GrACe

Essay Prize: Single Parents in German Academia

2026-09-21T18:28:01+02:00

The Freie Universität Berlin and the network ''Single Parents in German Academia'' are calling for submissions to the first Germany-wide essay competition for single and separated parents in academia.

Students, doctoral candidates, postdocs and professors who would like to share their story are invited to take part. The essay call invites reflection on the challenges and strategies of parenthood in academia - such as precarious employment conditions, mobility requirements and balancing care responsibilities with an academic career.

The three winners will receive cash prizes of 1,000€, 600€ and €400 respectively.

To apply, submit your 7-10 page essay together with a short biographical note and your contact details in a single document to both email addresses: Bianca Scholtyssek and Dr. Elisa-Maria Hiemer.

Submission deadline: 18 October 2026.

Further information can be found here.

Call for Applications: Hector RCD Award 2026

2026-09-21T17:46:05+02:00

The Hector Fellow Academy (HFA) has opened the application phase for the Hector Research Career Development Award 2026.

The award is aimed at outstanding W1 professors (with or without tenure track) and junior research group leaders in comparable positions from the natural and engineering sciences, medicine and psychology. The award supports researchers on their path to professorship with a one-off research grant of 25,000 euros as well as funding for a doctoral position including additional research funds of 9,500 euros per year. For five years, the awardees also become members of the Hector Fellow Academy and part of an interdisciplinary network of excellent researchers.

Applications are possible until 30 October 2026 via the Hector Fellow Academy's application portal.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the Hector Fellow Academy.

Further information can be found here.

Information Day: KOWI - Research in Europe

2026-09-17T22:10:16+02:00

On 8 October 2026, the University of Kassel and the European Liaison Office of the German Research Organisations (KoWi) invite you to the ,,Research in Europe'' information day.

From 10:00 am to 16:00 pm, research and funding organisations will present national and European funding opportunities. The short talks are held in English. They provide insights into career paths and application prospects. Questions can be asked throughout the day.

The on-site event takes place at the University of Kassel's Campus Center. It is aimed at students in their final phase, doctoral researchers, postdocs, habilitation candidates and multipliers. Guests from outside the university are welcome. Participation is free of charge. Registration is required.

For information and registration, click here.

CNV Foundation: Scholarships 2027 - for Women in Science with Children

2026-09-07T15:30:11+02:00

The Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard Foundation supports doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in experimental sciences and basic medical research who have children.
The scholarships fund additional childcare or household relief - giving recipients more time to focus on their academic qualification and career development.

Application period: 1 September - 30 November 2026

For full details and the online application portal, click here.

Call for applications: Die Junge Akademie - Admission of new members in 2026

2026-09-07T10:24:36+02:00

Die Junge Akademie is looking for ten new members - perfect for all those who want to work at the interfaces of science, art, politics and society.

The application deadline is 11 November 2026.
Admission will take place from the beginning of 2027.

Membership runs for five years - during this time, interdisciplinary projects, interdisciplinary exchange, an extraordinary network and funding opportunities for one's own projects are offered. Scientists with a doctorate and artists with an artistic qualification who have completed their studies by the end of the application deadline are usually at least three and no more than seven years ago.

All disciplines are welcome.

Further information and the application form can be found at: zuwahl.diejungeakademie.de

Opportunities for Early-Career Researchers: Research and/or Teaching in the USA with Fulbright

2026-08-18T17:20:03+02:00

Planning a Research or Teaching Stay in the USA after Your Doctorate?
The "Research & Teaching" Programme offers you the opportunity to receive a scholarship at a university or research institution in the United States.

We fund research and teaching projects lasting three to nine months, with a start date between 1 August 2027 and 31 May 2028. The scholarship covers your living expenses in the USA with €3,000 per month and, where applicable, provides allowances for accompanying family members. It also includes health and accident insurance, fee-free Fulbright J-1 visa sponsorship, participation in the Fulbright Seminar from 22 to 25 April 2027, and membership in the international Fulbright network.

Apply now: https://fulbright.de/stipendien/programm/forschung-lehre-uni-und-fh

Application deadline: 7 October 2026.

You can also reach us by email at: germanscholars@fulbright.de.

Opportunities for Early-Career Researchers: Research in the USA with Fulbright

2026-08-18T17:01:42+02:00

Are you planning a research stay in the USA as part of your doctorate?
The Fulbright Doctoral Programme offers you the opportunity to receive a scholarship at a university or research institution in the United States.

We fund research projects lasting four to six months, with a start date between 1 August and 31 December 2027. The scholarship covers your living expenses in the USA with €2,400 per month and, where applicable, provides allowances for accompanying family members. It also includes health and accident insurance, fee-free Fulbright J-1 visa sponsorship, participation in the Fulbright Seminar from 22 to 25 April 2027, and membership in the international Fulbright network.

Apply now: https://fulbright.de/stipendien/programm/doktorandinnenprogramm
Application deadline: 7 October 2026

You can also reach us by email at: doktoranden@fulbright.de.

Doctoral Researchers’ Day 2026: A Day of Information, Networking and Interdisciplinary Exchange

2026-08-10T12:24:55+02:00

On 8 July 2026, the GrACe | Graduate Centre at Bielefeld University hosted the second Doctoral Researchers’ Day. Around 240 doctoral researchers and prospective doctoral researchers from all faculties came together to learn more about doctoral studies and academic careers, exchange ideas, and connect with others across disciplines.

The day was opened by Rector Prof. Dr. Angelika Epple, who reflected on the changing conditions and challenges faced by doctoral researchers today. The keynote by Prof. Dr. Benjamin Paaßen, “Writing a Dissertation in the Age of AI,” focused on the opportunities and limitations of generative AI in the context of doctoral research.

