Berlin University Alliance survey on career paths and diversity
Researchers of all career stages are invited to share their experiences. How do you experience your everyday work, collaboration, and career opportunities – especially in times of change? Help highlight the diversity of academic realities at Freie Universität Berlin. The survey takes 25 minutes to complete.
Target group: BUA researchers
URL: https://umfrage.hu-berlin.de/index.php/912235?lang=en
FACHTAG „DIVERSITY & CAREER DEVELOPMENT“ at FU Berlin, Dept. Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy
This year’s event is about critical reflection on power structures in science and practice concrete strategies for responding to difficult situations in your everyday academic life, including a workshop on how to deal with inner and outer pressure (mental health) and a short input on how our unconscious assumptions shape our work in research groups.
Target group: Doctoral & PostDoc researchers, interesteded students
Date: 18.05.2026
URL: https://www.sfb1449.de/Events/20260518-fachtag8.html
Academic freedom week 2026: Safeguarding and (Re)Constructing Space, Networks, and Knowledge
Amid unpredictable geopolitical shifts, the commitment to academic freedom faces increasing pressure–including across Europe. Academic freedom week events will examine the complex dynamics shaping the individual trajectories of at-risk academics, students, and artists.
Target group: BUA researchers; please note: some events require registration in advance.
Dates: May 18-22, 2026
URL: https://www.berlin-university-alliance.de/en/commitments/international/bcge/bbafw
Dealing with AI in a legally compliant manner? – An introductory session
This event provides an overview of the legal frameworks and pitfalls involved in the use of artificial intelligence in university administration.
Target group: FUB employees
Date: 19. Mai 26,
URL: https://veranstaltung.weiterbildung.fu-berlin.de/26-O.FIF03b
STIPENDIENPROGRAMM „TECHNOLOGIEN DER ZUKUNFT“
Im Rahmen des Programms fördern die Wissenschafts- und Technologieabteilung sowie die Kulturabteilung der Französischen Botschaft in Deutschland gemeinsam die Mobilität junger Forscherinnen und Forscher, die an einer Universität oder einem Forschungsinstitut in Deutschland tätig sind.
Target group: Masterstudierende, Promovierende, Post-Doktorand:innen
Date(s): Die Aufenthalte müssen zwischen dem 1. September 2026 und dem 31. Dezember 2026 beginnen.
Application deadline: 20. Mai 2026
URL: https://www.science-allemagne.fr/appels-actuellement-en-cours/technologies-davenir-2026-lappel-a-candidature-est-ouvert-deadline-20-05-2026/
Online-Informationsveranstaltung Promovieren mit Behinderungen
In dieser einstündigen online-Veranstaltung werden die Zugangsvoraussetzungen und organisatorischen sowie strukturellen Meilensteine für Promovierende mit Behinderungen im Mittelpunkt stehen, mit Fachvorträgen und offenen Austauschmöglichkeiten.
Zielgruppe: Promotionsinteressierte, Promovierende
Termin: 9. Juni 2026. 13:30-14:30 Uhr
Anmeldefrist: 26. Mai 2026
URL: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=COqhPmgYsEml81oZJqnDkPxtALGUniFMuISTS4_iQnBUQ1dISUNLR0lPQ0Q2SlQ1V0lUMDNNSzZTMi4u&route=shorturl
Berlin University Alliance X-Student Research Groups – Call for Proposals for the winter semester 2026-27
The Berlin University Alliance (BUA) supports up to 32 X-Student Research Groups per year. The student research teams are led by a junior researcher to work together with other participating students on a current question from their own research.
Target group: BUA Junior researchers
Deadline: 31 May 2026 (An online information event on the X-Student Research Groups will take place on May 8, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.)
URL: https://www.berlin-university-alliance.de/en/commitments/teaching-learning/sturop/research-groups/call-for-proposals/index.html
Berlin University Alliance Postdoc Career Fair
Are you considering career opportunities beyond academia? Join the Postdoc Career Fair 2026 and explore diverse career paths, connect with professionals across sectors, and gain practical insights for your next career step.
Target group: PhD graduates looking to transition into careers outside of academia
Date: 11 June 2026
Registration deadline: 4 June 2026
URL: https://www.berlin-university-alliance.de/en/commitments/promoting-talent/postdoc-academy/career-fair/index.html
Online-Workshop Internationale Karrierewege – Alumni der Freien Universität berichten
In einem moderierten Gespräch geben Absolventinnen und Absolventen der Freien Universität Einblick in ihre Berufsfelder und individuellen Berufslaufbahnen im internationalen Umfeld. Themenfelder: Berufsfelder und individuellen Berufslaufbahnen im internationalen Umfeld; Praktika und erste Stellen; Einstiege, Umwege, Strategien, Zufälle, Hürden und Erfolge.
Zielgruppe: Studierende und Promovierende
Termin: 09. Juni 2026
URL: https://www.fu-berlin.de/sites/career/veranstaltungen/Veranstaltungen-zum-Berufseinstieg/veranstaltungen_career-service/2026_Internationale-Karrierewege.html
Una Europa PhD Impact Award 2026
Description: The Una Europa PhD Impact Award aims to recognise and celebrate the impact, and potential impact, of research and researchers. We invite doctoral researchers to reflect on their research practice and consider how it impacts on society and contributes to the world. Being able to articulate the impact their work is an essential skill for all researchers.
