Guidance, Skills & Opportunities for Researchers e.V. (GSO)

🎲 What happens when science meets storytelling and a hint of suspicion? Join us for the second round of #AlumNode #Game Lab – a new format that explores how games can become powerful tools for #science #communication and #education. This time, we’ll look at the emotional side of board games and how they can spark curiosity, connection, and critical thinking. In this session, we will: ✅ Discuss how to use the the engagement and emotionality associated with board games to communicate your research to the public. ✅ Learn what makes a scientific board game work, and what to avoid. ✅ Put it all into practice by playing "Who stole my paper?!" ➡️ The game: "Who stole my paper!?" is a short (10–15 min) #social #deduction #game by our alumnus Demian Nahuel Goos Bosco, PhD. Each player takes on the role of a historical mathematical figure, and one of them steals the research done by another one. The goal of the game for the group is to find the mischief-maker and the goal of the mischief-maker is to stay hidden. Will they get caught, or sneak away with the credit? Curious about the #research behind the game? Listen to this podcast episode (in German) featuring Demian: https://lnkd.in/eRKp-SGS ➡️Your hosts: Demian Nahuel Goos Bosco, PhD is a mathematician turned science journalist. With projects ranging from board games to dance choreographies, Demian is passionate about making science engaging and accessible. His current research focuses on the history of mathematics, especially the overlooked plagiarism in Georg Cantor’s early work on set theory. Michal Jex is a mathematical physicist and board game creator at the Faculty of Nuclear Sciences and Physical Engineering CTU in Prague. He studies many-body problems and weakly bounded systems in quantum mechanics. He’s also developing educational games, including Sci-Me! 📆 When: Thursday, June 19, 2025, 4:00 - 5:00 pm (CEST), online via Zoom ➡️For AlumNode members only! Visit AlumNode to log in and sign up: https://lnkd.in/emyKb3Fw We look forward to seeing you there! #AlumNode #GameLab

📣 𝗞𝗹𝗮𝘂𝘀 𝗧𝘀𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗮 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱: 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 We are now accepting applications for the 7th cohort of the Klaus Tschira Boost Fund, 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘂𝗽 𝘁𝗼 €𝟭𝟮𝟬,𝟬𝟬𝟬 𝗶𝗻 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗽𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗱𝗼𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀 who: 🔸 conduct non-clinical research in one or more of the following areas: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geosciences, Mathematics, Neurosciences and Physics, 🔸 are employed at a public university, university of applied sciences, or non-university research institution in Germany, 🔸 do not yet have a permanent or tenured position, 🔸 and did not yet successfully apply to a junior research group program. As a collaborative initiative between GSO and the Klaus Tschira Stiftung, the program is designed to boost scientific careers and promote early independence for postdocs through: 🔸 Flexible funding for innovative and interdisciplinary research projects. 🔸 Opportunities to build (international) collaborations and networks. 🔸 Dedicated mentoring and guidance for professional and personal growth. Important Dates: 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗗𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲: October 1, 2025, at 23:59 (CEST) 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁: Between May 1 and October 1, 2026 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗯𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗿: "How to Apply for the KT Boost Fund" on July 7, 2025, at 4:00 PM (CEST). This session will feature a member of the selection committee and a current fellow. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eAXbXZFn For more information on funding details, eligibility, and application, visit: https://lnkd.in/eX2yCCZD 📣 Feel free to share with your network! #PostdocFunding #KTBoostFund #GSO

