Tuesday, 20. January 2026

Career decisions during the postdoctoral phase regarding future career paths and steps are of significant importance and require careful analysis and reflection. The workshop provides information about various career options as well as suggestions for reflection and group discussion.

Target group: Postdocs of all research fields of the UA Ruhr universities

Thursday, 22. January 2026 — Friday, 23. January 2026

This workshop aims to empower postdocs with the skills and confidence needed to create a positive and productive academic environment for both themselves and their students. The two half-day sessions will cover aspects of communication strategies, providing constructive feedback, motivation and conflict management.

Target group: Postdocs of all research fields of the UA Ruhr universities

Monday, 26. January 2026

Der Workshop vermittelt grundlegendes Wissen über die unterschiedlichen Teile einer schriftlichen Bewerbung auf eine Professur: Wie schreibe ich die langen Texte? Wie sollten die typischen Listen erstellt werden? Wie kann der Lebenslauf besser auf die Stelle angepasst werden? 

Target group: Postdocs aller Fachbereiche der UA Ruhr-Universitäten

Tuesday, 27. January 2026

This workshop focuses on two prominent funding schemes for individual research: DFG Individual Research Grants (Sachbeihilfe) and European Research Council (ERC) Grants. Participants will gain insights into the requirements, structures, and evaluation criteria of these schemes.

Target group: Junior Faculty of the UA Ruhr universities (Habilitation Candidates, Junior Research Group Leaders, Junior Professors)

Tuesday, 27. January 2026

In diesem Online-Medientraining können Sie erarbeiten, wie Sie Ihre Forschung sicher und verständlich in der Öffentlichkeit kommunizieren. In Modul 1 steht die Frage im Mittelpunkt, wie Forschung von der Presse wahrgenommen und Themen ausgewählt werden und was das für die Darstellung eigener Forschung bedeutet.

Target group: Postdocs aller Fachbereiche der UA Ruhr-Universitäten

Wednesday, 28. January 2026

In diesem Online-Medientraining können Sie erarbeiten, wie Sie Ihre Forschung sicher und verständlich in der Öffentlichkeit kommunizieren. In Modul 2 lernen Sie, wie Sie Ihre Forschungsergebnisse live für eine breite Öffentlichkeit vermitteln.

Target group: Postdocs aller Fachbereiche der UA Ruhr-Universitäten

Thursday, 29. January 2026

In diesem Online-Medientraining können Sie erarbeiten, wie Sie Ihre Forschung sicher und verständlich in der Öffentlichkeit kommunizieren. In Modul 3 lernen Sie kennen, wie Sie Ihre Forschungsergebnisse durch gezielte Nutzung von Bildern und Grafiken effektiv kommunizieren können.

Target group: Postdocs aller Fachbereiche der UA Ruhr-Universitäten

Friday, 30. January 2026

In diesem Online-Medientraining können Sie erarbeiten, wie Sie Ihre Forschung sicher und verständlich in der Öffentlichkeit kommunizieren. In Modul 4 erarbeiten Sie, wie Sie Ihre Forschung durch mediengerechtes Schreiben klar und verständlich für eine größere Öffentlichkeit kommunizieren.

Target group: Postdocs aller Fachbereiche der UA Ruhr-Universitäten

Monday, 9. February 2026 — Monday, 23. March 2026

We are awarding Mobility Grants to postdocs from the University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr). The grants provide funding of up to € 6,000 per person for four to twelve-week stays abroad.

Target group: Postdoctoral researchers from all academic disciplines who have an employment contract with one of the UA Ruhr universities or are affiliated with one of these through a scholarship program.

Monday, 9. February 2026 — Tuesday, 10. February 2026

In this workhop you learn how you as an individual can address the way you approach academia to buffer you against stress and burnout, worry and fear. 

Target group: Postdocs of all research fields of the UA Ruhr universities

Thursday, 19. February 2026

The aim of this workshop is to help you understand the German academic system and to show you different job profiles for postdocs within German academia. What are the formal rules and frameworks of an academic career in Germany after the PhD? What kind of permanent positions does German academia offer, what are the conditions and differences? 

