Graduate Center News 11/25
06.11.2025
Inhalt
Career Perspectives with a PhD in Natural & Life Sciences // Nov 13, 5 – 6 pm
Looking for career options after your doctorate? And not sure what is “out there”? With the series "Career Perspectives with a PhD in Natural and Life Sciences", we would like to offer an opportunity for interactive and informal exchange about career-related topics.
In November, Dr. Ronja Driller, who did her doctorate in Biochemistry in the Wahl lab at FU Berlin, will be our guest. She moved to Denmark to do her postdoc and now works in the pharmaceutical industry at Novo Nordisk, Copenhagen, Denmark.
All information and the meeting link can be found on this website.
In December, we welcome Dr. Daniela Zahn, a physicist who works as a reseacher at the Fraunhofer Institute for Electronic Microsystems and Solid State Technologies EMFT.
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Open online consultation hours from the Graduate Center // Tuesday from 11 - 12
The graduate center coordinator Simone Schlender offers a regular open online consultation hour.
You have questions about:
- the option doctorate and the department´s doctoral programs,
- the awarded titles Dr. rer. nat. or Ph.D.,
- the planning of your further career, training and education offers,
- the admission obligation on good scientific practice
- or any other topics related to our services?
Join me online via Webex (please wait in the lobby - I will let you in as soon as the consultation room is free). Always on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 12 noon.
The advisory service is also open to master's students. Please feel free to pass on this information.
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Scientific workflows: Tools and tips / Online lecture series by Dr. Selina Baldauf // Nov 20, 4-5pm
In this lecture series we will explore a diverse range of topics, including R code quality and efficiency, reproducible document creation, version control with Git, literature management, and academic notetaking. You'll learn practical tips and tricks that can help you optimize your research workflow and increase your productivity.
We will meet online on the 3rd Thursday of every month during the lecture period for one hour and you are welcome to join.
The next session will be “Effective digital note taking with Obsidian”. Find further information and the meeting link here.
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Info event series: Doctoral studies at the BCP department // Nov 28, 11 am – 12 pm
The Graduate Center is organizing an information series for doctoral candidates at the BCP department. Once a month, the focus will be on a specific topic related to doctoral studies at the department, with a short input and the opportunity to ask questions.
The next info event in our series deals with the topic “Defense”:
Who organizes the disputation? When can my disputation take place at the earliest? When should the disputation be announced? How many members of the doctoral committee must be present? What is the function of the substitutes in the doctoral committee? How long does the disputation take? What format is possible?
Join the online meeting, gather some information and ask your questions!
Further information and the Webex link: https://www.bcp.fu-berlin.de/en/graduiertenzentrum/promovierende/veranstaltungen/info-events/index.html
Here you will also find the presentations of past information events as well as helpful links on the respective topic.
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Git Crash-Course by Dr. Selina Baldauf// Nov 10 & 11 //free places available on short notice
Learning Git is a core skill for anyone who codes. Git is the standard tool for version control of code and other text files. Git protects your projects by recording every step, allowing you to recover files and reverse errors easily. In combination with GitHub, it turns reliable version control into a
powerful tool for collaboration and open and reproducible science.
The main goal of this workshop is to give you the basic skills to start using Git for your own projects both individually and in collaboration with your friends & colleagues.
Who is the course for? Doctoral researchers registered at the BCP department, Postdoctoral researchers at the BCP department
When? Monday, 10 November, to Tuesday, 11 November 2025, 2 – 4 pm
Where? Webex Online Course (Please note that a video camera and a microphone are necessary for this course.)
Registration: Please register by sending an e-mail to selina.baldauf@fu-berlin.de
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Workshops of the University Library // Jan 21 & 28, 2026
Research Data Management in a nutshell
21.01.2026, 10:00 – 12:00
This online seminar offers a general introduction to essential aspects of research data management.
Introduction to Data Management Plans (DMP)
28.01.2026, 10:00 – 12:00
This online seminar offers a general introduction to Data Management Plans (DMP).
