May 10, 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 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: April 6, 2026
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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
871 United Nations Plaza
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,
legally represented by Mr. 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
Registered office:
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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