➡️ We all know: #networks #matter. They’re the backbone of an inclusive academic environment and help people feel seen, supported, and part of something bigger. Across Europe, #female and #nonbinary #researchers have built strong #communities to connect, share, and support one another in #academic #life. These networks help create spaces where diverse voices can succeed. If you're curious to learn more, meet others, or just see what’s out there, here are some great places to start: 🔹 LGBTQ STEM Berlin – A Berlin-based network promoting queer visibility in STEM through regular meetups. 🔹 WiSEu Network – Supporting women's careers and leadership in Europe’s solar and clean energy industries. 🔹 Unicorns in Tech – A global LGBTIQ+ tech community based in Berlin, with events, job fairs, and safe spaces to connect. 🔹 atom*innen – A Vienna-based network for women in quantum science and technology. 🔹 Piscopia Initiative – A UK-wide community supporting gender minorities in mathematics through mentoring, events, and visibility. 🔹 European Women in Mathematics – A pan-European association promoting women in mathematics through collaboration and support. 🔹 Austrian Association of Women in Mathematics – Advocates for visibility, equality, and careers for women in maths in Austria. 🔹 #Physicists in #Germany – A networking group by and for women in physics from or working in German: https://lnkd.in/dYNeDKMG 🔹 Frauendomäne – A Vienna-based initiative making female expertise visible and amplifying women's voices across fields. 🔹 Netzwerk Mutterschaft und Wissenschaft – A Germany-based forum for mothers working in academia to exchange, connect, and support each other. ❓ Do you know of other networks, maybe in your country, local area, or specific field like the #humanities? Or are you part of a community that supports inclusion in academia or science? Please leave a comment and share with us!

📣 Online Workshop Alert: From #Research to #Innovation, hosted by Young Entrepreneurs in Science Curious how your #research might lead to #real #world #impact? This interactive online workshop on June 5, 2025, offers a chance to explore your innovation potential, even if you’re just starting to think in that direction. What to expect: ➡️ Reflect on your unique #skill #set as a researcher ➡️ Practice your #entrepreneurial #mindset in a supportive setting ➡️ Map out key #users, #stakeholders, and potential #applications for your research ➡️ Connect with fellow #PhDs, #postdocs, and #early #career #researchers from all disciplines Whether you're in the humanities, sciences, or engineering, innovation starts with recognizing your strengths. 📍 Online via Zoom 📅 June 5, 2025, 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM (CEST) ✅ Open to PhDs, postdocs, early-career researchers, and academic staff from all disciplines Organized by Falling Walls Foundation, TUM Venture Labs, Technical University of Munich, Bundeswehr University Munich, Social Entrepreneurship Akademie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, and Helmholtz Munich. ➡️ Find the #registration #link in the first comment and feel free to join and explore how your research could inspire new directions!

Exploring #career #paths - also #beyond #academia? Let’s make it easier. The job market outside academia can feel like a black box: 🔹 cryptic job titles 🔹 unclear expectations 🔹 and an overwhelming number of options. That’s where our #TopPicks come in. Every month, we handpick job openings for researchers considering careers in #business, #nonprofit, or #science-related fields. ✅ Our goal? To demystify the job market and help you figure out what roles actually fit your skills. With our curated job list, you’ll: ➡️ Spot the right keywords for sectors that interest you ➡️ Decode puzzling job titles and descriptions ➡️ See which organizations hire researchers with PhDs ➡️ Identify transferable skills that set you apart This month’s selection includes: Curator & Head of Research at Stadtmuseum Halle - Christian-Wolff-Haus, Research Scientist in Data Science & Forest Disturbance Monitoring at GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences, Scientific Project Manager at Helmholtz Institute for One Health (HIOH), Academic Quality Management Officer at Hochschule München University of Applied Sciences, Manager Policy Evaluation at NOW GmbH, Scientific Advisor at S.I.G.N.A.L. e.V., Programme Coordinator at PIK - Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, and much more! Check our curated list here: https://lnkd.in/dVAjEcF #GSO #TopPicks #PhDCareers

