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Dear GAIN Community,
Things are currently bustling at the GAIN office, and for good reason: In just over four months, our GAIN26 Annual Conference is taking place in San Francisco!
Over the past few weeks, working alongside our partners, we have finalized the workshop program, allocated the Talent Fair booths, and already awarded several GAIN travel grants to postdocs. However, to ensure that postdocs outside of North America can also participate, we have simultaneously organized GAIN26 Digital for September 17th - a fully virtual workshop event open to everyone. Registration is now open (more details below).
Since we have so much news to share directly from the GAIN office this time around, we ask for your understanding that we have opted to omit global news updates in this issue.
And one final small request: Please feel free to connect with us on LinkedIn and share our post regarding the GAIN26 Annual Conference - the more postdocs who hear about it, the better!
Warm regards and happy reading,
Anna Oberle-Brill and Jana Groh
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New GAIN Advisory Board Members
Over the past few months, changes have taken place within the GAIN Advisory Board: two members stepped down from the committee after nearly four years of service. In their stead, GAIN has welcomed two new postdocs who will henceforth contribute their expertise to the Advisory Board.
Newly appointed to the Advisory Board:
- Dr. phil. Melanie Ptatscheck, MA, MPH, Visiting Scholar, Department of Music, New York University
- Dr. Pardes Habib, MD, PhD, Instructor, Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University School of Medicine
You will, of course, also have the opportunity to meet the GAIN Advisory Board at GAIN26. We introduce all members on our website.
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"I work at the intersection of Popular Music Studies and Public Health, focusing on the well-being of creative professionals as well as health-promoting structures within the arts and culture sector. In my DAAD- and DFG-funded postdoctoral project, utilizing an (auto)ethnographic research design, I investigate the lived realities and practices of female street musicians in New York City. My particular interest lies in identifying the structural conditions and potential for change that emerge from the perspectives of the actors within this cultural ecosystem, and in exploring how these factors can contribute to the health and social security of creative work as a foundation for sustainable music cultures."
"GAIN brings together individuals from the fields of academia, culture, business, and politics, creating spaces for networking, exchange, and the development of shared perspectives. I especially value the fact that the network provides support in translating international experiences and insights into diverse academic cultures into a distinct professional profile, thereby helping individuals navigate their path or their return to the German academic landscape."
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"Millions of ischemic stroke survivors live with permanent disabilities. Currently, no established therapeutics exist that enable substantial functional recovery. While stem cell therapies have shown promising results in early clinical trials, their underlying mechanisms of action remain largely uncharacterized. As an Instructor in Neurosurgery at the Stanford University School of Medicine, I conduct both clinical and preclinical research to investigate how stem cells (hNSCs) drive brain repair following chronic stroke. By integrating state-of-the-art imaging (MRI/PET) with spatially resolved multi-omics, I map the structural and molecular reorganization of the injured brain and identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers - with the ultimate goal of developing and refining precision, cell-based therapies for stroke patients."
"To me, GAIN signifies one thing above all else: genuine interdisciplinary networking - the kind that fosters sustainable collaborations and enduring friendships, enriching and sustaining the scientific endeavor."
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Dear Scientific Community,
At the GAIN Annual Conference, discover career prospects, research institutions, and current science policy in Germany. Network with representatives from German universities, non-university research institutions, funding agencies, and policymakers, and meet interesting employers at the Talent Fair.
The diverse GAIN26 program features discussions on discipline-specific topics, presentations on career strategies, and opportunities to facilitate professional networking. An initial program overview is available on our website.
In our workshops, you will receive tips and ideas for your career development: job opportunities during the postdoc phase, establishing junior research groups, applying for a professorship, alternative research careers, careers in science management, strategies for dual-career couples and families, and much more.
Universities, as well as research and funding institutions, will be presenting themselves at the Talent Fair. Meet with exhibitors for career counseling, job interviews, "Meet-an-Expert" sessions, or CV checks. This is your opportunity to actively expand your scientific network and forge valuable connections.
Are you planning your next career move in Germany? Then take advantage of GAIN26 to meet exciting and pioneering figures in person!
Best regards from New York
Your GAIN Team: Anna Oberle-Brill and Jana Groh
GAIN26 Annual Conference
August 21 – 23, 2026
Marriott Marquis San Francisco
- GAIN Participation Scholarship
Postdocs who have not received a personal invitation from a funding organization may apply for the GAIN Participation Scholarship here (please list GAIN as the inviting institution):
Apply for the GAIN Participation Scholarship
- Currently funded postdocs who have received a personal invitation from their funding organization may register here (please list the inviting institution):
GAIN26 Registration
Further information on GAIN26: https://www.gain-network.org/en/annual-gain-conference-2/
Information for Postdocs: https://www.gain-network.org/en/annual-gain-conference-2/gain26-information-for-postdocs/
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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!
| | 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
| | 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, 29 April 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, 28 April at Desert Edge (273 Trolley Square) at 7:00 pm, more information in this Facebook group
San Francisco: Wednesday, 20 May at Thee Parkside (1600 17th Street, San Francisco, CA 94107) 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
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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:
- 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:
- 20.05.2026, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. CEST – DFG funding Opportunities for Postdocs (in English)
- 25.06.2026, 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. CEST – The Emmy Noether Programme (in English)
- 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)
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
The following positions, among others, are to be filled:
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Job Offer University of Technology Nuremberg (UTN)
The University of Technology Nuremberg (UTN), founded in 2021, is a living laboratory for the university of the future – adapted to the age of artificial intelligence and to constant technological, economic, and social change. Aiming to become a leading international institution with a focus on artificial intelligence, UTN is equally committed to excellence in research, teaching, and transfer.
Application deadline: May 9, 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 Offers Cologne University
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 26, 2026
Application deadline: May 1, 2026
Application deadline: May 8, 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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