I hadn’t been aware that there were doors closed to me until I started knocking on them.
Gertrude B. Elion
The main building of TU Berlin is in danger!
The sudden closure of the main building at TU Berlin due to severe roof damage has become a striking symbol of a much deeper systemic problem. The incident highlights the chronic underfunding of public infrastructure in Germany’s higher education sector, which is increasingly threatening the continuity of scientific research, teaching and campus life. The closure of a central university building for safety reasons is not just an operational inconvenience; it reflects years of postponed maintenance, insufficient investment and political hesitation. Researchers, students and staff now face disrupted workflows, limited access to essential facilities and growing uncertainty regarding long-term planning. This case illustrates how fragile the foundations of academic work can become when infrastructure is allowed to deteriorate. It also highlights the urgent need to strengthen public investment, prioritise campus safety, and secure stable conditions for the scientific community across Germany.
NACAPS questionair 2026
NACAPS is currently conducting its 2026 follow-up survey, inviting approximately 30,000 doctoral graduates in Germany to share their experiences and career developments up to 12 June 2026. This large-scale study plays a crucial role in understanding how doctoral training shapes professional trajectories, as well as how conditions in academia and beyond have evolved over time. By participating, graduates can provide valuable insights to help universities, policymakers and research organisations to improve their support structures for early-career researchers. The survey’s findings will inform debates on working conditions, career pathways and the broader landscape of doctoral education. If you have been invited to participate, your responses could have a significant impact on future decisions, strengthen evidence-based policy and promote a more transparent research environment. You can learn more about NACAPS, explore its previous findings, or check your eligibility to take part.
Do you know PhDs in NRW?
We are currently seeking doctoral researchers in North Rhine-Westphalia to help us change the political perspective on the representation of early-career scientists in state law. Despite the state’s large research landscape and vibrant academic communities, doctoral candidates in North Rhine-Westphalia are still not legally recognised as a distinct group. We believe that stronger representation and a formal voice in decision-making processes would significantly improve working conditions and research culture. There are already positive examples — for instance, dedicated doctoral researchers from Cologne played a key role in establishing our association in 2023 and continue to contribute to it. If you are pursuing a doctorate in North Rhine-Westphalia, represent doctoral interests in a research cluster or work closely with doctoral candidates, we would greatly value your support. We are actively seeking individuals to influence policy, engage with university leadership and strengthen representation. Read our blog post about it to find out more.
Our AGM 2026 – Save the date
As every year, our Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place at the end of this year, and you are warmly invited to attend. Please mark the date in your diaries.
21–22 November 2026
Our AGM provides an opportunity for you our to reflect on the past year, set priorities for the future of our work and strengthen our shared commitment to representing early-career researchers. We look forward to seeing many of you there and engaging in meaningful discussions. Further details will follow soon, so please stay tuned, and do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
Our PR office asks for your support!
Dear reader, I’m Julian and I’m responsible for our PR work, including this newsletter XD As you can imagine, maintaining the newsletter, website and social media is a lot of work, but it’s also great fun. I am looking for support with writing posts, designing the newsletter and updating the website. Get in touch if you would like to help! I will also be stepping down as PR Officer at this year’s AGM, so this position in the EC will be open to a new officer who can shape the future of our online presence.
Your Voice Matters!
We value your feedback and suggestions. If you have any ideas reach out to us and get involved!
