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Dear GAIN Community,
The fifth season is in full swing - from Carnival and Fasching to Mardi Gras, celebrations are taking place around the world. We, too, are embracing this momentum to kick off the new year with fresh ideas and new energy. In this edition, you can look forward to exciting calls for applications, important developments in science policy, and numerous networking opportunities. We warmly invite you to read along, get involved, and remain an active part of our vibrant network.
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! 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.
Find first pieces of information on our website: https://www.gain-network.org/en/annual-gain-conference-2/
Registration to attend the conference is expected to open on March 1: https://gain26.converve.io/
| | GAINxGSO-Stammtisch Meetups | | |
EUA Position Paper on the Planned ERA Law
The European University Association (EUA) warns that the planned law on the European Research Area (ERA) would place additional burdens on research and higher education institutions. In a recent position paper, it calls for practical, workable regulations, improved framework conditions for research careers, and fewer bureaucratic obstacles. The goal must be to sustainably strengthen innovation, mobility, and academic freedom in Europe.
European University Association: "EUA Position Paper on the Planned ERA Law"
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Federal and State Governments Approve Renovation Program for Universities
The federal government and the German states have agreed on a multi-billion-euro investment program for the modernization and renovation of universities and research institutions. Starting in 2026, up to one billion euros per year are to be made available for construction, refurbishment, and scientific infrastructure, an important step in light of the substantial backlog of repairs at German universities. The German Rectors’ Conference (HRK) welcomes the agreement but cautions that this can only be a starting point: the actual investment needs are estimated to be in the triple-digit billions. What will now be crucial is how quickly and effectively the funds reach institutions on the ground and whether states and universities can accelerate planning and approval procedures.
Forschung & Lehre: "Programm gegen Sanierungsstau an Hochschulen beschlossen" (in German)
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A Home for Displaced DEI Research
In response to growing restrictions on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work in the United States, scholars have launched a new journal: Dear Higher Ed. It aims to create space for perspectives, research, and personal experiences that are increasingly disappearing from many universities. The project preserves knowledge, makes structural inequalities visible, and wants to send a clear signal that DEI work remains relevant, even in contexts where it faces political pressure.
Inside Higher Ed: "A Home for Homeless DEI Strategies and Research"
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Next Steps for the Reform of the Freedom of Science Act (Wissenschaftsfreiheitsgesetz)
The German federal government has initiated a reform of the Freedom of Science Act aimed at giving non-profit research institutions greater flexibility in setting salaries for their researchers. A key element is the relaxation of the so-called “prohibition of preferential treatment,” in order to improve competitiveness in the international race for talent. While supporters emphasize the potential to strengthen competitiveness and innovation, critics warn of possible imbalances in the distribution of public funding. The reform still needs to pass through the Bundestag and Bundesrat, but it could have a lasting impact on the framework conditions for research in Germany.
Bundesregierung: "Freedom of Science Act expanded“
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VolkswagenStiftung: Navigating a Transforming World Order - Fellowships on Security and Technology
News about crises, conflicts, and the global security situation is coming in ever shorter intervals: we are all witnessing the transformation of a former world order - with an open ending. The foundation - with this funding program - would like to contribute to a better understanding of these fundamental changes and support the development of ways to deal with them. The focus is on a holistic understanding of security, a European perspective, and effective cross-sectoral exchange. Wanted: the next generation of security experts!
- area of research: all
- type of funding: postdoctoral fellowships
- amount: max. 450.000 EUR
- duration: max. 3 years (24 months for research and 12 months for outreach activities)
- target group: early career researchers up to 5 years after completing their PhD
- The foundation offers a coordinating program with external partners for the fellows and expects participation in respective activities.
Further information here.
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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:
- 24 February 2026, 14:00–15:30 CET – Henriette Herz Scouting Program
- 4 March 2026, 14:00–15:30 CET – CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship Program (for Brazilian researchers)
- 16 April 2026, 14:00–15:00 CET – Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship
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:
- 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
- 25 June 2026, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. CET – The Emmy Noether Programme
Please check here for more information.
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iSTAR
The ‘iSTAR – integrative Advanced Clinician Scientists Targeting Inflammatory and Infectious Disease’ programme at the University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE) supports excellent clinician scientists to develop independence and leadership in the field of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
The call is open to scientifically and clinically highly-qualified clinicians,
- who have already or will shortly receive their certification as medical specialist (Facharzt/-ärztin),
- who have a proven and outstanding research profile with a focus on inflammatory or infectious diseases,
- who have already successfully secured third-party funding.
Please follow this link for more information: iSTAR Advanced Clinician Scientist (ACS) (all genders) | Karriereportal | Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf
The application deadline is 30 April 2026.
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Job Offers 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: March 6, 2026
Application deadline: March 15, 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: March 15, 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:
Application deadline: April 10, 2026
Application deadline: March 25, 2026
Application deadline: April 3, 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
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newsletter@gain-network.org
The GAIN newsletter is provided by:
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Editorial team:
Anna Oberle-Brill
Jana Groh
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