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

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

Education Administration Programs

Berlin, Berlin 7,040 followers

We offer independent, innovative, and scalable solutions for researchers and institutions.

About us

Researchers work on solutions to societal challenges – in academia as well as in other sectors. We offer tailored Career Guidance, targeted Skill Development, and Opportunities through innovative programs for PhD-level researchers. This enables them to fully realize their potential and strategically shape their careers. We share our knowledge and network with key players from research, business, foundations, and politics. Together, we identify structural challenges, develop new solutions, and drive systemic innovation.

Website
https://www.gsonet.org/
Industry
Education Administration Programs
Company size
2-10 employees
Headquarters
Berlin, Berlin
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
2002
Specialties
Institutionelle Beratung, Talentmanagement, Vernetzung von deutschen Wissenschaflter*innen im Ausland, Karriereberatung für Wissenschaftler*innen, Rückgewinnung von Spitzenforscher*innen, Wissenschaftsmanagement, and Alumnimanagement

Locations

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

Updates

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

    🎲What if we stopped explaining and started playing? That was the starting point of the latest AlumNode GameLab, where we explored how #board #games can do more than entertain. They can engage, #emotionally and #intellectually, and make people genuinely curious about your #research. Demian Nahuel Goos Bosco, PhD shared how he turned his research on the #history of #mathematics, specifically a little-known case of academic plagiarism involving Georg Cantor, into a playable story: ➡️ "Who stole my paper?!" is a social deduction game where players become historical figures, one of whom steals a colleague’s work. The rest must figure out who did it. Yes, we played it on Zoom. Yes, with eyes closed. And yes, it worked. 🎯 Why board games work in #science #communication: ✅ They create #emotional #entry #points, through tension, humor, and surprise. ✅ They encourage #participation instead of passive listening. ✅ They make space for #complexity, without requiring it upfront. ✅ They help audiences feel the topic before understanding it. ✅ They can be tailored to your own field or research story.   Demian also shared how he uses game elements in his teaching, turning abstract theorems into hands-on cardboard puzzles that students actively play to solve. ➡️ His advice? Balance fun with depth, and never underestimate the power of a good story. Thanks to everyone who joined the session. More Game Labs are in the works - stay tuned! Have you ever used a game to explain your research? Or played one that made you think differently? We’d love to hear about it! #alumnode #gamelab #scicomm

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  • Webinar: How to Apply for the Klaus Tschira Boost Fund 📅 July 7, 2025 | 🕓 4:00 PM (CEST) 🔗 Register: https://lnkd.in/e6UwSuEg Writing proposals is (also) a skill. For postdocs preparing their first #independent #researchgrant, it’s especially helpful to learn from those who’ve succeeded — and who know that #rejection is part of the process. For the #KTBoost Fund, which we make possible with the support of the Klaus Tschira Stiftung, the funding rate is around 5%. (A clear indicator of the existing funding gap for postdocs.) That’s why we try to communicate as transparently as possible what matters in an application. In this webinar, Dr. Birte Seffert & Anne Schreiter, Ph.D. will talk with Prof. Dr. Bernhard Renard, Head of the KT Boost #selectioncommittee, and Dr. Lorenz Adlung, KT Boost Fellow and #JuniorGroupLeader at Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf, to share their perspective — with the openness and practical focus you'd hope for in a mentor. They’ll talk about: ✅ What makes a strong KT Boost application ✅ What to avoid and how to think strategically ✅ The value of peer feedback ✅ And how this experience translates to grant writing in general — The #KTBoostFund, a collaborative initiative between GSO and the Klaus Tschira Stiftung, supports excellent postdocs at public research institutions in Germany (non-clinical fields) who are not yet tenured and haven’t led a junior research group. More than funding, the program offers: ✅ Freedom to pursue your own research agenda ✅ Support in building (international) collaborations ✅ Personalized mentoring for professional development 📌 Application Deadline: October 1, 2025 (11:59 PM CEST) 📅 Project Start: Between May 1 and October 1, 2026 ✅ More info on eligibility and application: https://lnkd.in/dH3AeP7

