“At the University of Münster we are proud of the vibrant diversity our postdoctoral researchers bring to science, teaching, and university life. Your cultural and disciplinary perspectives enrich our academic community every day. We know the postdoc phase can be a demanding journey, but it also enables innovation and independent research. Drawing from my background in sport psychology, I’ve learned that mutual support and the ability to slow down and regain clarity can make all the difference in long-distance endeavors.
To support you in this phase, our University offers a wide range of tailored services in the view of a sustainable research stay. These range from a good onboarding with information and advice on funding and the bureaucratic framework to career planning, skill development and the involvement in networking initiatives, complementing the mentors and advisors within your departments. These resources are here to accompany you through this phase and support you in recognizing the value of your work and journey.”
— Prof. Dr. Maike Tietjens
Vice-Rector for Academic Career Development and Diversity
Join us for free workshops and (networking) events!
Programme at the University of Münster
With their contribution to Postdoc Appreciation Week Germany, the institutions involved at the University of Münster aim to show their appreciation for postdocs in this demanding phase of their careers and support them in their further development with useful offers.
Learn more about the Dept. Researchers & Staff at the International Office, the Münster Centre for Emerging Researchers (CERes), the Postdoc Network Münster (PNM), and SAFIR Research Funding Support.
For the full programme of Postdoc Appreciation Week Germany visit: paw-germany.de
Tues, 16.09.2025 | 12–1:30 PM | Grants made easy
Target group: researchers who want to prepare a research proposal
Our event gives a short overview of the most important research funding organizations and programmes in Germany and shows how to structure a grants application/proposal. In addition you will receive important tips and tricks for grant writing.
Facilitator: SAFIR
Venue: Zoom
Registration: No registration needed.
Zoom details:
https://uni-ms.zoom-x.de/j/64124066773?pwd=bYg36FJGsGBgieaXvyMLkZBcMbhxIE.1
Meeting-ID: 641 2406 6773
Kenncode: 064541
Check out more events by SAFIR!
Thurs, 18.09.2025 | 1–2.30 PM | How to make it in German academia as an international researcher?
Target group: international postdocs, 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
Venue: Zoom
Registration: No registration needed.
Zoom details:
https://uni-ms.zoom-x.de/j/69759112412
Meeting-ID: 697 5911 2412
Check out more events by Dept. Researchers & Staff or by Münster CERes!
Fri, 19.09.2025 | 7 PM | Postdoc Social Hour
Target group: postdocs
Join us to socialise, let off some steam built up over the week, and get to know other postdocs from all over Münster. We will visit different bars and restaurants in Münster to enjoy all that the city has to offer. If you decide to join spontaneously you are very welcome to do so! Keep an eye on the PNM newsletter to know where we are going next, or sign up if you have not done so yet (see e-mail below).
Facilitator: Postdoc Network Münster
Venue: Hotel Galactica (Überwasserstraße 2–3, 48143 Münster)
Registration: Please sign up by sending a short e-mail to postdoc.network@uni-muenster.de.
Check out more offers by Postdoc Network Münster!
In collaboration with the University of York
Explore international career options with the Prosper portal
Postdocs of the University of Münster are invited to take part in a special event of the UK Postdoc Appreciation week. This event is hosted by CERes' collaboration partner: the BRIC team at the University of York.
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.
Get to know Münster’s postdocs!
Postdoc Portraits
In the weeks leading up to Postdoc Appreciation Week, five postdocs from the University of Münster will introduce themselves and their research.
They answer questions like “What does a typical day in your postdoc life look like?”, “What fascinates you most about your research (field)?” or “What is the best piece of advice you have received as a researcher?”
Keep an eye on the university’s Instagram channel and LinkedIn profile from mid-August to learn more!
From professors to postdocs
Words of appreciation
On the occasion of Postdoc Appreciation Week, we asked professors at the University of Münster what they appreciate about the postdocs in their field of work. Here are their answers:
“I experience postdocs as team members with remarkable resilience, motivation, and innovation — consistently uplifting team spirit and playing an indispensable role in driving our research forward.”
— Prof. Dr. Julia Metag
Department of Communication
Prof. Dr. Gustavo Fernández
“Postdoctoral researchers play a crucial role in mentoring the next generation of scientists. Their fresh perspectives and enthusiasm not only inspire students but also help research teams achieve new levels of excellence.”
Jun. Prof. Dr. Mana Gharun
“Postdocs in the Biosphere-Atmosphere Interaction research group make outstanding contributions to the university’s ongoing research and teaching through their passion, motivation, and dedication.”
Prof. Dr. Ricarda Vulpius
“Postdocs provide indispensable assistance in maintaining the life of the department. In addition to their own research, which, at least in the humanities, should generally result in a ‘second book’, they teach and help organize research colloquia and external communications. They are involved in commissions and committees and are indispensable for the functioning of seminars and institutes.”
Prof. Dr. Ursula Wurstbauer
“Our postdocs are enthusiastic, dedicated, and hardworking individuals who serve as empathetic and motivating mentors, guiding the next generation of researchers. They consistently push the research frontiers to the next level, driving excellence in science while being the backbone of our group. I feel privileged to have each and every one of you in my team. Thank you all for the outstanding work you do on a daily basis!”
Prof. Dr. Julia Backmann
“Postdocs are the vital catalysts of our research community, transforming innovative ideas into meaningful discoveries through their exceptional expertise and dedication. As both accomplished researchers and mentors, they not only advance the frontiers of knowledge but also help develop the academic leaders who will define tomorrow’s scientific landscape.”