Exchanges with other people – on both a specialist and a personal level – are an integral part of successful research, as well as being an important factor in an academic career. Becoming aware of this at an early stage brings decisive benefits. The Münster Centre for Emerging Researchers (CERes) helps doctoral researchers and postdocs to develop their competences in the field of network building and creates space for interdisciplinary networking among doctoral researchers and postdocs both at our University and beyond.
There are various networks at Münster University, in Germany, and across the world, in which doctoral researchers and/or those already with a doctoral degree, as well as postdocs, are networked. One important aspect – but not the only one – is for people to contribute to discussions on matters relating to education and universities and to make their own voices heard as regards their own views and their experience. The wish for peers to act as contacts also plays a role, as does the opportunity to network with other researchers who are at the beginning of their careers inside and outside the academic world.
Do take a look at the website run by the doctoral researchers’ representatives, which operates under the umbrella of the AStA (the General Students’ Committee) – or discover the Postdoc Network Münster (PNM) at our University. Both networks provide newsletters with invitations to free-time activities, as well as to subject-based exchanges and more. At the national level, the interdisciplinary network “Netzwerk für Promovierende und Promovierte Thesis” provides a platform, and on the international stage there is for example the European Council of Doctoral Candidates and Junior Researchers Eurodoc.
Every November, the Take-Off Days invite doctoral and postdoctoral researchers to gain insights into the university's support services, reflect questions relevant to their research journey, and network in an open, interdisciplinary atmosphere.
In addition to networking opportunities such as the Walk & Talks, from May to November the InchbyInch community garden provides space for informal, interdisciplinary networking and personal recharge.
Together with the AStA PhD Representatives, we offer regular networking meetings for doctoral representatives. The focus is on dialogue across faculty and institute boundaries and the joint identification of cross-cutting themes.
Academic work comes with a variety of challenges – from questions about organising research to dealing with motivation and mental health. Talking with peers who share similar experiences often makes it easier to address these topics and find solutions together. The peer support groups provide a safe space for this exchange: early-career researchers meet regularly to share experiences, support one another, and strengthen their networks.