GAIN25 is just around the corner — and we’ll be there. From August 29–31, postdocs from across the U.S. and Canada will gather in Boston for the annual GAIN German Academic International Network Conference. This year marks a turning point: for the first time, the full program is open to all international attendees. Thinking about a future in Germany? Then GAIN is the place to ask questions, connect, and get answers. And we’re looking forward to joining the conversation. Where you can meet us: ➡️ Saturday, August 30, 2025 8:30–9:45 (Dartmouth) "Rückkehrstrategien aus erster Hand: Erfolgreich nach Deutschland zurückkehren" Anne Schreiter, Ph.D. will be a panelist, sharing practical advice and lessons from researchers who have successfully returned to Germany. ➡️ 11:15–12:30 (Salon A-E) Talent Fair & CV Checks We’re offering live CV checks and career advice at our booth — together with the Deutscher Hochschulverband (DHV). Come by and let’s talk about next steps. ➡️ 14:00–15:15 (Dartmouth) "Navigating the Path to Group Leader (& Professor) in Germany: Facts, Myths & Advice" Also hosted by Anne, this session helps make sense of the academic progression system.   ➡️ Sunday, August 31, 2025, 11:15–12:30 (Wellesley) "Erfolgreich die eigene Karriere planen in Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft & Gesellschaft – Stellenprofile, Anforderungen & Bewerbungsstrategien" Join us to explore career planning in and beyond academia — in cooperation with academics & Dr. Hanna Proner.   ✅ Wildcard: GAIN25 #ScienceSlam (August 30, 5:15–6:45 pm) Want to share your research with a broader audience — and win $3,000? ➡️ Apply by #June15 to join the GAIN Science Slam and take the stage with a 5-minute #pitch about your work. The audience will vote — and the winner takes home the prize. Open to all #GAIN25 attendees. For more info: https://lnkd.in/ebuAfv5J 📣 Last But Not Least: Participation scholarships are available! If you haven’t been invited by a specific German institution, you can still apply for a participation #scholarship. It covers the full conference fee and two hotel nights (travel not included). Details: https://lnkd.in/exiqUXpF ❗ Deadline for the scholarship application is May 31! This year’s GAIN Conference promises new connections, real talk about career options, and the opportunity to meet decision-makers across Germany’s research and innovation landscape. See you there!

📣 Leadership in research and science is more than a “nice to have” — yet it’s still too often treated as such. It might sound like a buzzword, but if we want to improve the research system and help shape resilient, future-ready societies, we need more than excellent research alone. ✅ We’ve taken that mission seriously. Since 2016, we've supported over 200 researchers in reflecting on what they stand for, what they truly want to contribute — and equipped them with the #tools, #skills, and #networks to put those insights into action. That’s more important than ever, especially as science comes under growing scrutiny. Now in its ninth year, the GSO Leadership Academy welcomes 25 new fellows from 10 countries and 12 disciplines. The 2025 cohort includes researchers: • engineering materials that mimic biological tissues, • decoding mechanisms of child immunity, • exploring right-wing extremism through movement theory, • and strengthening corporate accountability in global supply chains. Others work at the frontiers of #quantumcomputing, #AI, #neurodiversity, and #digitalhealth. Some focus on fundamental #physics and #chemistry; others advocate for mental health and equitable access to education and mentorship. Many are already shaping institutional change — from #openscience and research #integrity to social justice, #inclusion, and #climate responsibility. ✅ What they share: The idea that leadership isn’t a buzzword — it’s a responsibility. And that’s what we hope they carry forward into their institutions and communities. We thank the Klaus Tschira Stiftung for funding this program, our selection committee for their time and dedication, and all applicants who showed interest in and commitment for the program's cause. The #LeadershipAcademy is a joint and unique initiative by GSO – Guidance, Skills and Opportunities for Researchers e. V. – in cooperation with the Klaus Tschira Stiftung. #GSOLA #LSA9

📣 Register now for the webinar "Career Opportunities in Germany for International Researchers" on June 11! This free session is for #internationalpostdocs, #PhDs, and #earlycareerresearchers looking to continue or reorient their #academiccareers in #Germany. ➡️ The German academic system can be complex: What are typical career milestones? How do applications work? What funding is available? And what paths exist beyond the professorship? Hosted by Anne Schreiter, Ph.D., webinar offers a realistic, research-based perspective on academic careers in Germany – for international researchers: ✅ Academic career paths and key milestones ✅ Application processes and funding options ✅ Alternative roles beyond the professorship ✅ Smart strategies for positioning and networking When: Wednesday, June 11 - 4:30pm-6:00pm Register here: https://lnkd.in/eu8yg3dq A recording will be available to all registered participants.

