Walk & talk sessions

© CERes

Target group: doctoral researchers, postdocs

Take a refreshing break from your desk or lab and immerse yourself in nature with our walk & talk sessions for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers. These offer you a relaxed opportunity to network across disciplines, share experiences, and talk about relevant topics while enjoying the fresh air and the beauty of the Botanical Garden.

The meeting point is outside, in front of CERes (Schlossplatz 6). After a short impulse on the day’s topic, we will walk to the Botanic Garden in small groups.

Objectives:

  • Talk about relevant topics in a relaxed, outdoor setting.
  • Connect with peers from diverse departments and share experiences to strengthen professional and personal networks.
  • Value breaks, nature, and the slow pace of walking to recharge and refocus.

Facilitator: Sabine Schneider (CERes)

The language of the event title indicates the language in which the event will be delivered.

  • Wed, 07 Oct 2026, 11:00–12:00 / Starting your doctorate at the University of Münster: Resources and peer insights

    Join this session to complement the start of your doctorate at the University of Münster in a relaxed outdoor setting. You will be introduced to key institutional services and central points of orientation.
    Along the way, you will gain insight into how doctoral research is organised at the University of Münster, learn where to find support, and connect with fellow doctoral researchers to share initial questions and experiences. If you would like to continue the exchange, you are warmly invited to join others for a casual lunch afterwards – recommendations for nearby places will be provided.

    Objectives: 

    • Learn where to find support and how to make use of it.
    • Appreciate the role of peer exchange in the doctoral journey.

  • Di, 08. Dez 2026, 11:00–12:00 / Während der Promotion ins Ausland?

    Ein Forschungsaufenthalt im Ausland während der Promotion kann fachlich, beruflich und persönlich sehr bereichernd sein, bringt jedoch auch Herausforderungen mit sich, etwa hinsichtlich Finanzierung, Timing, Betreuung und individueller Lebenssituation. Diese Session bietet Raum, Chancen und mögliche Schwierigkeiten gemeinsam zu reflektieren. Nach einem kurzen Impuls tauschen sich die Teilnehmenden in kleinen Gruppen bei einem Spaziergang aus. Leitfragen unterstützen dabei, eigene Erfahrungen, Erwartungen und Motivationen zu klären sowie Strategien für eine sinnvolle Planung und optimale Nutzung eines Auslandsaufenthalts zu entwickeln.

    Ziele: 

    • Erste Orientierung zu Chancen und typischen Hürden eines Forschungsaufenthalts erhalten
    • Im Austausch persönliche Motivationen und zentrale Fragen sichtbar machen
    • Konkrete Planungsideen für den nächsten Zeitraum mitnehmen

  • Tue, 12 Jan 2027, 11:00–12:00 / Academic careers in Germany: insights and reflections for international researchers

    Considering an academic career in Germany? This Walk & Talk offers international researchers a relaxed space to reflect on what the German academic system might mean for their next steps. After a brief introduction, we will head out in small groups and use guiding questions to start the conversation. Along the way, you can exchange experiences and questions with peers from different disciplines, explore what a strong academic profile in Germany may involve, and gather new ideas for more informed career planning – whether you aim to stay in academia or consider paths beyond.

    Objectives: 

    • Gain a first overview of academic career paths in Germany
    • Become aware of important formal and informal rules in the German academic system
    • Start reflecting on your own goals, strengths, and next steps for building your academic profile

Registration

If you would like to attend this event and it is already listed as fully booked, you are welcome to join the waiting list. It often happens that registered participants cancel their attendance, which frees up places. The free places are allocated in the order of the waiting list registrations. If places become available within 72 hours before the start of the event, we will inform several people on the waiting list at the same time. These places will then be allocated on a "first come, first served" basis.