Issue 7 | July 2026

GAIN Newsletter

Dear GAIN Community,


We are back after a little newsletter break and returning with a packed newsletter! The last two editions fell victim to a hectic spring: preparing for GAIN26 kept us extremely busy, so the newsletter unfortunately had to take a back seat. We hope you’ll forgive us.


We are all the more pleased to present a curated selection of topics that have shaped the academic landscape in recent months: from AI in higher education and the resilience of the German research system to global trends affecting international students and early-career researchers.


And, of course, GAIN26 is just around the corner! We look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting plenty of new ones at this year’s annual meeting in San Francisco, taking place August 21–23. If you haven’t registered yet: there are still a few last spots and travel grants available for postdocs - so be sure to sign up soon!


As always, we hope you enjoy reading this edition and look forward to your feedback.


Warm regards,

Your GAIN Team

Inside GAIN

New Team Member


We are pleased to introduce our new summer intern, Max Gietmann! Max has just completed his studies at Columbia University. We wish him a rewarding time with the GAIN team!

GAIN26 Participation Grant


A few GAIN26 participation grants are still available for German- and non-German-speaking postdocs! Grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.



The registration deadline has been extended to July 23.


With over 130 participating institutions, the GAIN26 conference offers a unique and rewarding opportunity to network and learn more about career opportunities in Germany. Attend our workshops and the talent fair, and present your research at the Science Slam! The conference will take place from August 21 to 23 at the Marriott Marquis San Francisco. Don't miss out - register here!


#GoGAIN26


GAIN26 Annual Conference

August 21 - 23, 2026

Marriott Marquis San Francisco

Spots for Saturday Afternoon Only Still Open at GAIN26 in San Francisco! - Please share!


The German Academic International Network (GAIN) invites all postdocs and early career researchers in the Bay area to join us and over 120 institutions from all across the German science and research landscape at our Conference and Talent Fair in San Francisco on August 22nd, 2026. Ph.d candidates are also welcome to join this portion of the conference!


Our Saturday afternoon program will be held mostly in English! There is no attendance cost, and once registered, attendees may schedule one-on-one meetings with any of the over 120 universities, research institutions, and funding agencies represented at the conference. Participants are also welcome to attend any of our group workshops, the Talent Fair, and the Science Slam! The Annual GAIN Conference is an excellent way to learn about open positions, junior research group leader opportunities, paths to professorship, and other careers for researchers in Germany. Join us in San Francisco for an afternoon of learning, exploring, networking and fun!


The free Saturday Afternoon Program of the GAIN26 Conference and Talent Fair takes place on Saturday, 22 August, 2026, at the Marriott Marquis San Francisco in San Francisco starting at 2 p.m.


Register now! Registration open until all slots are filled.


Who We Are:

The German Academic International Network (GAIN) is an initiative by the three major research organizations: the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH), the German Research Foundation (DFG), and funded by the of the German government (BMFTR).


Our Mission:

For over two decades we have worked to foster transatlantic mobility and cooperation by creating and maintaining connections between the German research landscape and those of the rest of the world, with a special focus on the United States and Canada. Our members are German-speaking scientists and researchers of all disciplines, who represent leading research institutions worldwide. Through GAIN, members are offered access to our extensive international network, as well as up-to-date information regarding career and funding opportunities, as well as relevant developments in science policy.


We hope to see you there!


More information

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.

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

How Can GAIN Support You?


Unsure about your next career move? You are not alone - and you don’t have to go it alone. Here is what GAIN offers you beyond the annual conference and this newsletter:


GAINxGSO-Stammtisch Meetups

Dates


Berkeley: Wednesday, 19 August at Black Forest Kitchen (478 25th Street, Oakland, CA 94612) at 6.30 p.m., more information via this Google form


Boston: more information 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, 28 July at Desert Edge (273 Trolley Square) at 7:00 pm, more information in this Facebook group


San Francisco: Wednesday, 22 July at Zeitgeist (199 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94103) at 6 p.m., 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

Get Connected: Researcher Stammtisch Meetups


We share updates about upcoming meetings and new groups on LinkedIn every Monday.


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/

News

Academic Federalism Under Pressure: Science Ministers’ Conference Reforms Voting Rules


The German Conference of Ministers of Science has partially relaxed its long-standing principle of unanimity: in the future, key decisions may be adopted with the votes of 13 out of 16 federal states under certain conditions. This move is driven by concerns over potential obstruction by the AfD following the state elections this autumn. A commentary on the significance of this decision - and why the tougher test within the Joint Science Conference still lies ahead.


Wiarda-Blog: Ein Wendepunkt im Wissenschaftsföderalismus – und eine Notbremse [in German]

Academic Freedom at Risk: Experts Call for Protective Measures


At a conference held at the Brandenburg state parliament, ministers of science, university representatives, and constitutional law expert Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf warned of mounting attacks on academic freedom, including within Germany. Among the measures called for were independent commissions to manage research funding and greater solidarity within the academic community.


Tagesspiegel: „Das müssen wir mit aller Macht verteidigen“ [in German]

AI Generated Fake Studies: A Threat to Science


An estimated 300,000 fake scientific articles are published annually, many of them produced with the help of AI and marketed via so-called "paper mills." This phenomenon is fueled by the pressure to publish within the scientific community. Experts warn of far-reaching consequences for research and society and call for a rethink of the publication system.


Forbes: Fabricated Citations Found In Over 2,800 Biomedical Journal Articles

US Visa Policy Shift: International Students Face New Time Limits


The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is set to finalize a rule ending "duration of status," which currently allows international students to remain in the country until degree completion. Under the new policy, students would need to request an extension after four years, a significant hurdle for Ph.D. students and others in longer programs. The change adds to growing concerns about the U.S. becoming less accessible for international researchers.


Inside Higher Ed: Duration-of-Status Rule Change Clears White House Review

International Student Enrollment Shifts Away from English-Speaking Countries


Restrictive immigration policies in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the UK are driving a significant drop in international student enrollments while European and Asian universities are seeing sharp increases. A new survey of 254 universities across 36 countries shows the trend intensifying in 2026, with postdocs and graduate students among those affected.


icef monitor: Universities urged to focus on “factors they can control” as policy settings depress international student enrolments in the Big Four

Quick and Useful

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:



  • 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.

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.

Opportunities

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: August 16, 2026

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: August 20, 2026



Application deadline: August 31, 2026

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: July 20, 2026



Deadline: July 30, 2026



Deadline: July 30, 2026



Deadline: July 31, 2026



Deadline: September 1, 2026

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: August 31, 2026

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.

Linkedin  Facebook
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.

GAIN - German Academic International Network

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Der GAIN-Newsletter wird bereitgestellt von:

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Redaktion:

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Wir übernehmen keine Haftung für die Inhalte Dritter. Für den Inhalt verlinkter Seiten sind ausschließlich deren Betreiber zuständig.


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