Münster CERes wants to give doctoral researchers and postdocs opportunities for interdisciplinary networking and, right from the start, welcome emerging researchers who are new to the University or to academic activities, and invite them to become part of the community and help to shape CERes as a place where people come together.
At the beginning of every semester we organise networking events for doctoral researchers and postdocs, providing you with information on the University’s structures and (service) offers and giving you ideas for how to shape your training phase and network with peers.
Take off with CERes: Give your (new) career phase a boost!
DOCTORAL and POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS
Information – Networking – Training
Are you just starting your qualification phase as a doctoral or postdoctoral researcher at the University of Münster or do you want to give it a boost? We would like to support you with the diverse programme of the CERes Take-Off Days!
This multi-day event offers a balanced mix of information, networking and hands-on workshops – both on-site and online and mainly in English. Thanks to its flexible structure, you can select and book the individual programme elements according to your needs and interests.
Take this opportunity to get to know the University of Münster and other emerging researchers!
The event takes place every November.
Detailed descriptions and objectives for each session will be published here. The language of the session title indicates the language in which the session will be delivered.
Tue, 4 Nov 2025, 10:00–12:00 / Welcome: Self-efficacy on the (post)doctoral journey
Target group: doctoral and postdoctoral researchers
Join us for a warm welcome designed for both new and experienced doctoral and postdoctoral researchers! After a greeting and a brief introduction, Le Anh Nguyen Long, Ph.D. (Assistant professor of public administration, University of Twente / RE.connect fellow at the University of Münster) will give an inspiring talk on self-efficacy during qualification phases. Afterwards, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers are invited in two separate breakout sessions to get to know one another, discuss the implications from the talk for their own career stage and brainstorm their training needs. Take this opportunity to connect, share experiences, and (re-)start your journey with valuable insights and support!
Objectives:
- A friendly welcome for (new) doctoral and postdoctoral researchers
- Reflecting on the role of self-efficacy during the doctoral/postdoctoral career phase
- Actively contributing to a vibrant research culture by networking and brainstorming ideas for further qualification and support offers
Keynote speech: Le Anh Nguyen Long, Ph.D. (Assistant professor of public administration, University of Twente / RE.connect fellow at the University of Münster)
Facilitators: CERes team
Venue: ZoomWed, 5 Nov 2025, 12:00–14:00 / Networking, Walk & Talk: Learning from other researchers’ experiences
Target group: doctoral and postdoctoral researchers
- 12–12.45pm: Lunch at Münster’s marketplace (on self-pay basis)
Meeting point: post office at Domplatz 6–7 - 1–2pm: Walk & Talk with experienced (post)doctoral researchers
Meeting point: CERes, Schlossplatz 6
Meet us for lunch at Münster’s famous marketplace to connect with fellow doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in person. Afterwards, we will take a stroll through the university’s botanical garden to discuss your questions about the challenges and opportunities in your (post)doctoral life as a researcher. During this Walk & Talk, experienced doctoral and postdoctoral scholars will accompany us to share their experiences and advice. Join us and pose your questions to our guests!
Objectives:
- A friendly welcome for (new) doctoral and postdoctoral researchers
- Reflecting on one’s own expectations and concerns regarding the doctoral/postdoctoral phase through interviews with more experienced researchers
- Actively contributing to a vibrant research culture by networking and engaging in discussions about academic careers
Facilitators: Rebecca Meier, Sabine Schneider (CERes)
Venue: Domplatz (lunch), Botanical Garden (Walk & Talk)- 12–12.45pm: Lunch at Münster’s marketplace (on self-pay basis)
Fri, 7 Nov 2025, 10:00–13:00 / Navigating postdoc pathways: Strategies for career orientation and profile strengthening
Target group: postdoctoral researchers
This workshop will support you in mapping out your postdoctoral career path. Through guided self-reflection and targeted exercises, you will explore career options, assess your academic strengths and identify areas for growth. You will leave with a personalised roadmap to enhance your postdoc experience and advance your professional future.
Objectives:
- Gain an overview of the overarching requirements for postdocs and the career opportunities available to them within the German academic system
- Analyse their (academic) strengths and identify areas for growth
- Create a personalised roadmap of next steps to plan their professional future
Facilitator: Rebecca Meier (CERes)
Venue: CERes, Schlossplatz 6, room 001Mon, 10 Nov 2025, 10:00–13:00 / Jump-start your doctorate: The whats, whys and wheres on the way to the degree
Target group: doctoral researchers
This workshop jump-starts your doctoral journey by offering clarity on the key stages and academic procedures involved in pursuing a doctorate. You’ll explore the ‘what’ and ‘why’ behind typical crisis phases and exchange experiences and strategies that may help you navigate them. Together, we’ll take a closer look at what might be quietly consuming the time you’d prefer to dedicate to your research. The workshop also supports you in mapping out the ‘where’ – identifying helpful opportunities to build the competencies you need to thrive as a researcher on your path to earning your degree.
Objectives:
- Gain clarity on the key steps and academic procedures of a doctorate
- Reflect on common crisis phases in the doctoral journey and exchange possible strategies for managing them
- Reflect on factors that may be using up time intended for research
- Learn how to identify opportunities to develop essential generic competencies
Facilitator: Dr Iva Ognjanovic (CERes)
Venue: CERes, Schlossplatz 6, room 001