Zusammenarbeit
The thematic week is jointly organised by the German Postdoc Network (GPN) and the Volkswagen Foundation. Project lead: Munich University of Applied Sciences.
Event Video
The Future of Postdocs in the German Research Ecosystem
Experts discussed the perspectives of postdoctoral researchers and the reforms needed at a public panel discussion in Hanover on August 26.
VolkswagenStiftung
Video of the panel discussion on August 26 in Hanover.
Panel discussion with:
- Dr Linda Jauch, Head of the Hub of Academic Career & Research Culture (HARC), University of Hamburg
- Dr Yves Klinger, Justus Liebig University Giessen
- Gareth O’Neill, Principal Consultant on Open Science, Technopolis Group, Brussels
- Prof. Dr Wolfgang Wick, Chair of the German Council of Science and Humanities; Medical Director of General Neurology, Heidelberg University Hospital
Moderator: Dr Jan-Martin Wiarda, freelance journalist and blogger
The public panel discussion is part of a three-day thematic week taking place from August 26-28, 2026. The programme includes three symposia, a keynote, a World Café and networking opportunities. The conference sessions are reserved for invited experts.
What prospects do postdocs have in the German academic system? How can the postdoctoral phase be more clearly defined and made more reliable? And what changes are needed to make academic careers more transparent, diverse and predictable?
As part of a thematic week on the future of academic careers in Germany, experts discussed the current situation of postdocs and possible ways forward from August 26-28, 2026.
The focus was on the developments initiated since the publication of the German Council of Science and Humanities’ position paper, as well as on areas where further action is needed.
The public panel discussion addressed key topics of the thematic week, including the structural positioning of the postdoctoral phase, reliable employment and career pathways, and the promotion of mobility between academia and other sectors.
The event was followed by an opportunity to exchange ideas with other participants.
The discussion addressed students, doctoral candidates, postdocs and anyone interested in the future of science and academic careers.