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.
PAW: Postdoc Appreciation Week Germany
From 15–19 September it’s Postdoc Appreciation Week! There is a full program with all kinds of different events organised by universities, research institutions, and networks from all over Germany. Check out the full schedule.
What’s more, the participating institutions at the University of Münster have put together a PAW website with portraits of five postdocs from Münster and words of appreciation by professors from several faculties.
As part of this week, Münster CERes together with the Dept. Researchers & Staff (International Office) is delighted to offer the following online roundtable:
18.09.2025 / 1–2:30 PM / „How to make it in German academia as an international researcher?“
INTERNATIONAL POSTDOCS and advanced international doctoral researchers
Join us for an engaging roundtable discussion designed specifically for international researchers navigating the German academic landscape. Our expert speakers will share valuable insights and practical advice on successfully establishing your career in Germany. Topics will include understanding the academic system, building professional networks, and overcoming common challenges faced by international scholars. You are encouraged to ask questions and contribute to the discussion.
Speakers: Prof. Dr. Maria del Carmen Sanchez-Valle (Institute for Mineralogy, University of Münster); Dr. Paromita Bhattacharjee (Institute of Physics, University of Münster), Dr. Andreas Gkolfinopoulos (Institute of Educational Science, University of Münster)
Facilitators: Dept. Researchers & Staff (International Office), Münster Centre for Emerging Researchers (CERes)
Venue: Zoom
Registration: No registration needed.
Zoom details:
https://uni-ms.zoom-x.de/j/69759112412
Meeting-ID: 697 5911 2412
As part of our collaboration with the BRIC team at the University of York, Münster CERes is excited to invite postdoctoral researchers from the University of Münster to the following event:
15.09.2025 / 3–4 PM (CET) / "Explore the Prosper portal – a free tool created by the University of Liverpool to help postdoctoral researchers to explore their career options"
POSTDOCS and advanced doctoral researchers at the University of York, University of Maastricht and the University of Münster
As part of Postdoc Appreciation Week UK the BRIC Team at the University of York is inviting postdoctoral researchers at the University of York, Maastricht University and the University of Münster to come together to explore the Prosper Portal.
Prosper is a free tool created by the University of Liverpool to help postdoctoral researchers to explore their career options. It is an innovative approach to postdoc career development that seeks to unlock postdocs’ potential to thrive across multiple career pathways – both within and beyond academia.
The Prosper Portal can help you to figure out what you want from your career, explore opportunities both within and beyond academia, and develop in-demand skills.
During this virtual session, the Prosper team will provide a tour of the Portal.
Facilitators: The University of York
Venue: Zoom
Registration: Please sign up with this link to get a calender invite for the zoom meeting.
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!
Detailed descriptions and objectives for each session may be found below. 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