National Postdoc Networks

German Postdoc Network

Postdocs and Senior Researchers are encouraged to connect with the German Postdoc Network (GPN), a nationwide community that brings together postdocs across disciplines and institutions in Germany. The network provides opportunities for exchange, professional development, and engagement in discussions on postdoctoral careers and research policy.

Postdocs can actively participate in the network by joining working groups, contributing to initiatives, or attending events. To stay informed about upcoming activities and opportunities, they can subscribe to the GPN newsletter.

The GPN website also provides an overview of postdoctoral networks worldwide, which may be useful for international networking.

UniWinD Postdoc Support Network

In the UniWinD Postdoc Support Network, a national network that brings together professionals working in postdoc support and career development at German research institutaions, e.g. universities, MPI, Helmholtz etc. The network provides a platform to exchange experiences, discuss structural conditions of the postdoc phase, and develop ideas and initiatives to strengthen postdoc career support.

Within several working groups, members address a broad range of topics related to the postdoc phase, including career orientation in academia, career development conversations, mentoring and qualification formats, as well as institutional support structures for postdocs. The network also discusses broader structural questions such as permanent position models, cultural change in academic career systems, and support for transitions to careers outside academia.

Through these exchanges, the network contributes to developing good practices and strengthening dialogue between universities and research institutions on how to improve conditions and perspectives for postdocs.

The network is coordinated by Alexandra Franzke, who currently serves as speaker of the UniWiND Postdoc Support Network. Postdocs are welcome to get in touch if they have ideas, questions, or concerns related to postdoc career development that could be brought into discussions within the network.