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Dahlem Research School (DRS) Workshops & Open Door Talks
DRS Podcast "Navigating your Doctorate"
The latest episode is an interview with Alina Franziska Becker from the initiative Arbeiterkind.de, who talks about financing options for first generation doctoral researchers from non-academics households. Listen here: https://blogs.fu-berlin.de/drs_podcast/2025/09/09/coming-soon-financing-your-doctorate-as-a-first-gen-academic/ or on Spotify.
Open Door Talk: Publishing Your Dissertation in Open Access (online)
Date: 19. November 2025, 14:00-16:00 hrs / 2:00-4:00 pm Berlin time
format: online @ Dahlem Research School
Language: English
In this Open Door Talk, participants will receive an overview of the publication modalities of dissertations, taking into account individual copyright aspects. At the same time, participants will be informed about the financing options for Open Access publishing of academic publications and the funding opportunities offered by the University Library as part of the publication fund for books.
Further information and registration
Open Door Talk: Die Publikation der Dissertation im Fachverlag: Q&A mit Verlagsvertreter*innen (online)
Die Moderator*innen und Teilnehmer*innen treten in den Dialog mit Vertreter*innen dreier geisteswissenschaftlich ausgerichteter Verlage und können alle Fragen loswerden, die sich ihnen rund um die Publikation der Dissertation in einem Fachverlag stellen, z. B. zu Anforderungen, Verlagsleistungen, Kosten und Druckkostenzuschüssen.
Termin: 26. November 2025, 14:00-16:00 hrs / 2:00-4:00 pm Berlin time
Format: online @ Dahlem Research School
Sprache: Deutsch
Weitere Informationen und Anmeldung
Open Door Talk AI & Research Integrity: What to do and what to avoid (online)
Date: 13. January 2026, 14:00-16:00 hrs / 1:00-3:00 pm Berlin time
format: online @ Dahlem Research School
Language: English
New technologies cause uncertainty – this is especially true for Artificial Intelligence (AI). Meanwhile, researchers find a huge array of AI-based tools at their disposal with new opportunities emerging almost daily. Our rulebooks on good research practice can hardly keep up with this development. Accordingly, many questions arise: Can I use AI tools for my dissertation? Should I make it transparent, which AI tools I use and, if so, how? How shall I document the use of AI? When publishing, can AI assist me or even be an author?
Further information and registration
DRS Supervisor Award – Nominations open
The DRS Award for Excellent Supervision honors professors at Freie Universität Berlin who combine scientific excellence with personal commitment - providing constructive feedback, keeping projects on track, and opening doors to the research community, from conference presentations to professional networks that last a lifetime.
Help us celebrate outstanding supervision! Nominate your supervisor here: www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/drs/doctorate/supervision-and-guidance/excellent_supervision .
The award is open to all doctoral researchers at Freie Universität Berlin. Know someone who recently submitted their dissertation? Please share - in case they no longer receive our mailings.
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Humboldt Graduate School (HGS), Graduate Center Adlershof (GCA) & BUA workshops
Erfolgsteam - Gemeinsam Ziele erreichen
Das Graduate Studies Support Program (GSSP) organisiert in regelmäßigen Abständen Erfolgsteams als eine sehr wirksame Form des Peer Coachings. In kleinen Gruppen treffen sich Promovierende über einen Zeitraum von 6 Monaten, um sich gegenseitig bei der Erreichung ihrer Vorhaben im Promotionsalltag wie z. B. ein besseres Zeit- und Selbstmanagement, Vorankommen beim Schreiben und Publizieren von Artikeln, Arbeit an der eigenen Präsentation, Erhalt der mentalen Gesundheit u.s.w. zu unterstützen.
Kick-Off Meeting: 11.11.2025
Ort: TU Berlin / ZEWK
Anmeldung: https://programm.zewk.tu-berlin.de/de/events/019759f9-798e-7792-a686-97f8cfefa20a
Workhier! Your way from science to business in Berlin
Bridging the gap between science and business! Starting in January 2026, this career program is particularly aimed at all international doctoral students and postdocs who are considering a transition from academia to industry. During seven months, Workhier offers practical insights, networking, and strategies for navigating the right career path in Berlin.