Target group: International postdocs working at the UA Ruhr universities

Thursday, 26. February 2026

This short workshop offers some impulses that might help you decide whether a permanent position in German academia is the right path for you. Also, it will shed light on subsequent questions, such as: What qualifications do I have to bring to the table for a German professorship (at a university of applied sciences)? What does the process of applying for professorships look like in Germany?

Target group: International postdocs working at the UA Ruhr universities

Friday, 27. February 2026 — Monday, 23. March 2026

We are awarding Proposal Writing Grants to international postdoctoral researchers: Funding is provided for three-month stays at one of our University Alliance Ruhr (UA Ruhr) universities with a scholarship of €1,500 per month.

Target group: International postdocs from all academic disciplines who belong to a research institution outside Germany and who completed their doctorate no more than three years prior to the application date.

Tuesday, 3. March 2026

In dem Workshop werden zentrale Aspekte einer erfolgreichen Drittmittelantragstellung vermittelt. Der Fokus liegt auf der Reflexion des eigenen Forschungsprofils, der Positionierung in der disziplinären Forschungslandschaft und der Entwicklung einer klar konturierten Forschungsfrage sowie eines eindeutigen Forschungsziels.

Target group: Postdocs in den Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften der UA Ruhr-Universitäten

Thursday, 5. March 2026

Let’s discuss how to make sensible decisions in the face of uncertainty, with concrete examples relating to the academic experience. You will discuss, among other things, how to unpack a decision, the role of short-term emotion, and the paradoxical benefits of constraints.

Target group: Postdocs of all research fields of the UA Ruhr universities

Tuesday, 10. March 2026

Ziel des Workshops ist es, die Grundstruktur erfolgreicher Anträge kennenzulernen und zentrale Aspekte des Antragsschreibens gezielt zu bearbeiten, darunter Auskunft über den Forschungsstand und den eigenen Beitrag zur Forschungsdebatte, das anvisierte Ziel und den Weg dorthin sowie Materialgrundlagen und Methoden.

Target group: Postdocs in den Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften der UA Ruhr-Universitäten

Wednesday, 11. March 2026

Ziel des Videos ist es, Sie über alle Phasen des Berufungsverfahrens für W1 bis W3 Professuren in Deutschland detailliert zu informieren und Ihnen konkrete Hilfestellungen und Tipps für Ihre Bewerbungen zu vermitteln. Als Vertiefung zum Webcast kann ein Einzelcoaching bei der Trainerin gebucht warden.

Target group: Junior Faculty der UA Ruhr-Universitäten (Juniorprofessor*innen, Nachwuchsgruppenleiter*innen, Habilitand*innen)

Wednesday, 11. March 2026

The aim of the video is to inform you in detail about all phases of the appointment procedure for W1 to W3 professorships in Germany and to provide you with specific assistance and tips for your application. To supplement the webcast, individual coaching sessions with the trainer can be booked.

Target group: Junior Faculty of the UA Ruhr universities (Habilitation Candidates, Junior Research Group Leaders, Junior Professors)

Friday, 13. March 2026

Der Workshop vermittelt grundlegendes Wissen über die beiden Vorträge im Rahmen mündlicher Berufungsverfahren. Er thematisiert (fachspezifische) Erwartungen an den Fachvortrag und die Lehrprobe. Welche Herausforderungen und Empfehlungen gibt es für die Vorbereitung und gekonnte Umsetzung? Wie kann man damit umgehen, dass im Publikum Studierende, Doktorand*innen, Postdocs und Professor*innen sitzen?

Target group: Postdocs aller Fachbereiche der UA Ruhr-Universitäten

Tuesday, 17. March 2026

In diesem Workshop geht es darum, in die konkrete Ausarbeitung und ins Schreiben des Antrags einzusteigen. Dabei werden verschiedene Schreibmethoden ausprobiert, die zu ersten Rohtexten und Drafts führen und den Übergang von der inhaltlichen Konzeption zum ersten Antragstext unterstützen.

