What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.
Jane Goodall
Future Leader Summit 2026 in Hamburg
We were delighted to attend the FLS 2026 conference in Hamburg and connect with so many of you. The inspiring discussions, thoughtful questions, and shared experiences reminded us how valuable strong academic networking truly is. A special highlight was the PhD breakfast on Saturday, where we enjoyed meaningful conversations about your research journeys and the challenges doctoral candidates face across disciplines. Moments like these strengthen our PhD community and guide our work as a national association. Thank you for your openness, your energy, and your commitment. We look forward to continuing this exchange at future events and supporting your path through active conference engagement.
TNB conference of the DAAD
We were present at the TNB conference of the DAAD project of the same name in Berlin to address the issues and concerns of doctoral candidates directly with policymakers and representatives from various institutions. Our equal opportunity officer Maren engaged in many fruitful conversations ensuring that the perspectives of early‑career researchers were clearly heard. These exchanges are an important part of our ongoing doctoral advocacy work and help strengthen the visibility of PhD‑related challenges in national policy dialogue. We remain committed to representing your interests and bringing forward the topics that matter most to the PhD community.
Philipp Schwartz Forum 2026
On 9–10 April, around 370 participants gathered in Berlin for the Philipp Schwartz Forum to discuss global challenges to academic freedom. The event marked ten years of the Philipp Schwartz Initiative, which supports researchers facing serious personal risk in their home countries. Experts from science, administration, and politics examined how shrinking civic space and democratic backsliding endanger scholars worldwide, and highlighted measures to strengthen protection structures. Since its founding by the Alexander von Humboldt foundation, the initiative has enabled more than 670 threatened researchers from 31 countries to continue their work in Germany, underscoring its growing international significance.
Now it’s Your Turn: Which Events do you Really Need?
Your input can shape what comes next. After a year of successful events, we’re preparing new workshops and activities for the coming months and we want them to reflect what you truly need. Which topics matter most right now? Which event formats support you best? And how can they fit into your busy PhD routine? Your input guides our workshop planning and helps us design relevant, useful offerings for doctoral researchers across Germany. Take 2 minutes to share your thoughts. Thank you for helping us shape this together.
Click here to fill out our survey or scan the QR code below
Initiative Scientists against fascism
In April, a loose academic network emerged with the goal of connecting scientists and university initiatives responding to the rise of far‑right politics in Germany. The group aims to strengthen dialogue, coordinate activities, and support those committed to democratic values within higher education. As part of their efforts, they are preparing a nationwide week of action planned for July, during which universities and research communities can highlight ongoing projects, host discussions, and share resources. This growing initiative reflects a broader movement of civic engagement and collaboration across German university initiatives.
wissenschaft-gegen-faschismus.de
Join our Social media team!
Our outreach is growing, and we’re looking for motivated doctoral researchers who want to get involved. If you enjoy creating interesting posts, communicating clearly, or coming up with creative ideas for our newsletter and website, this is your chance to contribute. If you have experience in public relations, an interest in social media strategy, or a talent for newsletter design, we’d love to hear from you. Please help us to make ourselves more visible, to refine our message, and to represent the doctoral community with new energy.
Your Voice Matters!
We value your feedback and suggestions. If you have any ideas reach out to us and get involved!