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  • Online #WorkshopSeries #Recommendation: More than Luck? Rethinking Research Funding 📅30 June – 3 July 2025 | Zoom stream open to all How fair is research funding — and what could make it better? At a time when third-party funding dominates academic careers, both applicants and reviewers face growing pressure. How can we build more inclusive, effective, and thoughtful funding systems? Hosted by Dr. Rima-Maria Rahal, this international workshop at the Zentrum für interdisziplinäre Forschung / Center for Interdisciplinary Research (ZiF)) at Universität Bielefeld brings together global experts from research institutions, funding bodies, and academia ➡️ What makes a #fundingsystem #fair and #future-ready? ➡️ How can we recognize bold, original ideas without overburdening reviewers? ➡️ Can #AI or #randomization improve the process - or make it worse? This international workshop brings together researchers, funders, and policymakers to explore the ethics, structures, and practical tools of funding allocation. It’s for everyone navigating the system—from applicants writing proposals to institutions shaping the rules. ➡️ Highlights from the public program: ✅ “The #State of #ResearchFunding” – Rima-Maria Rahal sets the scene: what works, what doesn’t, and what’s at stake. ✅ "Bridging the Divide: Rethinking Research Funding through #Globally #Inclusive and #Feminist Lenses—Insights from #Africa and #Europe" ✅ “Are large language models / #LLMs useful to support #post-#publication #peerreview? First #empiricalresults of a research in progress study” ✅ Plus: Insights from Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - German Research Foundation, VolkswagenStiftung, and others on new models like partial randomization, risk-tolerant funding, and the hidden costs of competition. Fond more about the program and the Zoom Call Invitation in the first comment.

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  • On the path to professorship, leading a research group is a key milestone, often seen as equivalent to a “Habilitation.” It’s a chance to define your own #researchagenda, acquire third-party #funding, and lead a team – positioning you for long-term #academicleadership. This step requires strategic planning, a strong research idea, and early preparation. Many programs are open only within 4–6 years after your PhD. Germany offers competitive funding programs, with different structures, disciplines, and eligibility criteria. What they have in common: 🔹 Strong host institution fit 🔹 Independent, feasible research project 🔹 Academic track record 🔹 Ideally prior third-party funding 🔹 Often international experience Here are some key programs to explore: ➡️ National programs / DFG: 🔸 Emmy Noether Programme (DFG): Prestigious, well-established funding line 🔸 BMBF Junior Research Groups: Thematic / often interdisciplinary, universities / institutions as applicants 🔸 Walter Benjamin Programme (DFG): Early stage independence for researchers 🔸 #NRW Returning Scholars Program: Supports researchers who have lived in Germany before & want to establish a group in North Rhine-Westphalia. Up to €1.25 million over five years ➡️ Non-university research institutions (strong host connection required): 🔸 Max Planck Research Groups: Competitive funding for independent groups in Max Planck Institutes 🔸 Helmholtz Young Investigator Groups: Combines research leadership with structured career support 🔸 Leibniz Junior Research Groups: Funding to establish a group at a Leibniz Institute 🔸 Fraunhofer Attract: For industry-focused researchers; combines applied science with leadership 🔸 Lise Meitner Excellence Program: A program to support women in nuclear science and technology Private foundations and other specialized programs: ➡️ Non-university institutions: 🔸 Max Planck, Helmholtz, and Leibniz Research Groups – Highly competitive 🔸 Fraunhofer Attract – Applied research and leadership 🔸 Lise Meitner Program – For women in nuclear science ➡️ Private foundations & others: 🔸 Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung (e.g. NEXUS) – Innovation focus 🔸 Robert Bosch Junior Professorship – Sustainability focus 🔸 Max Eder Program – Cancer research 🔸 Klaus Tschira Boost Fund – €120K flexible postdoc support 📌 To help you get started, read our guide – swipe through the carousel for a quick overview. The full guide link is in the first comment. It includes five key steps: 1️⃣ Understand the landscape 2️⃣ Build host relationships 3️⃣ Prepare strong applications 4️⃣ Expand your network 5️⃣ Negotiate and finalize your position _______________________________________ About the NRW Rückkehrprogramm: Since 2007, the Ministry of Culture and Science of NRW has promoted the return of outstanding young scientists from abroad. Around 60 researchers have received up to 1.25 million euros over 5 years to establish research groups in NorthRhine-Westphalia. Next #OpenCall in Autumn 2025!

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

    📣 Join us for our AlumNode Online Panel: Social Media for Scientists: Opportunities & Challenges 📅 Friday, July 4, 2025 | 5:00-6:30 pm (CEST) | Online via Zoom More citations? New collaborations? A podcast invite? It’s not just about being online — it’s about being findable, relatable, and visible on your terms. Part of our #AlumNode #SummerMeeting in #Heidelberg, this panel talk is too good to keep local - so we’re opening it up to the entire AlumNode community.  ➡️ At this AlumNode panel, five researchers share how social media has shaped their careers: ✅ How do you build an #onlinepresence that feels #authentic and #professional? ✅ What #impact can LinkedIn, YouTube, and podcasts really have — beyond likes? ✅ Where lies the potential and the pitfalls of using social media as a tool for #scientificcommunication and #careerdevelopment? They’ve tried things, failed at a few, found what works — and they’ll tell you how. Expect practical advice, real talk, and different perspectives from five people who use social media in very different ways: ✅ Letitia Parcalabescu: AI researcher + YouTube creator ✅ Deborah Dormah Kanubala (She/her): ML PhD + LinkedIn for visibility & equity ✅ Enrico Catalano: Technology Scientist at Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies + trained in sci comm for LinkedIn ✅ Fatimah Abdul Razak: Applied math prof + podcast host + author ✅ Daniel Hölle: Neuroscientist-turned-communicator + KlarText awardee Moderator: Aditya Manglik Register via your alumnode login: https://lnkd.in/e3nrKW5h 📌 Free & open to all in the AlumNode network