Application deadline: 30.11.2025.
Infosession: 10.11.2025, 15:00-16:00, online
Speaking with Confidence and Impact
This workshop is not about tips, tricks and techniques. It’s about building genuine strength as a speaker – from the inside out. The skills we’ll practice are useful for all forms of professional communication - in meetings, departmental presentations, at conferences, and also in one-to-one conversations. Bring an attitude of open curiosity, and a willingness to try something new, and you might be surprised by what is possible.
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Instructor: |
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Dates: |
17 & 18/11, 09:00-17:00 |
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Location: |
Humboldt Graduate School, Luisenstr. 56, 10117 Berlin, room 144 (ground floor) |
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Language: |
English |
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Budget Points: |
16 |
A successful doctorate relies on clear communication and mutual understanding — especially in structured academic settings. You will explore how to navigate your role with clarity and confidence, communicate effectively with your supervisor, and actively contribute to a productive and supportive working relationship.
Through practical tools, self-reflection, and real-life examples, you’ll gain insights into how to prepare for important conversations, express your needs, set healthy boundaries, and engage in open, respectful dialogue — even when things get complex.
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Instructor: |
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Date: |
21/11, 09:00-12:00 |
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Location: |
online |
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Language: |
English |
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Budget Points: |
3 |
Collaborating Across Cultures: Intercultural Communication in the PhD Journey
Doctoral work in international settings offers rich opportunities — and communication is key to making the most of them. This workshop explores how culture shapes communication, feedback, and collaboration styles, with a focus on building strong, positive relationships with your supervisor.
Through practical tools and self-reflection, you’ll learn how to navigate intercultural dynamics with clarity and confidence, manage expectations, and engage in respectful, solution-oriented dialogue across cultures.
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Instructor: |
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Date: |
21/11, 13:00-16:00 |
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Location: |
online |
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Language: |
English |
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Budget Points: |
3 |
Kick Off Your Doctorate
Onboarding event for doctoral researchers who are just starting their doctorate.
The “Kick Off Your Doctorate” event will be held in German and English. Please register for only one of the two groups.
Die Veranstaltung wird von der Berlin University Alliance (BUA) gefördert, dem Verbund aus HUB, FUB, TUB und CHA. Unter Anleitung erfahrener Trainer*innen werden wichtige Tools zur Planung und Organisation der Promotion vorgestellt. Ziel ist es, einen ersten Einblick in den Promotionsprozess zu gewinnen. Teambildende Aktivitäten bilden den Kern der Veranstaltung und machen den Kick-Off zu einem wertvollen Networking-Event. Das dreitägige Event für Promovierende aller BUA-Einrichtungen findet in einem Hotel in Brandenburg statt.
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Daten: |
19.-21.11.2025 |
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Ort: |
Hotel Sommerfeld, Beetzer Str. 1A, 16766 Kremmen |
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Sprache: |
Deutsch |
The event is funded by Berlin University Alliance, a partnership of HUB, FUB, TUB and CHA. The three-day event will take place in a hotel amongst peers from all partner universities. The aim is to gain a first overview and insights regarding the doctoral process. Accompanied by experienced trainers, a selection of important tools to plan and organize your doctorate will be introduced. Group-building activities form the core, making the kick-off a valuable networking event.
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Dates: |
01-03/12/2025 |
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Location: |
Ginn Hotel, Warthestraße 20, 14513 Teltow |
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Language: |
English |
CV-Check by the Career Coaching Network
Your resume is often the first impression employers gain of you – and it helps determine whether you will advance in the application process. A compelling CV is therefore the key to a successful application! With our CV-Check, you will receive individual feedback on the structure, clarity, and impact of your resume – so that you can showcase your strengths in the best possible way.
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Industry on Campus // Nov 26
Industry on Campus brings science and industry together to discuss solutions to current sustainability challenges. The latest cutting-edge research from young scientists meets people with first-hand experience of applications to pave the way for innovative ideas.