Target group: Doctoral Researchers
Application deadline: 14 June 2026
URL: https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/international/network/partnership-networks/unaeuropa/get-involved/phd-impact-award/index.html
Mercator Kolleg für internationale Aufgaben – 1 Jahr Perspektivwechsel global & intersektoral – Ausschreibung Kollegjahr 2027
Das Kolleg bietet ein Forum.in dem Menschen aus den unterschiedlichsten Disziplinen und Branchen zusammenkommen, um gemeinsam Lösungsansätze für globale Herausforderungen zu entwickeln. Kollegdauer: 12 Monate von Januar bis Dezember, drei feste Seminarphasen mit Rahmenprogramm an verschiedenen Orten in Europa, dazwischen flexible Einteilung der Kollegzeit mit selbstgestalteten weltweiten Praxisaufenthalten (6-10 Monate)
Zielgruppe: engagierte Persönlichkeiten aller Branchen, Themenfelder und Sektoren mit Masterabschluss oder Promotion
Bewerbungsfrist: 15. Juni 2026
URL: https://www.mercator-kolleg.de/
New DAAD Programme Future Network Weimar Triangle: Science for Europe
The programme promotes trilateral cooperation and research between Germany, France and Poland on future-oriented topics such as climate-neutral energy production and mobility, artificial intelligence and digitalization, security in Europe, biotechnology and medicine of the future, new technologies.
Target group: Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers from all disciplines
Deadline: 15 June 2026
URL: https://www.daad.de/en/the-daad/future-network-weimar-triangle/
GO OUT – TAG 2026
Description: Dahlem Research School presents: International mobility for doctoral researchers
Target group: Doctoral Researchers
Date: 17. Juni 2026, 14:15-15:00 hrs / 2:15-3:00 pm Berlin time
Format: in person @ Seminarzentrum FU Berlin, L115
URL: https://www.fu-berlin.de/studium/international/studium_ausland/go_out_tag/Go-Out-Tag-2026/index.html#:~:text=Der%20Go%2DOut%2DTag%202026,Studium%20und%20Praktikum%20im%20Ausland
Open Door Talk: AI-Basics (online)
Description: AI-Basics offers doctoral researchers a concise introduction to large language models and their scientific implications. Explore how LLMs work, what they truly “know,” and how to use them responsibly in research maintaining high standards of scientific integrity.
Target group: Doctoral Researchers
Date(s): 17. Juni 2026, 13:00-15:00 hrs / 1:00-3:00 pm Berlin time
URL: https://www.drs.fu-berlin.de/en/node/132123
Open Door Talk: Prompting and Literature Search (online)
Description: Prompting and Literature Search introduces PhD students to practical strategies for using large language models and AI-based search tools. Get hands-on experience through guided examples that help you craft prompts and integrate AI-enhanced search into your research workflow.
Target group: Doctoral Researchers
Date(s): 16. Juli 2026, 10:00-12:00 hrs / 10:00-12:00 am Berlin time
URL: https://www.drs.fu-berlin.de/en/node/132129
Meta-Science Summer School 2026: Designing and Conducting Studies To Improve Research (in person)
Participants will learn more about meta-research by designing and starting to collect data for a meta-research study in a small team. Participants may choose to keep working after the summer school to complete and publish their project.
Target group: students and researchers
Dates: 23 – 28 August 2026
URL:https://www.bihealth.org/en/notices/meta-science-summer-school-designing-and-conducting-studies-to-improve-research-1
Sustainability in Higher Education – Between Transformation and Vibe Shifts
International conference on current discourse surrounding sustainability with the aim to critically self-reflect on the role of higher education institutions.
Target group: Students, researchers, and administrative staff from national and international universities.
Date(s): 21.09.2026-23.09.2026
Application deadline: deadline call for proposals: 31.05.2026 / deadline for conference registration: 31.08.2026
URL: https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/higher-ed-sustainability-conf/
DEUTSCHES TECHNISCHES DOKTORANDENPROGRAMM AM CERN (WOLFGANG-GENTNER-STIPENDIEN)
Gefördert werden Doktorarbeiten in technischen Bereichen am CERN. Ziel des Programms ist die Ausbildung von Doktorandinnen und Doktoranden deutscher Hochschulen in einem internationalen, erstklassigen Hochtechnologie-Umfeld mit engen Kontakten zur Industrie. Die Betreuung erfolgt gemeinsam durch das CERN vor Ort und durch die Hochschullehrerin bzw. den Hochschullehrer der Heimathochschule, die oder der die Dissertation betreut.
Target group: Das Programm wendet sich an (zukünftige) Doktorandinnen und Doktoranden aus den technisch-naturwissenschaftlichen Bereichen, die an einer deutschen Hochschule promovieren (wollen).
Deadline(s): Es gibt drei Bewerbungsrunden pro Jahr (November, März und Juli).
URL: https://www2.daad.de/ausland/studieren/stipendium/de/70-stipendien-finden-und-bewerben/?detail=10000605
SCIENTIFIC WORKFLOWS: TOOLS AND TIPS
Lecture series by Dr. Selina Baldauf for early-career researchers of all disciplines.
When? 3rd Thursday of a month (lecture period), 4pm – 5pm
URL: https://www.bcp.fu-berlin.de/en/graduiertenzentrum/promovierende/veranstaltungen/lecture-SB
In the meantime, check out the vast collection of materials including videos and slides from past events: https://selinazitrone.github.io/tools_and_tips/
DOCTORAL PROGRAMS AT FREIE UNIVERSITÄT BERLIN
(Annual) Calls for doctoral places, doctoral positions and/or fellowships
https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/drs/doctorate/structured-or-individual/drs_programs
DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIPS
A selection of the most important institutions that award doctoral scholarships
https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/drs/funding/grants/index.html
FORSCHUNGSPREISE (in German)
www.fu-berlin.de/forschung/service/foerderung/informationen/preise