Researchers after their Doctorate IWR Early-Career Researchers' Network
This network supports scientists at the beginning of their independent research careers — from freshly graduated PhDs starting their first postdoc positions to young research group leaders.
The idea behind this network is to give members access to Insight Talks by IWR researchers who have successfully secured prestigious awards such as Humboldt Professorships, ERC Grants, or Emmy Noether Fellowships, while also connecting them with peers facing similar career challenges and opportunities. We also aim to offer coaching on how to become an effective supervisor and inspiring teacher — including a certificate that could strengthen your future academic applications.
The network will provide opportunities to explore research prizes and participate in joint activities, such as Science Slams. Through open exchange, mentoring, and training in academic career planning, CV design, leadership, and science communication, the program seeks to develop skills essential for leading a research group, engaging diverse audiences, presenting at conferences, and writing impactful papers. If this sparks your interest, we warmly invite you to join the IWR Early-Career Researchers' Network! Simply sign up with your university email address to receive regular updates and event invitations.
Mailing List
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Kick-Off Meeting / February 26, 2026
We are hosting a brainstorming session to shape our program for 2026. We’re planning one networking and soft-skill day per semester. The kick-off meeting will take place on February 26, 2026 at 10:00 (Mathematikon • Seminar Room 10, 5th Floor • Im Neuenheimer Feld 205 • 69120 Heidelberg).
Resources for Early-Career Researchers
Support for Early-Career Researchers
Support for early-career researchers is one of the central strategic fields of action at Heidelberg University. The goal is to prepare young researchers in an optimum way for a career in academia or outside the university, to attract the best scholarly talents from all over the world to Heidelberg, and to position Heidelberg University as well as possible in the international competition.