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Dear GAIN Community,
Summer is drawing to a close, and anticipation within the GAIN team is growing by the day: in just one week, we will kick off GAIN26 in San Francisco! From August 21 to 23, postdocs and representatives from the worlds of academia and policy will once again gather to network, discuss career paths, and strengthen ties between North America and the German research landscape.
The past few weeks have been all about putting on the finishing touches: the program is finalized, networking lunch tables are booked, and our Science Slam finalists are rehearsing their presentations. Matchmaking requests between postdocs and institutional representatives are already flowing through the Converve platform - a wonderful sign of the excitement building among the participants as well.
We are thrilled at the prospect of meeting many familiar and new faces in San Francisco, engaging in fascinating conversations, and experiencing three action-packed conference days together. For those unable to attend in person, the online component GAIN26 Digital will follow on September 17, revisiting key topics from the conference.
We wish everyone the best with their final preparations and look forward to getting to know you or seeing you again in San Francisco!
Warm regards,
Your GAIN Team Anna & Jana
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New Team Member
We are pleased to introduce our new intern, Lucia Johanneves! Lucia is part of the University Alliance Ruhr’s Transatlantic Ruhr Fellowship Program 2026 and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Work Organization and Work and Organizational Psychology at Ruhr University Bochum. We wish her a rewarding time with the GAIN team!
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GAIN26 Digital Workshop Event
As a digital component of the 26th GAIN Annual Conference, these online workshops provide information on academic career paths in Germany. This online event is open to postdocs worldwide.
The GAIN26 Digital Workshop Event will take place following the in-person conference on Thursday, September 17, 2026. As a virtual component of the event, it offers guidance through selected workshops on topics including junior research groups, career paths at universities and non-university research institutes, as well as the tenure track system in Germany.
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The full program can be found here.
Registration
Date: September 17, 2026
Location: Online (MS Teams)
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 10:15 p.m. CEST | 9:00 am – 4:15 pm EDT | 6:00 am – 1:15 pm PDT
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GAIN26 Briefing: Introduction to the Socio-Political and Science Policy Landscape in the USA
The traditional GAIN briefing ahead of the GAIN Annual Conference is designed to provide you with up-to-date insights into the socio-political and science policy landscape of the host country, the United States. In addition, we have once again compiled a selection of testimonials, personal accounts, and interviews with researchers in North America, highlighting the impact their stay has had on their academic careers in Germany.
We wish you an engaging read and look forward to meeting or reconnecting with you in San Francisco!
Briefing and Testimonials (in German)
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GAIN26: Meet the Science Slammers
We are thrilled to present the GAIN26 Science Slam on August 22nd, 2026! This year eight Science Slammers will give six-minute presentations with original research. The winner will receive a prize of $3,000 US Dollars presented by DWIH San Francisco. We look forward to hearing about their discoveries and hope to see you in the audience who will get to score the presentations!
Get to know our hosts and Slammers.
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GAIN26: The Talent Fair at the GAIN Annual Conference
At 70 booths, numerous universities, funding organizations, and research institutions will present themselves. Early-career researchers will have the opportunity to meet their potential future employers in person, seek advice, and build connections. As a registered conference participant, you can use the conference tool Converve to arrange meeting appointments.
Talent Fair Overview
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GAIN26: Conference Program
The GAIN26 conference program features panel discussions, workshops, and presentations on the international research landscape and career opportunities in Germany, as well as various networking formats. The Talent Fair offers information on funding and employment opportunities in Germany and facilitates exchanges with research institutes, science organizations, and universities. As a registered conference participant, you can use the conference tool Converve to create a personalized agenda.
GAIN26 Conference Program
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Science Policy in Summer: Amendment to the Fixed-Term Contracts Act and Fusion Hubs Approved
The Federal Cabinet has set in motion the amendment to the Academic Fixed-Term Contracts Act (WissZeitVG): it establishes minimum contract durations of three years before and two years after the doctorate, while the twelve-year limit remains in place. At the same time, three new fusion research hubs involving seven federal states were unveiled, backed by initial federal funding of around 125 million euros. Both decisions provide clarity but leave key questions, such as those regarding permanent positions and future multi-billion euro investments, unresolved.
Wiarda-Blog: Entschieden, aber vorläufig (in German)
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Cottbus: First Students at New Lusatia Medical University
Five years after the concept was unveiled, the first 36 students will begin their medical studies at the Medical University Lausitz – Carl Thiem in the 2026/2027 winter semester. By 2035, the number of new students is expected to rise to around 165 annually. Minister-President Woidke and Science Minister Schüle hailed the rapid establishment of the university as a success story in the region's structural transformation. However, it remains unclear how the €3.8 billion medical university project will be funded in the long term given Brandenburg's strained budgetary situation.