Target group: Postdocs in den Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften der UA Ruhr-Universitäten

Tuesday, 17. March 2026

AI-based tools enable researchers to work more efficiently and effectively. However, it is important for researchers to use these tools judiciously and with an understanding of their limitations and considering the policies of the funding agencies. The workshop will discuss and use various tools. 

Target group: Postdocs from the Natural and Engineering Sciences of the UA Ruhr universities

Tuesday, 17. March 2026

Arguably the most important part of communicating own research is identifying the key message. Researchers also need to adapt to their audiences. Besides these topics, the workshop covers tools to turn research results and data into a fascinating story.

Target group: Postdocs from the Natural and Engineering Sciences of the UA Ruhr universities

Wednesday, 18. March 2026

The Karriereforum Wissenschaft und Forschung demonstrates individual career planning options after the doctorate in a very concentrated and efficient way. In 2026, we will focus on different types of professorships, highlight the paths to them, and examine their respective requirements and special features. 

Target group: Postdoctoral researchers and advanced doctoral researchers of the UA Ruhr universities.

Wednesday, 18. March 2026

The aim of this workshop is to equip participants with the skills necessary to craft a professional and effective executive summary. Other parts of the workshop will focus on structure and visualization of data.

Target group: Postdocs from the Natural and Engineering Sciences of the UA Ruhr universities

Wednesday, 18. March 2026

Depending on participant interest the workshop will focus on one or more of the following topics: essential project management tools for grant writing, how to construct budgets and how to find collaborators. 

Target group: Postdocs from the Natural and Engineering Sciences of the UA Ruhr universities

Tuesday, 24. March 2026 — Thursday, 26. March 2026

If you are interested in pursuing a doctorate after graduation or have recently started your doctoral project, the three-day Frühjahrsakademie will provide you with valuable support: experts from the graduate institutions of the UA Ruhr universities and experienced trainers will help you find your bearings and make informed decisions.

Target group: Advanced Master's students interested in a doctorate at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, TU Dortmund University and/or the University of Duisburg-Essen as well as early doctoral researchers of all subject fields of the UA Ruhr universities.

Tuesday, 24. March 2026

Dieser Workshop vermittelt Strategien und Methoden, die bei der Fertigstellung des Antrags helfen und dabei wesentliche Kriterien für den Antragserfolg berücksichtigen. Es werden klassische wie auch KI-gestützte Schreib- und Überarbeitungswerkzeuge genutzt.

Target group: Postdocs in den Geistes- und Sozialwissenschaften der UA Ruhr-Universitäten

Wednesday, 25. March 2026

Der Workshop vermittelt grundlegendes Wissen für das das Gespräch mit einer Berufungskommssion und Berufungsverhandlungen. Geübt werden 2-3 Durchgänge des Gesprächs mit typischen Fragen und Herausforderungen sowie sinnvollen Antworten. Sie erfahren, wie die Verhandlung abläuft, was Sie vorbereiten müssen und welche Verhandlungsstrategien sowie Evaluationskriterien es gibt.

Target group: Postdocs aller Fachbereiche der UA Ruhr-Universitäten

Wednesday, 1. April 2026

Ziel des Videos ist es, Sie über alle Phasen des Berufungsverfahrens für W1 bis W3 Professuren in Deutschland detailliert zu informieren und Ihnen konkrete Hilfestellungen und Tipps für Ihre Bewerbungen zu vermitteln. Als Vertiefung zum Webcast kann ein Einzelcoaching bei der Trainerin gebucht warden.

Target group: Junior Faculty der UA Ruhr-Universitäten (Juniorprofessor*innen, Nachwuchsgruppenleiter*innen, Habilitand*innen)

Wednesday, 1. April 2026

The aim of the video is to inform you in detail about all phases of the appointment procedure for W1 to W3 professorships in Germany and to provide you with specific assistance and tips for your application. To supplement the webcast, individual coaching sessions with the trainer can be booked.

