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Dear GAIN Community,
Autumn is bringing fresh momentum to the GAIN network! We are particularly pleased to welcome two new local researcher meetups: one in Davis, California, and another in Cambridge, UK. These offer further opportunities to network locally, share experiences, and forge new connections across disciplines and borders. You can find the meeting schedules for all our meetups right here in the newsletter. We warmly invite you to join us and to share this information with others.
In the coming weeks, GAIN will be on the road, attending various conferences across the US. We look forward to meeting researchers, making connections, and, together with our colleagues from the AvH, DAAD, and DFG, providing information on career paths in Germany. You can find out where we’ll be appearing in this newsletter as well.
Our online event series GAIN Momentum is also kicking off its autumn and winter season. Through interactive formats focusing on career paths, funding opportunities, and peer exchange, we aim to provide inspiration for your next professional steps. We thank everyone involved and look forward to your participation. Find more details in this newsletter!
Whether at in-person meetups, conferences, or digital events, GAIN thrives on exchange! We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!
As always, we hope you enjoy reading this issue.
Warm regards,
Your GAIN Team
Anna & Jana
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GAIN Momentum - The online event series for your career
With GAIN Momentum, our online event series is returning for the winter and spring seasons. It inspires and informs postdocs through short, interactive sessions. Whether you want to learn more about returning to Germany, funding opportunities, or connecting with fellow researchers, these sessions will help you gain exactly what you need for your next career step.
Register here for tickets.
Upcoming dates in the GAIN Momentum series:
- November 20, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM EST – Time is Up: Windows of Opportunities for Postdocs (in German)
- December 14, 2026, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EST – Your Way to Full Professorship at German UASs (in English)
- to be continued
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Reunion with Alumni: Interns from Two Cohorts at the GAIN Office
Dedicated and capable interns are a tremendous asset to the GAIN team. It is all the more delightful when former interns come back to visit us. This autumn, interns from the summers of 2025 and 2026 met up to exchange experiences - right after GAIN26 Digital and at our New York City Stammtisch meet-up (see also below); one of them even traveled all the way from Germany for the occasion. At the same time, we are saying goodbye to Lucia and Max, who provided us with invaluable support this summer. Many thanks for your hard work, and all the best for your next steps!
Photo: Jana Groh; from left to right: Lucia, Moritz, Christin, Anna, Max, Jana
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GAIN26 Digital Workshop Event
As a digital supplement, the GAIN26 Digital Workshop Event took place on September 17, with 485 participants registered from 41 countries. Through ten online workshops, they gained further insights into academic career paths in Germany.
We extend our sincere thanks to the session leaders and guests for a diverse program!
| | GAINxGSO-Stammtisch Meetups | | |
New Stammtisch Meetups
We are pleased to announce two new regular meetups: Coordinators have stepped up to organize gatherings in Davis, CA, and Cambridge, UK. If you live or work in or near these locations, feel free to attend the meetups listed below. Have fun!
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Dates
Berkeley: more information via this Google form
Boston: Wednesday, October 28 at Night Shift Brewing – Lovejoy Wharf (1 Lovejoy Wharf, Boston, MA 02114) at 6.30 p.m., more information via e-mail: GainStammtischBoston@gmail.com
Cambridge, UK: Friday, November 6 at Calverley's Brewery (23A Hooper St, Cambridge CB1 2NZ, UK) at 6 p.m., further information in our GAIN Stammtisch WhatsApp Community
Chicago: Friday, November 6, further information via e-mail: StammtischCH@gso-gain.org
Davis, CA: Wednesday, October 21 at Pizza & Pints (236 B Street, Davis, CA) at 5.30 p.m., more information in our GAIN Stammtisch WhatsApp Community
London (UK): more information in this Facebook group
New York City: Tuesday, October 20 at The Standard Biergarten (848 Washington Street, Manhattan, NY 10014) at 6.30 p.m., please email groh@gain-network.org to be added to this Stammtisch meetup's WhatsApp group
Salt Lake City: Tuesday, October 27at Desert Edge Brewery (273 Trolley Square, SLC) at 7 p.m., more information in this Facebook group
San Francisco: Wednesday, November 18 at Standard Deviant Brewing Pier 70 (1070 Maryland St Ste 195, San Francisco, CA 94107) at 6 p.m., further information via this Google form
Seattle: GAIN Seattle fall trip: Pumpkin Patch at Stocker Farm on October 24, registration deadline: Wednesday, October 21 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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New York City Stammtisch
Not even a little rain keeps anyone away from a Stammtisch gathering: On Thursday, September 17, postdocs from the GAIN network met in Long Island City to kick off the semester, enjoy a drink and the view, and exchange ideas.
If you would like to join the next Stammtisch in New York City, feel free to send an email with your mobile number to groh@gain-network.org to be added to the Stammtisch WhatsApp group.
Photo: Jana Groh
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2026 Nobel Prize in Medicine: Two German Researchers Honored for Optogenetics
This year’s Nobel Prize in Medicine goes to Peter Hegemann (Humboldt University of Berlin), Georg Nagel (University of Würzburg), and Karl Deisseroth (Stanford University). The Nobel Committee is honoring the three for their discoveries in the field of optogenetics. This method allows nerve cells to be switched on and off selectively using light. It is currently used worldwide in brain research and opens up new therapeutic approaches for neurological and psychiatric disorders. The prizes will be presented in Stockholm on December 10.
