Münster CERes möchte Promovierenden und Postdocs – unabhängig davon, ob sie neu an der Universität oder in der wissenschaftlichen Tätigkeit sind – einen Raum für die indisziplinäre Vernetzung geben und aufstrebende Forschende dazu einladen, Teil der Community zu werden und auch CERes – als Ort der Begegnung – mitzugestalten.
Zu Beginn eines jeden Semesters organisieren wir Netzwerkveranstaltungen für Promovierende und Postdocs. Sie erhalten Einblicke in die Universitätsstrukturen und (Service-)Angebote, erhalten Impulse für die Gestaltung der Qualifikationsphase und vernetzen sich mit Peers.
Take off with CERes: Give your (new) career phase a boost!
PROMOVIERENDE, POSTDOCS, BETREUENDE
Informieren – Netzwerken – Qualifizieren
Sie befinden sich am Anfang Ihrer Qualifizierungsphase als Promovierende*r oder Postdoc an der Universität Münster oder begleiten jemanden auf diesem Weg? Mit dem vielseitigen Programm der CERes Take-Off Days möchten wir Sie dabei unterstützen!
Diese mehrtägige Veranstaltung bietet eine ausgewogene Mischung aus Informationen, Networking und praxisnahen Workshops – vor Ort und online, größtenteils auf Englisch. Dank der flexiblen Struktur können Sie die einzelnen Programmpunkte je nach Interesse und Bedarf frei auswählen und buchen.
Nutzen Sie diese Gelegenheit, die Universität Münster, andere Promovierende, Postdocs und Betreuende kennenzulernen!
Die Veranstaltung findet jährlich im November statt.
Detaillierte Beschreibungen und Ziele der einzelnen Sessions werden hier veröffentlicht. Die Sprache des Session-Titels gibt an, in welcher Sprache die Session durchgeführt wird.
Tue, 3 Nov 2026, 9:30–12:00 / Official welcome, keynote & discussion – Feedback ↔ Feedforward
Target group: doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, (formal and informal) supervisors for doctoral researchers, mentors for postdocs
Join us for a warm welcome to the CERes Take-off Days! Following an opening address and a brief introduction to university services, Dr Róisín Astell (University of York) will deliver an insightful talk on feedback in academia. This is complemented by a panel discussion on giving and receiving feedback from different perspectives, before participants continue the conversation in breakout sessions. Key insights will be shared in a final plenary session.
Objectives:
- A friendly welcome for (new) doctoral and postdoctoral researchers as well as supervisors
- Learn about university services for early career researchers and supervisors
- Reflect on different approaches to feedback in academic contexts
Keynote speech: Dr Róisín Astell (Medieval Art Historian, Digital Resource and Researcher Developer, University of York)
Facilitators: CERes team
Venue: ZoomWed, 4 Nov 2026, 10:00–13:00 / Jump-start your doctorate: The whats, whys and wheres on the way to the degree
Target group: doctoral researchers
This orientation 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 common crisis phases and exchange experiences and strategies that may help you navigate them. Together, we’ll take a closer look at factors that may be consuming the time you would prefer to dedicate to your research. The workshop also supports you in mapping out the ‘where’ – identifying helpful opportunities to develop the competencies you need to thrive as a researcher on your path to earning your degree.
Objectives:
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Outline the key stages and procedures of a doctorate
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Identify common crisis phases that doctoral researchers typically experience
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Analyse factors that may reduce the time available for doctoral research
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Identify opportunities to develop generic competencies
Facilitators: Dr Iva Ognjanovic, Sabine Schneider (CERes)
Venue: CERes, Schlossplatz 6, room 001-
Thu, 5 Nov 2026, 11:00–12:00 / Walk & Talk: Insights from experienced peers at the University of Münster
Target group: doctoral and postdoctoral researchers
This outdoor session invites you to learn from experienced peers while exploring both the opportunities and challenges of (post)doctoral research. Participants are encouraged to bring their own questions, engage in guided reflection, and gain practical insights into making the most of this phase at the University of Münster.