Target group: Junior Faculty of the UA Ruhr universities (Habilitation Candidates, Junior Research Group Leaders, Junior Professors)

Wednesday, 22. April 2026

Stellenausschreibungen auf Professuren an Fachhochschulen sind in den letzten Jahren facettenreicher geworden. In diesem Workshop helfen wir Ihnen dabei herauszufinden, ab wann die Bewerbung auf eine FH Professur für Sie interessant wird, inwieweit Sie die Voraussetzungen erfüllen, mit welchem Profil Sie sich bewerben und wie Sie die Bewerbung auf die jeweilige Ausschreibung hin gestalten. 

Target group: Postdocs aller Fachbereiche der UA Ruhr-Universitäten (max. 25 Teilnehmende)

Tuesday, 28. April 2026

Praktische Unterstützung und fundierte Informationen zu Forschungsaktivitäten in und mit China von Expert*innen aus den UA Ruhr-Universitäten, dem DAAD und dem Innenministerium des Landes NRW.

Target group: Promovierende und Postdocs der UA Ruhr und von Partner-Einrichtungen

Thursday, 30. April 2026

We discuss career-related topics and trends over lunch, this year with Dr. Anja Voss. Her career path took her from studying humanities at Ruhr University to the automotive industry: today, she is Manager Retail Excellence at Porsche AG.

Target group: Doctoral researchers from all subject groups of the UA Ruhr universities

Wednesday, 13. May 2026

We are offering the info session as part of the first European Doc Day, which celebrates doctoral graduates and doctoral education. The session will provide an overview of the program, including eligibility, application tips, travel funding, and what to expect during the stay.

Target group: International early postdocs (to-be) interested in exploring the research landscape of the University Alliance Ruhr.

Tuesday, 19. May 2026

Die Praxiswerkstatt soll Sie dabei unterstützen, ihre Bewerbungsunterlagen für Professuren (Junior-, Tenure Track-, Lebenszeit- und FH-Professuren) zu entwickeln und gut zu schreiben. Der Schwerpunkt liegt auf den längeren Texten Anschreiben, Forschungskonzept und Lehrkonzept. 

Target group: Postdocs aller Fachbereiche der UA Ruhr-Universitäten (max. 12 Teilnehmende)

Monday, 1. June 2026 — Wednesday, 3. June 2026

Scientific and research group work-processes are more and more based on project-work, sometimes with widely disparate and diverse members. This needs competences in two areas - project management skills and also the knowledge of how to build a team and to be able to cooperate with a variety of different personalities.

Target group: Postdocs of all research fields of the UA Ruhr universities (max. 12 participants)

Wednesday, 10. June 2026

This workshop is aimed at postdocs who consider an academic career a serious professional option. Participants will have the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive individual assessment to determine their development potential and plan their future academic career from their current position.

Target group: Postdocs of all research fields of the UA Ruhr universities (max. 12 participants)

Tuesday, 16. June 2026 — Wednesday, 17. June 2026

In this workshop, we will work on emotional and psychological aspects of decision-making and review the most common biases affecting our decision-making process as academics. You can practice some useful tools and strategies to reduce the impact of biases and improve your decision-making process.

Target group: Postdocs of all research fields of the UA Ruhr universities (max. 20 participants)

Wednesday, 24. June 2026

In this workshop, you explore the fundamental principles of networking and learn how to create and implement a personal networking strategy. Through practical exercises and exchange, you discover how to build and sustain meaningful connections - both online and offline - that support your career goals and professional visibility.

Target group: Postdocs of all research fields of the UA Ruhr universities (max. 12 participants)

Thursday, 2. July 2026

In this webinar, we explore how to navigate the pervasive uncertainty of academic careers with resilience and intention. Rather than seeking false certainty, you will learn practical tools to build confidence and adaptability in the face of the unknown.

Target group: Postdocs of all research fields of the UA Ruhr universities (max. 12 participants)

Monday, 6. July 2026

In the workshop, you will reflect upon your different tasks as an academic leader. The seminar provides you with useful tools e.g. the so-called management house for successfully managing your team.

Target group: Junior Faculty of the UA Ruhr universities (Habilitation Candidates, Junior Research Group Leaders, Junior Professors) (max. 12 participants)

Tuesday, 7. July 2026

Sie bekommen Informationen zum Wechsel in die Wirtschaft, Antworten auf Ihre Fragen und Kontakte zu Unternehmensvertreter*innen aus dem Jungen Initiativkreis Ruhr. Im Fokus steht das Matching Ihrer Kompetenzen mit den unternehmerischen Anforderungen. Nutzen Sie den Nachmittag für Einblicke, 1:1-Gespräche und Networking.

