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)

Tuesday, 6. October 2026 — Thursday, 8. October 2026

Mit Erfolg zum Doktortitel: Kurzworkshops, Karrieretipps und Netzwerken für Promovierende der Universitätsallianz Ruhr. Bereiten Sie sich in der diesjährigen Herbstakademie vom 6. bis 8. Oktober auf die Abschlussphase Ihrer Promotion und auf die Zeit danach vor!

Target group: Promovierende aller Fächergruppen in der Abschlussphase (UA Ruhr-Universitäten)

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)