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  • 📣 Want to apply for the Klaus Tschira Boost Fund? Join our webinar to learn how — and why — it might be exactly the right next step. 🎓 Webinar: How to Apply for the KT Boost Fund 📅 July 7, 2025 | 🕓 4:00 PM (CEST) 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/e6UwSuEg What makes this program stand out? Christin Katharina Kreutz, Tandem Professor for Data Science in the Humanities at TH Mittelhessen, University of Applied Sciences & Herder Institute — and current KT Boost Fellow about the Fund: “A major advantage was the straightforward application process with quick #feedback — a refreshing contrast to traditional funding formats. The Boost Fund gave me the #freedom to design user studies that truly fit the research questions, attend international conferences to grow my #network, and even realize a research stay #abroad to dive into an #interdisciplinary #collaboration. ➡️ Most importantly, it showed me that I can acquire independent third-party funding — an essential step on the path to a professorship.” In this session, you’ll learn: ✅ What the Boost Fund offers — and who’s eligible ✅ What makes a strong application (and common pitfalls) ✅ How peer feedback can improve your chances ✅ Transferable insights for other research grant applications — The #KTBoostFund, a collaborative initiative between GSO and the Klaus Tschira Stiftung, supports excellent postdocs at public research institutions in Germany (non-clinical fields) who are not yet tenured and haven’t led a junior research group. More than funding, the program offers: ✅ Freedom to pursue your own research agenda ✅ Support in building (international) collaborations ✅ Personalised mentoring for professional development 📌 Application Deadline: October 1, 2025 (11:59 PM CEST) 📅 Project Start: Between May 1 and October 1, 2026 ✅ More info on eligibility and application: https://lnkd.in/dH3AeP7 — Pictured: KT Boost Fellow Christin Kreutz, Tandem Professor for Data Science in the Humanities at TH Mittelhessen & Herder Institute

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  • New interview, new perspective — and a familiar face from our community. Stefanie Bärthel, group leader at the BioMed X Institute and #KTBoostFund fellow, shares her path in the latest #VoicesOfBioMedX episode. Stefanie leads a project exploring how neutrophils can be engaged in the fight against solid tumors — a field where translational research and collaboration are key. In the interview, she talks about: 🔹 working at the intersection of academia and industry, 🔹 the BioMed X boot camp experience, 🔹 and what makes this research environment different. We’ve had the chance to follow her work more closely through our Keeping Up With the Boost Fellows series — and most recently as she prepares to host the #upcoming #event 📣 Boosting Synergies in Immuno-Oncology: Science Meets Career Insights (July 30 at DKFZ Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum Heidelberg).

    View organization page for BioMed X Institute

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    #VoicesOfBioMedX: Meet the Leaders Behind the Research: Dr. Stefanie Bärthel In this new chapter of our behind-the-scenes interview series, we introduce Dr. Stefanie Bärthel, Group Leader of Team #NST – New Strategies to Engage Neutrophils in Solid Tumors at the BioMed X Institute in #Heidelberg. Dr. Bärthel leads a research initiative exploring how to unlock the therapeutic potential of #neutrophils within the tumor microenvironment—an emerging field at the intersection of innate immunity and oncology drug discovery. In this episode, she reflects on her experience working within the BioMed X model and answers: 🔹 “How is working at BioMed X different than other research institutes?” 🔹 “What are your thoughts on BioMed X being the interface between academia and industry?” 🔹 “What was your experience during the BioMed X Boot Camp?” Her interview offers a candid look into the unique scientific environment of BioMed X that fosters autonomy, creativity, and translational ambition—supported by both academic excellence and pharmaceutical partnership. ▶️ Watch the full interview here: https://lnkd.in/e7YDVuFn 🔔 Subscribe to our YouTube channel for more perspectives from the people advancing the future of biomedical research. #BioMedX #VoicesOfBioMedX #CancerResearch #Neutrophils #ImmunoOncology #BiomedicalInnovation #LifeAtBioMedX #ScienceBehindTheScenes #AcademicIndustryBridge #TranslationalScience #HeidelbergScience #GetToKnowTheTeam #NextGenScience