Target group: Postdocs und Promovierende in der Schlussphase aller Fächergruppen (UA Ruhr-Universitäten)

Tuesday, 7. July 2026

This workshop focuses on how to represent interests constructively, define professional boundaries, and make one’s work and contributions visible. You engage in interactive exercises that support reflection on roles and communication behaviour, enabling you to navigate team dynamics and hierarchical relationships more effectively.

Target group: Postdocs of all research fields of the UA Ruhr universities (max. 12 participants)

Tuesday, 7. July 2026

The workshop provides ideas on how you can become visible in the research and university context and position yourself strategically. It addresses how you can deal with the diverse expectations without getting lost in day-to-day business.

Target group: Junior Faculty of the UA Ruhr universities (Habilitation Candidates, Junior Research Group Leaders, Junior Professors) (max. 12 participants)

Monday, 13. July 2026

Postdocs find themselves in a unique leadership situation: they are responsible for doctoral students and projects, but rarely have formal authority. At the same time, they want to meet the expectations of their principal investigator. The workshop teaches the basics of how to become effective in this ‘sandwich position’ in three consecutive online modules. 

Target group: Postdocs of all research fields of the UA Ruhr universities

Tuesday, 14. July 2026

This workshop introduces core concepts of goal-oriented communication, negotiation techniques tailored to research settings, and methods for providing and receiving constructive feedback. You engage in hands-on exercises that enhance your ability to communicate assertively and collaboratively in a range of professional situations.

Target group: Postdocs of all research fields of the UA Ruhr universities (max. 12 participants)

Friday, 11. September 2026

In this workshop, you will reflect upon your role as a principal investigator of a scientific project and develop your own project idea and a plausible project concept. You will also get an introduction to the funding landscape in Germany (including EU funding) and search for funding options.

Target group: Postdocs of all research fields of the UA Ruhr universities (max. 12 participants)

Monday, 14. September 2026

The workshop aims to help scientists reflect on their evolving roles and responsibilities, viewing an academic career as a consciously designed role portfolio.

Target group: Junior Faculty of the UA Ruhr universities (Habilitation Candidates, Junior Research Group Leaders, Junior Professors) (max. 14 participants)

Thursday, 17. September 2026

In the second module, you will learn about the publication process, get an overview of publication formats and platforms, and reflect about quality assessment (peer-review) and quality measurement (bibliometric indicators). Besides, you will develop a publication strategy in the light of forming the basis for successful third party funding acquisition.

Target group: Postdocs of all research fields of the UA Ruhr universities

Friday, 25. September 2026

This impulse talk will provide practical insights to help you position yourself as a strong candidate in non-academic roles. Learn how to identify your competencies and effectively communicate them in job applications and interviews.

Target group: Postdocs of all research fields of the UA Ruhr universities (max. 12 participants)

Wednesday, 30. September 2026

In the third module, you will reflect upon your mindset and attitude to become the principal investigator of your own project. You will become aware of your responsibility as a PI and strengthen your self confidence. In addition, you will develop an inner attitude towards expectations and failure.

Target group: Postdocs of all research fields of the UA Ruhr universities (max. 12 participants)

Wednesday, 7. October 2026

The last module adresses the overview the entire process of application preparation and assessment of which work steps are pending in which phase. It also deals with formulating the application in compliance with the basic structure and formalities. Last but not least, you will learn methods to develop a realistic work program including time and budget planning.

Target group: Postdocs of all research fields of the UA Ruhr universities (max. 12 participants)

Monday, 26. October 2026

The workshop aims to help scientists reflect on self-leadership while consciously shaping their contributions to a research organization. Additionally, it seeks to support the development of a sustainable and proactive academic career strategy.

Target group: Junior Faculty of the UA Ruhr universities (Habilitation Candidates, Junior Research Group Leaders, Junior Professors) (max. 14 participants)