Tagesspiegel: Aufbau in Rekordzeit: Erste Studierende schreiben sich an Cottbuser Medizin-Uni ein (in German)
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EU AI Act: Labeling requirement begins, high-risk rules postponed
Starting August 2, 2026, major AI providers such as Google, Meta, and OpenAI must label AI-generated content in a machine-readable format; from December onwards, violations could result in fines of up to 15 million euros or three percent of annual turnover. At the same time, the EU postponed planned obligations for high-risk AI systems as well as mandatory employee training. Critics view this as a watering-down of rules to benefit big tech companies, while proponents consider the delay necessary for practical implementation.
The Guardian: AI labels to be compulsory on authentic-looking content under EU rules
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New US Immigration Plans: $100,000 Fee for OPT Under Consideration
The Trump administration is reportedly considering a $100,000 fee for Optional Practical Training (OPT) intended to discourage international students from working in the US after graduation. The proposal is facing opposition from universities, economists, and businesses. Its legality is also in question, following a recent federal court ruling that struck down a similar fee for H-1B visas. Furthermore, studies indicate that OPT has no negative impact on the US labor market.
Forbes: New Immigration Plan Considered To Stop Students From Working In U.S.
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OECD-EU Survey on Careers in Research and Development 2026
Participate today and help shine a spotlight on the global R&D community.
Take ten minutes to help shape the future of careers in research and development (R&D).
You are one of millions of R&D professionals worldwide shaping science and innovation. Policymakers influence the decisions that affect your work and career, yet sound policy relies on solid information. By sharing your perspective, you help ensure these decisions are based on a firm foundation.
The OECD and the EU have joined forces to develop a new international survey of R&D professionals. It takes about ten minutes to complete. The insights gained will help policymakers and the general public understand how R&D work is evolving. By taking the time to participate, you help build the evidence base that guides careers and working conditions—including your own.
This survey is part of the work of the "Research and Innovation Careers Observatory" (ReICO), which brings together—for the first time—internationally comparable data, statistics, and policy-relevant insights on the careers driving science, technology, and innovation across more than 50 countries. For more information on the ReICO initiative, please visit https://oe.cd/reico or contact us at reico@oecd.org .
Your responses will be treated with strict confidentiality. Every response counts.
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Host a German Research: Intern RISE Worldwide – Summer 2027
RISE Worldwide gives research groups around the world the opportunity to host talented Bachelor students from German universities for research internships during the summer. Students come from Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Earth Sciences, Engineering, Computer Science, Medicine, or a closely related field They become part of your research team while gaining valuable international research experience.
Who can submit a project? Research groups, laboratories and doctoral researchers at accredited universities and research institutions worldwide.
Why participate?
- Receive support for your research project
- Mentor highly motivated undergraduate students
- Strengthen the international profile of your research group
- Build collaborations with German universities
- Identify future Master's or PhD candidates
Internship duration: 6 weeks to 3 months
Internship period: Summer 2027, earliest starting date: June 1st, 2027
Project submission: 15 August – 30 September 2026 through Offer an internship | RISE
Funding: Selected students receive a DAAD scholarship covering living expenses and travel costs.
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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 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:
- 31.08.2026, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. CEST – The Walter Benjamin Programme (in English)
- 22.09.2026, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. CEST – DFG funding Opportunities for Postdocs (in English)
- 07.10.2026, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. CEST – The Heisenberg Programme (in English)
- 11.12.2026, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. CET – The Emmy Noether Programme (in English)
Please check here for more information.
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Job Offers at Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences
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: August 31, 2026
Application deadline: September 30, 2026
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Job Offers at the 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: August 27, 2026
Deadline: August 31, 2026
Deadline: September 1, 2026
Deadline: November 3, 2026
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Job Offer at 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 Offers at Hanover University of Applied Sciences
With approximately 9,000 students across five faculties, Hannover University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HsH) is the second-largest university in the capital city of Lower Saxony. It has an international focus with over 100 partner universities, facilitating intensive collaborations in teaching, research, and administration, as well as international exchanges of students, faculty, and staff. At the same time, the university is firmly rooted in the region and currently employs over 1,000 faculty, academic, artistic, and administrative staff.
Application deadline: August 30, 2026
Application deadline: September 06, 2026
Application deadline: September 20, 2026
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Job Offer at 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: August 31, 2026
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Job Offers at 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: August 20, 2026
Application deadline: August 31, 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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