Objectives:
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Reflecting on individual expectations, concerns and plans regarding the doctoral/postdoctoral phase by engaging with more experienced peers
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Building and strengthening cross-disciplinary networks
Facilitators: Rebecca Meier, Sabine Schneider (CERes)
Venue: CERes, Schlossplatz 6 (meeting point), Botanical Garden-
Thu, 5 Nov 2026, 12:15–14:00 / Luncheon: Aligning expectations in research careers and supervision
Target group: doctoral and postdoctoral researchers, (formal and informal) supervisors for doctoral researchers, mentors for postdocs
This luncheon brings together supervisors, mentors, and doctoral and postdoctoral researchers to reflect on how expectations in research supervision can be clarified and aligned. Dr Helen Jäckel, the Next Generation Research SuperVision project coordinator, will introduce practical strategies for developing strong supervisory relationships. Building on this, Dr Iva Ognjanovic will facilitate conversations and interactive activities.
Objectives:
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Identify key expectations of both supervisors and supervisees, making implicit assumptions in research supervision explicit
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Develop an understanding of ways to manage expectations and recognise the role of clear communication in supervisory contexts
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Gain insights into methods for building rapport
Facilitators: Dr Helen Jäckel, Dr Iva Ognjanovic (CERes)
Venue: CERes, Schlossplatz 6, room 001 & 101
Lunch and refreshments will be provided free of charge.-
Fri, 6 Nov 2026, 9:00–12:00 / Navigating postdoc pathways: New roles, new career strategies?
Target group: postdoctoral researchers, doctoral researchers transitioning into the postdoc phase
This workshop supports you in navigating the transition from doctoral researcher to postdoc. Through guided self-reflection and interactive exercises, you will explore shifting roles, expectations, and opportunities within academia. You will leave with increased clarity and an individual career development strategy for your early postdoctoral career.
Objectives:
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Gain an overview of the overarching requirements for postdocs and the career opportunities available to them within the German academic system
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Analyse their (academic) strengths and identify areas for growth
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Create a personalised roadmap of next steps to plan their professional future
Facilitator: Rebecca Meier (CERes)
Venue: CERes, Schlossplatz 6, room 001-
Fri, 6 Nov 2026, 14:00–16:00 / Essentials of doctoral supervision: Roles and realities
Target group: postdoctoral researchers and professors
This workshop is designed for those new to doctoral supervision and offers a practical introduction to key roles, expectations, and realities. It provides an overview of relevant institutional structures, policies, and resources, as well as the broader national context of doctoral supervision. Through guided reflection and interactive exchange, participants will explore what constitutes effective supervision across different phases of the doctorate and consider their own role and experiences as supervisors. The workshop places particular emphasis on sharing perspectives with peers.
Objectives:
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Gain an overview of key institutional and national structures and resources related to doctoral supervision
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Reflect on their role as a supervisor and analyse what constitutes effective supervision across different phases of the doctorate
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Identify opportunities for further development and available support for supervisors and doctoral researchers
Facilitator: Dr Helen Jäckel (CERes)
Venue: CERes, Schlossplatz 6, room 001-
Gemeinschaftsgarten InchbyInch
PROMOVIERENDE, POSTDOCS
50 Quadratmeter grüner Ausgleich im Forschungsalltag: Bewegung, frische Luft, gesunde Ernährung und perspektivenreiche Gespräche.
Jede Saison laden wir Promovierende und Postdocs ein, gemeinsam eine teils vorbepflanzte Parzelle zu gestalten und die Ernte zu teilen. Forschende in frühen Karrierephasen entdecken die Vielfalt des ökologischen Gärtnerns – und wachsen als Team und persönlich. So entsteht ein lebendiges „Wurzel“-Netzwerk, das Wissen, Freude und Verantwortung teilt.
Ziele: Teilnehmende lernen ökologisches und nachhaltiges Gärtnern kennen, genießen die geteilte Ernte, knüpfen interdisziplinäre Kontakte, finden Entspannung und kehren mit frischer Energie in den Forschungsalltag zurück.
VERANSTALTER: Münster Centre for Emerging Researchers (CERes)
KOORDINATION: Sabine Schneider
ORT: Hoppengarten (Erntezeit)
TEILNEHMENDENZAHL: 6 – 20
TBA, APRIL/MAI 2027 / Info event and season inauguration
Doctoral and postoctoral researchers interested to join the season 2027
During this informal information session, you will learn more about the garden, meet other prospective team members, and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. If the field is already open, you’re welcome to join us for an optional cycle ride to the plot afterwards to have a look around.
Find out more about the community garden experience in our 2025 blog entry.
ORGANISER: Münster Centre for Emerging Researchers (CERes)
FACILITATOR: Sabine Schneider
VENUE: CERes, room 001 (Schlossplatz 6)No registration required.