Program includes: Keynote: "Circularity @ Evonik" by Dr. Rupert Schnell, Industry and Transfer project presentations, Open Innovation Challenge Kick-Off
More information and Registration: https://www.greenchem.berlin/events/industry-on-campus-2025
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E-Learning-Angebot der DFG: Bias in wissenschaftlichen Urteilsbildungsprozessen reduzieren
Die Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft bietet ein Online-Tutorial (ca. 45 min, in deutscher Sprache) zum Bias in wissenschaftlichen Urteilsbildungsprozessen an. Der Kurs richtet sich zwar primär an Gutachter*innen und Gremienmitglieder der DFG, die Inhalte sind allerdings auf andere wissenschaftliche Urteilsbildungsprozesse übertragbar, beispielweise auf Peer-Review-Verfahren, Prüfungssituationen, Berufungsverfahren oder Personalauswahlprozesse. Daher ist die Teilnahme an diesem Weiterbildungsangebot für alle Personen offen, die an der Vermeidung von Bias arbeiten wollen.
Promovierende und PostDocs beurteilen einerseits selbst häufig studentische Haus- und Abschlussarbeiten oder Exposés und sind andererseits oben genannte Urteilsbildungsprozesse eingebunden, weshalb auch sie von diesem e-Learning-Angebot profitieren können.
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Deutscher Studienpreis der Körberstiftung // Deadline: Mar 1, 2026
Die Ausschreibung der Körber-Stiftung richtet sich an Nachwuchswissenschaftler*innen aller Fachrichtungen, die im Jahr 2025 eine exzellente Dissertation von besonderer gesellschaftlicher Bedeutung vorgelegt haben. Mit drei Spitzenpreisen von je 25.000 Euro gehört er zu den höchstdotierten deutschen Nachwuchspreisen. Den Alumni stehen zudem vielfältige Förderangebote offen – vom Mentoring für die Wissenschaftskarriere über einen Konferenzmittel-Fonds bis zur Teilnahme am Max-Planck-Programm für Startup-Gründungen.
Einsendeschluss für die aktuelle Ausschreibung ist der 1. März 2026.
Die Körber-Stiftung möchte junge Wissenschaftler*innen ermutigen, den gesellschaftlichen Wert ihrer Forschung selbstbewusst zu vertreten und in die öffentliche Debatte einzubringen. Mit dem Deutschen Studienpreis werden deshalb Promovierte aus, die Forschungsergebnisse vorgelegt haben, die von herausragendem Interesse für die Gesellschaft sind.
Die Ausschreibungsunterlagen müssen in deutscher Sprache eingereicht werden – die Dissertationsschrift darf in englischer Sprache verfasst sein.
Alle Informationen zur Teilnahme finden Sie hier.
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BUA Grand Challenges Conference // Mar 23-25, 2026 // Abstract submission Nov 30
The Grand Challenges Conference 2026 invites researchers, practitioners, and changemakers to come together under the theme Joint Research for Better Futures.
In an era defined by complexity and transformation, we believe that collaboration—across disciplines, institutions, and sectors—is key to generating knowledge that matters and action that lasts. At the heart of the conference are the following six topics:
- Addressing Grand Challenges – exploring approaches, concepts, and visions for researching major societal issues
- Social Cohesion – strengthening trust, participation, and democratic resilience
- Global Health – advancing equity and preparedness in a changing world
- Responsible Innovation in Times of Transformation – ensuring that technological and social innovation serves people and the planet
- Climate & Water under Change – adapting to and mitigating the impacts of environmental transformation
- Quantum Technologies – unlocking the transformative potential of quantum systems to tackle tasks of information processing and communication
Submissions for presentations of research papers and posters that present fresh insights, share inspiring examples, or demonstrate innovative approaches are welcome. Contributions should show how joint research—across disciplines, perspectives, and professions—can help create more inclusive, sustainable futures.
Descriptions of individual sessions can be found here.
Deadline for abstract submission: 30 November 2025. Please click here for more information on how to submit an abstract.
Conference dates: 23-25 March 2026.