Networking as a Postdoc
Building and expanding a broad network offers many advantages, such as the exchange of professional expertise, new opportunities for collaboration, and support for the next step in one’s career. A strong network is also an important resource for overcoming challenges, advancing research projects, and fostering long-term personal and professional development.
By the time you reach the postdoc phase, at the latest, you should have established a network within international and national academic societies, as these provide important platforms for professional exchange, academic visibility, and opportunities for collaboration.
- The German Postdoc Network (GPN) offers networking opportunities, information about the German research system, and career paths through its newsletter or LinkedIn channel.
- The Guidance, Skills & Opportunities (GSO) website is also a great resource for postdocs. Its funding programs place a strong emphasis on networking; be sure to subscribe to its newsletter or follow its LinkedIn channel so you don’t miss any updates.
For Established Researchers (R3 Phase, such as Habilitation candidates, junior research group leaders and junior professors), the Network for Leadership and Science in Academia (available in German) offers a series of events designed to further develop relevant skills and connect you with other aspiring leaders across regions.
- PhD Network for international students, where postdocs are also explicitly invited to make new connections and exchange ideas. To connect with other international doctoral students and postdocs and make sure you don’t miss any important information, subscribe to the International Office’s newsletter (in English / in German) for regular updates on events, deadlines, and opportunities, or join the WhatsApp group to network directly.
- MLU Newcomers Club for all (post)doctoral candidates, faculty members, and their families who are new to Halle.
- MLU Mentoring Programmes for female (post)doctoral candidates—here you’ll find not only networking opportunities but also a comprehensive career development program.
- Networking & Professional development: On February 22, 2027, the workshop “Strategisches Netzwerken und Allianzen bilden” will be offered as part of the Leadership and Career in Academia Network (available in German, registration link until January 25, 2027).
- Getting Started is an information session for new doctoral students and postdocs and a great opportunity to network with other newcomers.
- Peer Mentoring: DocAGs can apply for a dedicated budget for doctoral and postdoctoral candidates who want to set up a “peer mentoring group.”
- Postdoc Representation at OVGU, which, by the way, is home to the Network of Postdoc Representations (NetPDR).
- Also, the mailing list for postdocs and mid-career faculty keeps you up to date on events organized by the OVG Graduate Academy.
Every year, Magdeburg-Stendal University of Applied Sciences hosts a Science Barbecue and a Science Day for all researchers, including early-career researchers (ECRs). Staff and doctoral students are notified of these events via email or newsletter.
- The “Jour Fixe” event series, which promotes interdisciplinary networking across Burg Giebichenstein – University of Art and Design Halle, takes place regularly during the lecture period. Faculty members, external guests, and key research areas and projects are presented and discussed.
- The “Intercultural Kitchen” format aims to create a collaborative framework for international events, intercultural programs, workshops, debates, discussions, experimental formats, and much more.