Münster CERes wants to give doctoral researchers and postdocs opportunities for interdisciplinary networking and, right from the start, welcome emerging researchers who are new to the University or to academic activities, and invite them to become part of the community and help to shape CERes as a place where people come together.

At the beginning of every semester we organise networking events for doctoral researchers and postdocs, providing you with information on the University’s structures and (service) offers and giving you ideas for how to shape your training phase and network with peers.

Take off with CERes – Give your (new) career phase a boost!

Information – Networking – Training


DOCTORAL and POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS


Are you just starting your qualification phase as a doctoral researcher or postdoc at the University of Münster or do you want to give it a boost? Then the diverse programme of the CERes Take-Off Days is just right for you! This multi-day event offers a balanced mix of information, networking and hands-on workshops – both on-site and online as well as in German and English. Whether you are just starting your doctoral or postdoctoral project or you are already an experienced researcher, you will find everything you need for a motivating (new) start. Thanks to its flexible structure, you can choose and book the individual programme elements according to your needs and interests. Take this opportunity to get to know the University of Münster and other emerging researchers!

Please register here for the CERes Take-Off Days and select all sessions that you would like to participate in. 

  • 05.11.2024 Expect the unexpected: Let’s get this journey started!

    Welcome to the CERes Take-off Days 2024 (DE & EN)
    10:00 AM–12:00 PM, Aula (Schloss)

    • Welcome address (EN) by Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Maike Tietjens (Academic Career Development and Diversity)
    • Keynote impulse (DE with English subtitles) by Jun.-Prof Dr. Philipp Schäpers (Psychology of Entrepreneurship): Erwartungsvoll oder überfordert? Zwischen Selbstanspruch und äußerem Druck in der Wissenschaft
      (Full of expectations or overwhelmed? Between self-demand and external pressure in science)
    • Testimonial talks (DE & EN) with (former) doctoral and postdoctoral researchers

    Hear and discuss about the magic and the curse of expectations, talk to experienced researchers about your questions and concers, and get to know (first) travel mates for your academic journey.

    Market of Opportunities (DE & EN)
    12:00–1:30 PM, Foyer (Schloss)

    At this fair, you can gather information and talk to representatives of various services and networks at the University of Münster, all of which are ready to support you in your new/ongoing qualification phase.

    P.S. There will be snacks and beverages!

  • 06.11.2024 Connect and Communicate: Bridging Science and Society!

    Pitch Perfect? How to Communicate Your Research effectively! (DE & EN)
    9:00–11:15 AM, Online

    • Keynote (DE with English subtitles) by Prof. Dr. Stefanie Molthagen-Schnöring (Vice-President for Research, Transfer & Science Communications at HTW Berlin and communications consultant): Forschung effektiv kommunizieren (Communicating Research Effectively)
    • 5-minute research pitches (DE & EN) and input by Dr. Anne Vortkamp (Biologist, CEO and Scout at REACH EUREGIO Start-Up Center) on how to pitch your own research project.

    Optional Lunch at Münsters Marketplace (EN)
    12:00–1:00 PM, Domplatz

    Hungry for some new food inspiration? Have lunch (self-paying basis) with us at Münster’s famous marketplace and try your way through gourmet paradise.

    City of Stars? – Exploring Münster as a centre of research (EN)
    1:00–2:30 PM, City of Münster

    Join us for a free 1.5-hour walking tour to get to know the city and its history from a new perspective and to discover new places.

  • 07.11.2024 Fuel for Your Research: Unlocking Third-Party Funding!

    Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten und Strategien für die Zeit nach der Promotion (DE)
    11:00 AM - 12:30 PM, Online

    Dr. Christine Schmidt (SAFIR) wird Wege aufzeigen, Ihre Forschung zu finanzieren und Ihre Karriere zu fördern, indem sie auf Drittmittelmöglichkeiten eingeht, Tipps gibt und Ihre Fragen beantwortet.

  • 08.11.2024 Next Stop: Success! Navigating your life as a researcher

    Jump-start your Doctorate: Whats & whys & wheres on the way to the degree (EN)
    10:00 AM1:00 PM, CERes (room 001)

    This workshop jump-starts your doctoral journey by providing clarity on the key steps and academic procedures of a doctorate. Understand the ‘whats’ and ‘whys’ behind typical crisis phases and get a glimpse of strategies to overcome them. Learn how to say ‘no’ to non-essential commitments, ensuring balance and dedicated time for your research. The workshop also helps you navigate the ‘wheres’ by identifying priority events to build the competencies you need to thrive as a researcher on your path to earning your degree.

    Navigating Postdoc Pathways: Strategies for Career Orientation and Profile Strengthening (EN)
    3:006:00 PM, CERes (room 001)

    This workshop will enable you to map out your postdoctoral career path. Through guided self-reflection and targeted exercises, you will explore career options, assess your academic strengths and identify areas for growth. You will leave with a personalised roadmap to enhance your postdoc experience and advance your professional future.

    Mastering the Maze: Open Consultation Service for International Doctoral Researchers (EN)
    15:00-17:00 Uhr, CERes (room 101 & 109)

    This drop-in session allows you to connect with Eva Woltering and Sabine Schneider - our advisors who are here to help you navigate the complexities of your doctoral journey. Whether you have general questions about your doctorate, university services, or practical issues such as residence permits, feel free to come along. Enjoy complimentary coffee and cookies as you mingle, ask questions, and build connections within the academic community. 

    Social Hour (Postdoc Network Münster) // Stammtisch (AStA Promovierendenvertretung) (DE & EN)
    6:30 PM–open end, TBA//TBA

Postdoc Appreciation Week in Germany

From 16-20 September it’s Postdoc Appreciation Week! There is a full program with all kinds of different events organised by universities, research institutions, and networks from all over Germany. Check out the schedule.

As part of this week, Münster CERes together with the Postdoc Network Münster and the Dept. Researchers & Staff (International Office) is delighted to offer the following online roundtable:

  • 20.09.2024 / 12:00–13:00 / Roundtable „How to make it in German academia as an international researcher?“


    INTERNATIONAL POSTDOCS and other interested (international) doctoral and postdoctoral researchers


    Join us for an engaging roundtable discussion designed specifically for international researchers navigating the German academic landscape. Our three expert speakers will share valuable insights and practical advice on successfully establishing your career in Germany. Topics will include understanding the academic system, building professional networks, and overcoming common challenges faced by international scholars. You are encouraged to ask questions and contribute to the discussion.

    The speakers:

    Prof. Dr. Marcelo Parreira do Amaral, Expert in International and Comparative Education and International Educational Governance (University of Münster)

    Dr. Dariia Opryshko, Media law consultant and senior fellow at the Institute for Information, Telecommunications and Media Law (University of Münster)

    Dr. Axel Oberschelp, Researcher at the German Centre for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (DZHW), co-conductor of the DZHW study on “Challenges and Opportunities in the Pursuit of Professorship by International Academics at German Universities”.

    You can participate via this Zoom link – no registration needed.


    Organiser: Münster CERes, Postdoc Network Münster, Dept. Researchers & Staff (International Office)
    Venue: Zoom


    Are you interested in further discussing these and other topics among fellow postdocs? Come to the Social Hour of the Postdoc Network Münster on 20 September at 7.00 p.m.! This event is also part of the Postdoc Appreciation Week.

    If you would like to join, please send an e-mail to: postdoc.network@uni-muenster.de