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

© CERes

Target group: doctoral and postdoctoral researchers

Information – Networking – Training
Are you just starting your qualification phase as a doctoral or postdoctoral researcher at the University of Münster or do you want to give it a boost? We would like to support you with the diverse programme of the CERes Take-Off Days! This multi-day event offers a balanced mix of information, networking and hands-on workshops – both on-site and online and mainly in English. Thanks to its flexible structure, you can select 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!

Detailed descriptions and objectives for each session may be found below.

Objectives:

  • A friendly welcome and better orientation for new doctoral and postdoctoral researchers 
  • Extending interdisciplinary networking  
  • Actively shaping a doctoral culture characterised by openness, curiosity and solidarity

Diese Veranstaltungsreihe findet in englischer Sprache statt. // This event series will be held in English.

  • Tue, 4 Nov 2025, 10:00–12:00 / Welcome: Self-efficacy on the (post)doctoral journey

    Target group: doctoral and postdoctoral researchers

    Join us for a warm welcome designed for both new and experienced doctoral and postdoctoral researchers! After a greeting and a brief introduction, Le Anh Nguyen Long, Ph.D. (Assistant professor of public administration, University of Twente / RE.connect fellow at the University of Münster) will give an inspiring talk on self-efficacy during qualification phases. Afterwards, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers are invited in two separate breakout sessions to get to know one another, discuss the implications from the talk for their own career stage and brainstorm their training needs. Take this opportunity to connect, share experiences, and (re-)start your journey with valuable insights and support!

    Objectives:

    • A friendly welcome for (new) doctoral and postdoctoral researchers
    • Reflecting on the role of self-efficacy during the doctoral/postdoctoral career phase
    • Actively contributing to a vibrant research culture by networking and brainstorming ideas for further qualification and support offers

    Facilitators: CERes team
    Venue: Zoom

  • Wed, 5 Nov 2025, 12:00–14:00 / Networking, Walk & Talk: Learning from other researchers’ experiences

    Target group: doctoral and postdoctoral researchers

    • 12–12.45pm: Lunch at Münster’s marketplace (on self-pay basis)
      Meeting point: post office at Domplatz 6–7
    • 1–2pm: Walk & Talk with experienced (post)doctoral researchers
      Meeting point: CERes, Schlossplatz 6

    Meet us for lunch at Münster’s famous marketplace to connect with fellow doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in person. Afterwards, we will take a stroll through the university’s botanical garden to discuss your questions about the challenges and opportunities in your (post)doctoral life as a researcher. During this Walk & Talk, experienced doctoral and postdoctoral scholars will accompany us to share their experiences and advice. Join us and pose your questions to our guests!

    Objectives:

    • A friendly welcome for (new) doctoral and postdoctoral researchers
    • Reflecting on one’s own expectations and concerns regarding the doctoral/postdoctoral phase through interviews with more experienced researchers
    • Actively contributing to a vibrant research culture by networking and engaging in discussions about academic careers

    Facilitators: Rebecca Meier, Sabine Schneider (CERes)
    Venue: Domplatz (lunch), Botanical Garden (Walk & Talk)

  • Fri, 7 Nov 2025, 10:00–13:00 / Navigating postdoc pathways: Strategies for career orientation and profile strengthening

    Target group: postdoctoral researchers

    This workshop will support you in mapping 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.

    Objectives:

    • Gain an overview of the overarching requirements for postdocs and the career opportunities available to them within the German academic system
    • Analyse their (academic) strengths and identify areas for growth
    • Create a personalised roadmap of next steps to plan their professional future

    Facilitator: Rebecca Meier (CERes)
    Venue: CERes, Schlossplatz 6, room 001

  • Mon, 10 Nov 2025, 10:00–13:00 / Jump-start your doctorate: The whats, whys and wheres on the way to the degree

    Target group: doctoral researchers

    This workshop jump-starts your doctoral journey by offering clarity on the key stages and academic procedures involved in pursuing a doctorate. You’ll explore the ‘what’ and ‘why’ behind typical crisis phases and exchange experiences and strategies that may help you navigate them. Together, we’ll take a closer look at what might be quietly consuming the time you’d prefer to dedicate to your research. The workshop also supports you in mapping out the ‘where’ – identifying helpful opportunities to build the competencies you need to thrive as a researcher on your path to earning your degree.

    Objectives:

    • Gain clarity on the key steps and academic procedures of a doctorate
    • Reflect on common crisis phases in the doctoral journey and exchange possible strategies for managing them
    • Reflect on factors that may be using up time intended for research
    • Learn how to identify opportunities to develop essential generic competencies

    Facilitator: Dr Iva Ognjanovic (CERes)
    Venue: CERes, Schlossplatz 6, room 001

Registration

If you would like to participate in this event and it is already marked as fully booked, you are welcome to join the waiting list. It often happens that registered participants cancel their attendance, which creates available spots. Free spots are allocated in the order of waiting list registrations. If spots become available within 72 hours before the event starts, we will notify several registrants simultaneously. These spots will then be allocated on a 'first come, first served' basis.

Take-Off Days
ActionDateTrainersLocationFree spaces
Registration not yet opened
Registration from 13.9.2025, 17:00 Uhr
Tue, 4 Nov 2025, 10:00–12:00 (Welcome: Self-efficacy on the (post)doctoral journey)Dr. Anneka Esch-van Kan, Dr. Iva Ognjanovic, Rebecca Meier, Sabine Schneider, Prof. Stefanie van OphuysenZoom40
Registration not yet opened
Registration from 13.9.2025, 17:00 Uhr
Wed, 5 Nov 2025, 12:00–14:00 (Networking, Walk & Talk)Rebecca Meier, Sabine SchneiderDomplatz (lunch), Botanical Garden (Walk & Talk)20
Registration not yet opened
Registration from 13.9.2025, 17:00 Uhr
Fri, 7 Nov 2025, 10:00–13:00 (Navigating postdoc pathways)Rebecca MeierCERes, Schlossplatz 6, room 00112
Registration not yet opened
Registration from 13.9.2025, 17:00 Uhr
Mon, 10 Nov 2025, 10:00–13:00 (Jump-start your doctorate)Dr. Iva OgnjanovicCERes, Schlossplatz 6, room 00116

Legend

Registration not yet openedRegistration not yet openedSufficient places are still freeSufficient places are still freeDon't wait too long to bookDon't wait too long to bookPermanently bookablePermanently bookableWaiting or interest list onlyWaiting or interest list onlyNo registration possibleNo registration possible