  • 📣 The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Foundation has just named 19 new Scouts — and you could be next. Here’s how to join the Henriette Herz-Scouting-Programme and directly nominate international research talent for a #HumboldtFellowship. The Henriette Herz-Scouting-Programme offers a direct, personal path to the Humboldt Research Fellowship — and you could be the one to open that door. This program is looking for outstanding (junior) professors and (junior) research group leaders based in Germany who are: 🔸 Well connected internationally 🔸 Actively mentoring early-career researchers 🔸 Committed to strengthening diversity in science As a #HenrietteHerzScout, you can propose up to three international researchers for a Humboldt Research Fellowship. No full application process is required — just a formal check by the Foundation. Each year, up to 100 additional fellowships are awarded through this track. The talent you are seeking: ➡️Doctorate completed within the last 12 years ➡️Above-average publication record, commensurate with career level ➡️Have not undertaken post-doctoral research stays nor completed degrees/doctorates in Germany ➡️Not hold German nationality ➡️Language skills: good knowledge of German or English, depending on research proposal ➡️Availability: the research fellowship should commence within 12 months of being granted ➡️No previous applications submitted to the Foundation by the candidate; no previous sponsorship in any of the Foundation’s fellowship programs 📌 There’s one important condition: Your first nomination should be a #womaninscience — and all your nominations should focus on researchers who, for various reasons, may not have otherwise considered Germany or the Humboldt Foundation as an option. 📅 You can apply to become a Scout at any time. More details in the first comment.

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  • 📣 Join us (& get your participation scholarship)! From August 29–31, 2025, early-career researchers from across North America will come together in Boston for the annual GAIN German Academic International Network (GAIN) Conference. And for the first time, the full program is open to all international attendees. We’ll be there — and hope to see you, too. How to join — even without institutional funding If you’re not currently receiving support from DAAD, DFG, the Humboldt Foundation, the Leopoldina, or the German National Academic Foundation, you may be eligible for a GAIN participation scholarship. Who can apply: ✅ Postdocs and internationally mobile researchers from all disciplines who are currently based in the U.S., Canada, or Latin America. What’s covered: ✔️ Full conference fee ✔️ Two nights in the conference hotel (if you live outside Boston) ❌ Travel costs are not included How to apply: ➡️ Register via the registration portal under the category “German Attendee (PostDoc)”. By registering, you are taking part in the application process for a GAIN participation scholarship. ➡️ Specify “GAIN” as the inviting organization. ➡️ Upload your CV and state your motivation for participating. ✅ Only book your hotel room after receiving confirmation of a GAIN participation scholarship. 📅 Extended Deadline: June 30 🔗 Register here: https://lnkd.in/exiqUXpF 👋 Where to meet us at GAIN25 Saturday, August 30 🔸 8:30–9:45 AM (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 AM–12:30 PM (Salon A–E) Talent Fair & CV Checks We’ll be at our booth together with Deutscher Hochschulverband (DHV) — ready to review your CV and talk about your next career move. 🔸2:00–3:15 PM (Dartmouth) "Navigating the Path to Group Leader (& Professor) in Germany: Facts, Myths & Advice" Anne will host this session to shed light on facts, myths, and practical steps in the German academic system. Sunday, August 31 🔸11:15 AM–12:30 PM (Wellesley) “Karriere planen in Wissenschaft, Wirtschaft & Gesellschaft” With Dr. Hanna Proner (academics) — a joint session on realistic job profiles and how to apply. We’re looking forward to reconnecting with returning researchers and institutions — and to meeting many of you for the first time. #Gain25

    • Red on the top with beige Font: *GAIN25 Scholarships

and beige bottom with black font: Participation Scholarships sitll available for German- and non-German speaking postocs.
  • Guidance, Skills & Opportunities for Researchers e.V. (GSO) reposted this

    🖋 Writing Contest: Celebrating Women in Science Who shaped your path in science? Which woman made you believe you belong in research? And what happens when we put those stories into words? As part of Women in Science Week 2025, FEBS Letters is inviting researchers of #allgenders and #careerstages to submit essays about the women who inspired them — mentors, scientists, colleagues, or anyone who made a difference. ➡️ The Contest ✅ Write 1,000–3,000 words about your female role model. ✅ Reflect on gender bias, academic journeys, or simply share a story. ✅ Submit by 31 July 2025 to: febsletters@febs.org (Subject: Writing Contest Submission) ✅ Submissions will be judged on interest, style, coherence, and attention to the contest theme. ✅ The winner receives €500 and publication in the Scientists’ Forum. ✅ Why this matters: So much of science is shaped behind the scenes — in conversations, encouragement, second chances. This contest gives space to those stories, and reminds us how personal science really is. 🔸 Need inspiration? Check out the Women in Science Collection. Consider forwarding this to someone who has a story to tell.

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