What Does Academic Kindness Actually Look Like? Supportive environments. Fairness in authorship. Space to grow – and space to fail. We talk a lot about making academia “better.” But what does that mean in practice? What structures support real collaboration and care? What needs to change — and what structures support or block it? These were the questions at the center of this year’s Annual Event hosted by the PostDoc Office in Graz. The topic: #academickindness. Not as a soft skill or add-on, but as a foundation for good #leadership, healthier #institutions, and #sustainable research careers. Here is some food for thought you shouldn’t miss: ✅ Does Academia sometimes create accidental leaders? What needs to be done here? ➡️ Researchers aren't often promoted on their ability to lead people, navigate conflict, or support others. Without the right support, this leads to #burnout, #frustration, or lost #potential. The Supervisor Network in Graz offers a counter-model: peer mentoring, structured feedback, and a safe space to practice and grow into the role long before tenure. ✅ Kindness is not about being nice. It’s about structure. ➡️ Whether someone feels safe enough to speak up, take risks, or support a team depends less on personality and more on systems. #Evaluation metrics, #jobsecurity, and clear #communication channels all shape what is possible. #Carework is foundational to knowledge production, but it often goes unnoticed — especially when done by the most precarious or marginalized. ✅ Institutions have a role to play. ➡️ Funding bodies should be (and are) rethinking what “excellence” looks like. When researchers leave academia not for lack of skill but because of #toxic working conditions, it’s a loss for the system — and one that leadership #practices and #accountability structures can help prevent. ✅ Leadership isn’t always tied to title. ➡️ From lab heads to postdocs running multi-institutional projects — many lead without formal #authority. What matters is creating #clarity, #trust, and shared #values. There is a need to speak about it rather than around it, and to build #cultures where learning to lead is part of the work, not something extra. Thank you PostDoc Office for this wonderful input! 👉 What does academic kindness look like in your world? And what makes it possible?

📣 Welcome #KTBoost Fellows (in Berlin)! The new Boost cohort is here - and so is the community behind it. Last weekend, the new cohort of the Klaus Tschira Boost Fund came together in Berlin - not just to mark the start of their projects, but to connect with those who’ve walked similar paths. ✅ Some joined for the third year in a row — bringing partners, kids, and a sense of continuity that’s hard to build and worth holding onto! This two-day format laid the groundwork for a supporting #peercommunity, starting with honest questions: ➡️ How much time have you spent outside of academia since high school? ➡️ Would you rather collaborate with someone brilliant but disorganized, or reliable but uncreative? ➡️ Unlimited research funding but no time to use it — or unlimited time with minimal funding? ➡️ Hit "Reply All" with a meme or fall asleep on camera during a meeting? The answers showed us how varied (and valid) research careers can be — with detours through military service, #parenthood, #industry, or long stretches #abroad. In the #WorldCafé that followed, fellows built on each other’s experience: ✅ Recruiting PhD candidates has no perfect formula — it requires trial, error, and transparency. ✅ Public visibility remains complicated — but can empower researchers to set the tone and reach audiences on their own terms. ✅ Leading a group means navigating expectations while staying open to collaboration. ✅ And in a spontaneously added session by Vahid: What is success? → According to him, maybe it's the ability to fully enjoy a good cup of tea — with or without a #NobelPrize. Because the tea doesn’t know. 😉 A big thank you to our returning Boost Fellows who've hosted the tables — Deniz Kumral, Dr. Maria-Elena Vorrath, Hilary Noad, Marcel S. Pawlowski, . And to Dr. Saskia Haupt from the Klaus Tschira Stiftung for welcoming everyone on behalf of the foundation. ➡️ The second day focused on purpose and career, guided by KONU trainers Judit Teichert and Gentry Doane. New Fellows reflected on #ambition, #strengths, and #doubts — not to “optimize” themselves, but to name what actually matters in their professional journey. ✅ What we’re taking with us: 🔸Community doesn’t start at the end of a grant. It starts now. 🔸Research careers are full of decisions that don’t fit into a CV. 🔸The people you meet early on might be the ones you lean on later. To those who joined for the first time — #welcome. To those who came back — thank you for keeping the circle open. And to those still on their way — there’s space at the table. 📣 Applications for the next #KTBoostFund round will open soon. If you're thinking about joining the community — now’s a good time to stay tuned. Tamir Eliav, Yitzchak Ben Mocha, Dr. Mirja Mittermaier, Anthi Krontira, PhD, Katrina Meyer, Pascal Hunziker, Mariia Nesterkina, Oya Cingöz, Mine Altınlı, Vahid Nasirimarekani, Bennet Fischer, Christoph Heyl, Henri Niskanen, Inmaculada Martínez Reyes, Daniel F. Carlson, Renate Sachse