Working Group on Early Career Researchers
The Working Group on Early Career Researchers within FORTRAMA provides a platform for professional exchange on all issues relating to the support of doctoral candidates and postdocs, and in some cases also tenure track professors. The focus is on the role of research officers and science managers in advising and supporting scientists in qualification phases.
The working group aims to identify and share best practice examples and develop recommendations to improve the quality of early career support in Germany in the long term.
The working group brings together representatives from universities, universities of applied sciences (HAW), educational and other types of higher education institutions, as well as university-related institutions and centers. This broad alliance enables intensive exchange and networking across different types of higher education institutions.
How we work
An annual face-to-face meeting and shorter online sessions provide opportunities for discussion, knowledge transfer, and cooperation. The host universities change each year.
Our work covers the following topics, among others:
- Higher education policy developments relating to doctoral studies and the right to award doctorates
- Structured doctoral programs (graduate centers/colleges)
- Further education and qualification opportunities for doctoral candidates and postdocs
- Advice and support during qualification phases
- Mental health in academia
- Cooperative doctoral programs between universities and universities of applied sciences
- Quality assurance in doctoral procedures
- Doctoral supervision
- (Financial) funding opportunities for doctoral candidatesIt's worth getting involved!
The working group thrives on the commitment of its members. Contribute your expertise, help shape recommendations, and benefit from the cross-university network.
If you are interested in joining the working group, please contact the working group spokespersons by email.
New members are very welcome.
It's worth getting involved!
The working group thrives on the commitment of its members. Contribute your expertise, help shape recommendations, and benefit from the cross-university network.
If you are interested in joining the working group, please contact the working group spokespersons by email.
New members are very welcome.
Contact persons:
- Dr. Katrin Blankenburg (Technische Hochschule Lübeck)
- Dr. Kerstin Lundström (Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen)
- Nancy Warbeck (Hochschule Heilbronn)