Deutsche Welle: German and US scientists win Nobel Prize in medicine
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Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions: Over €210 million in additional funding for researchers in Europe
The European Commission is increasing funding for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) by more than €210 million. These funds will bolster postdoctoral fellowships and doctoral networks, enabling around seven hundred additional researchers to pursue a career in Europe. The move comes in response to a record number of applications in 2026, resulting in the highest level of funding ever available for the 2027 calls for proposals. This increase is part of the "Choose Europe" initiative and coincides with the programme's thirtieth anniversary.
European Commission: Commission delivers more than €210 million to support over 700 researchers to build their careers in Europe
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Global Minds: DFG Funds Fifteen Professorships in Research Consortia
Through the “Global Minds in DFG Consortia” initiative, the DFG is funding fifteen professorships and twelve Mercator Fellows within Clusters of Excellence and Collaborative Research Centres, providing a total of approximately 69 million euros. Thirteen of the funded individuals are currently conducting research in the USA. A second call for proposals is already underway, enabling consortia to recruit researchers who have been working abroad for at least three years. The application deadline is 27 January 2027.
DFG: Global Minds in Research Consortia: DFG Funds 15 Professorships and 12 Mercator Fellows Under the Global Minds Initiative Germany
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Why Higher Education Institutions Should Not Forgo Historical Education
In a guest article for *University World News*, Sjur Bergan and John Lawrence Dennis warn against neglecting the humanities and history in particular at higher education institutions. They argue that historical understanding sharpens democratic judgment and protects against manipulation and political myths. The authors advocate for greater multiperspectivity and for students across all disciplines to be familiar with the history of their own fields. Crucially, they emphasize that understanding does not equate to acceptance.
University World News: Can HE institutions teach democracy without history?
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J-1 Visa Inquiries: Universities Defend International Researchers
The U.S. Department of Labor has issued subpoenas to nine universities, including Harvard, Yale, Brown, and MIT, regarding alleged misuse of the J-1 visa program. The government accuses them of driving down the wages of U.S. researchers by employing international scientists. Several universities emphasize that they comply with all applicable laws and highlight the contributions international researchers make to teaching, innovation, and competitiveness. MIT is reviewing the subpoena, which it describes as extremely broad in scope.
Inside Higher Ed: 9 Universities Accused of J-1 Visa Fraud
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Open Call: North Rhine-Westphalia Return Program
Funding of up to €1.25 million over five years: The North Rhine-Westphalia Return Program enables scientists currently working abroad to establish their own junior research group at a university in North Rhine-Westphalia.
Topic of the current call: "AI, Digital Sovereignty, and Trustworthy Information Infrastructures"
Applications are welcome from a wide range of fields, including AI, ML, data science, cybersecurity research, data economy and infrastructure research, HPC and quantum computing, human-machine interaction, digital administration and infrastructure research, media and communication studies, law, economics and social sciences, as well as technology assessment, ethics, and the governance of digital technologies. Related research areas may also be considered, provided the project can be clearly linked to the thematic scope.
Who can apply?
- PhD completed 2–6 years ago (9 years for medicine)
- At least 12 months of research experience outside Germany
- Previous center of life in Germany (German citizenship is not required)
About the program: Since 2007, the Ministry of Culture and Science of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia has supported the return of outstanding early-career researchers. Around 65 researchers have already received funding of up to €1.25 million, and many now hold professorships in the region. With more than 70 higher education institutions and over 50 non-university research facilities, North Rhine-Westphalia is the largest research hub in the heart of Europe.
Application deadline: January 8, 2027, 4:00 PM CET
Application documents may be submitted in German or English. The Ministry has compiled all information regarding prerequisites and the application process on the program webpage.
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To Be Honest Conference 2026: Real Talk About Nonlinear Careers for Researchers
Career paths after a PhD rarely follow a straight line. People move between sectors, combine roles, change direction, or discover paths they never planned for. Now in its 5th edition, the conference brings these realities into focus through 7 live sessions and 18 guest speakers, sharing experiences, challenges, and lessons from careers in academia and beyond.
Topics include: nonlinear careers, hiring & job markets, mental health, careers & care work, humanities & social sciences careers, exploring new directions, academic independence beyond the traditional path.
🗓️ December 3 & 4, 2026, online via Zoom
🎟️ Register now for free!
Organized by GSO e.V. and funded by the Klaus Tschira Stiftung
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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:
- 11.12.2026, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. CET – The Emmy Noether Programme (in English)
- 13.01.2027, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. CET – The Walter Benjamin Programme (in English)
- 15.02.2027, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. CET – DFG Funding Opportunities for Postdocs (in English)
- 18.03.2027, 2:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. CET – The Heisenberg Programme (in English)
Please check here for more information.
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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: October 25, 2026
Deadline: November 4, 2026
Deadline: November 4, 2026
Deadline: November 4, 2026
Deadline: November 13, 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: November 02, 2026
Application deadline: November 02, 2026
Application deadline: November 02, 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:
DAAD office New York, 871 United Nations Plaza New York, NY 10017,
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Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst e.V.,
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Tel: (212) 758-3223
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E-mail: info@gain-network.org
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Editorial team:
Anna Oberle-Brill
Jana Groh
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