We at CERes ... train people.

There is agreement in Germany that pursuing a doctoral degree is “the first piece of scientific work carried out independently” (to quote the German University Rectors’ Conference), which means that it is not “part of a course of study”. There is nevertheless a need for offers to help people get started and to highlight different career paths – not only for doctoral researchers but also for postdocs. We offer workshops, advice and more. You are free to choose, and are very welcome to join us in developing the programme – providing individual, tailor-made support for you on your personal path into the academic world.

© Peter Leßmann

The Münster Centre for Emerging Researchers (CERes) offers a broad programme of training. In addition to workshops on interdisciplinary skills, good scientific practice and career advancement, there are also series of events, summer schools and new formats such as coworking. In all this, CERes augments the numerous programmes already in existence – specifically structured either thematically or by subject – and offers continuous support to researchers pursuing an individual doctorate during this period. Participation is open to all doctoral researchers and postdocs and is free of charge.

Focus on postdocs
Focus on postdocs
© Peter Leßmann

The postdoc phase entails many special challenges. There are still needs for guidance and training, but there is a clear shift. Certain things become even more important for postdocs: planning their academic career, sharpening their research profile and raising its visibility, leadership skills, learning how to successfully acquire third-party funding, and applying for professorships. At the same time, tightly scheduled everyday life as a researcher leaves almost no time for taking up additional offers. CERes uses snappy formats and the events it plans are closely linked to the needs expressed. In this way, CERes creates space for personal development. Do feel free to contact us at any time with your own ideas!

Individual Development Plan (IDP)
Kavaliershaeuschen
© Peter Leßmann

Plan the way forward!

Having a clear aim makes it easier to reach. Anyone who has been working on their doctoral degree for some while, or has already completed it, knows how difficult it is to free up time for your own research. Workshops, conferences, teaching experience – all this is valuable, but it steals time. For this reason, it is advisable to consciously plan your own development and repeatedly stop and reflect during the time you are a doctoral researcher or a postdoc. In our courses, we advise you on drawing up your own Individual Development Plan (IDP)
 

Competence models
© Brian A. Jackson/iStock

Conscious guidance?

The range of demands made on emerging researchers is wide, and that also applies to the competences required of them. Many doctoral researchers and postdocs grow into this broad field little by little by informally picking up information and taking on new tasks. Anyone who wants to take a structured approach can browse among the various competence models that have been proposed. A noteworthy example at EU level is ResearchComp; in Germany there are the publications issued by UniWIND e.V.