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.
As a member, you’ll gain access to Insight Talks by IWR researchers who have successfully secured prestigious awards such as Humboldt Professorships, ERC Grants, or Emmy Noether Fellowships, and connect with peers facing similar career challenges and opportunities. We also aim to offer coaching on how to become a good supervisor and inspiring teacher — with a certificate that could strengthen your future academic applications. The network further provides 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 helps you develop skills essential for leading a group, engaging diverse audiences, presenting at conferences, or writing impactful papers.
If this sparked your interest, we warmly invite you to join the IWR Early-Career Researchers' Network! Simply sign up with your university email to receive regular news and event invitations.
Mailing List
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Kick-Off Event / Date tbd.
Our kick-off event will take place on XYZ at XY:XY (Mathematikon • Conference Room, Room 5/104, 5th Floor • Im Neuenheimer Feld 205 • 69120 Heidelberg) and will feature:
- An inspiring Insight Talk, sharing first-hand perspectives on building an academic career. (Speaker tbd.)
- heiTRACKS-talk on professional development opportunities for early career researchers at Heidelberg University. (Exact title tbd.)
- A brainstorming session to shape our program for next year — we’re planning one networking and soft-skill day per semester.
- And, of course, plenty of time to continue the conversation over some snacks and drinks in the IWR common room.
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.