The programme offered a wide range of information sessions covering topics such as starting a doctorate, using generative AI, mental health, career choices and funding opportunities An info fair and networking opportunities throughout the day provided additional opportunities for participants to connect with services, initiatives, and fellow researchers at Bielefeld University.

We would like to express our sincere thanks to all participants, speakers, contributors, and supporters whose commitment made the Doctoral Researchers' Day 2026 another successful occasion for networking, information sharing, and interdisciplinary exchange. We look forward to welcoming everyone again next year for another day of inspiring encounters and valuable new perspectives.

Looking back at the Doctoral Researchers’ Day 2026: Find more information about the programme, presentations from the sessions, and impressions from the event here.

Call for Applications: Stanisław Lem European Research Prize 2026

2026-06-18T23:23:10+02:00

Wrocław University of Science and Technology (Wrocław Tech) announces the Stanisław Lem European Research Prize 2026. The prize honors young researchers (under 40) for a groundbreaking discovery or significant achievement in engineering and science. The winner will receive 100,000 PLN (approx. 23,000 €).

Applications are now open. The deadline is 30 September 2026.
Documents (form, up to 3 publications, 2–3 recommendation letters, optional CV) should be sent to lemprize@pwr.edu.pl.

The winner will be announced on 15 November 2026 during the university's anniversary celebration.

For more information, click here.

Doctoral Researchers’ Day – 8 July 2026: Register Now

2026-06-01T08:30:42+02:00

We are delighted to invite you to the Doctoral Researchers’ Day on July 8, 2026 – an inspiring event for doctoral researchers and everyone interested in pursuing a PhD. Join us for a day of inspiring discussions, practical information, and networking opportunities across faculties and disciplines.

The event offers valuable insights, exchange, and new perspectives.

Highlights of the event:

Welcome & Opening Remarks: In between: Doing a PhD in changing environments by Prof. Dr. Angelika Epple, Rector
Keynote by Prof. Dr. Benjamin Paaßen: “Writing a Dissertation in the Age of AI”
Info sessions on topics such as deciding whether to pursue a PhD, generative AI tools, accessible doctoral research, career paths inside and outside academia, funding opportunities, and mental health
Networking across faculties
Info fair featuring doctoral programmes and science support services

Most sessions and programme elements will be held in English.

The program is structured in a modular way, so participation is also possible for individual components of the program only.

Full programme and registration:
www.uni-bielefeld.de/docday

We look forward to welcoming you!

Call for Applications: Falling Walls Lab Münster 2026

2026-05-22T08:56:21+02:00

The Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin will take place from 6 to 9 November 2026 and is one of the world’s leading events for scientific and societal breakthroughs.

As part of the Falling Walls Labs, early-career researchers and founders have the opportunity to present their ideas in a three-minute pitch. In 2026, the University of Münster will once again host the Falling Walls Lab Münster and invites applications.

The Lab will take place on 11 September 2026 at REACH – Euregio Start-up Center in Münster.
The application deadline is 1 August 2026. Applications must be submitted via the central Falling Walls platform.

Eligible applicants include students, doctoral candidates, postdocs, as well as early-career researchers and aspiring founders from all disciplines. Presentations will be held in English.

Participation offers access to an international network, increased visibility, and the opportunity to qualify for the global final in Berlin.

Further information can be found here.

Call for Applications: DAAD Programme ''Weimar Triangle Network for the Future''

2026-05-22T08:56:11+02:00

The DAAD programme, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Education and Space (BMFTR), strengthens trilateral cooperation between Germany, France and Poland and connects early-career researchers within the framework of the Weimar Triangle (established in 1991 to promote European cooperation).

It supports research stays for doctoral candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and highly qualified academics. Key focus areas include climate protection and energy, artificial intelligence and digitalisation, European security, biotechnology and medicine, as well as the societal impacts of new technologies.

The aim is to strengthen joint research, establish international working groups, and develop long-term academic networks.

Applications are open now, with a deadline of 15 June 2026.

Further information can be found here.

Call for Applications: NEOLAiA Visiting Researchers (NVR) Programme 2026

2026-05-22T08:56:01+02:00

The NEOLAiA Visiting Researchers (NVR) Programme, offered by the LE STUDIUM Loire Valley Institute for Advanced Studies and the Université de Tours, is aimed at international researchers (minimum three years after completion of their PhD) who would like to carry out a collaborative research project during a 3- to 9-month research stay in Tours. There are no thematic restrictions.

The programme includes, among other things, travel support (up to €700), furnished accommodation in Tours, and integration into the international research community of LE STUDIUM.

The application deadline is 1 July 2026. The earliest possible project start date is 1 September 2026.

Researchers from universities within the NEOLAiA Alliance and associated partner institutions are eligible to apply. Applicants are required to submit a three-page proposal in English and collaborate with a host laboratory at the University of Tours.

Further information and the full call for applications can be found here.

For questions about the call, please contact Dr Aurélien Montagu or Dr Ulrike Schiefelbein.

Call for Applications: Scholarship Programme of the Daimler and Benz Foundation 2027 - for Postdocs and Junior Professors

2026-05-05T11:30:11+02:00

The Daimler and Benz Foundation is seeking twelve postdoctoral researchers in a leadership role or junior professors - perfect for anyone looking to expand their research autonomy after completing their doctorate. The scholarship runs for two years and totals €50,000, which can be used, for example, for travel, conferences, student assistants, and equipment (living expenses excluded).

Application deadline: 30 September 2026

Earliest possible project start date: 1 March 2027

Early-career researchers with their own research project and an institutional affiliation with a German institution can participate. A fixed-term employment contract and proven scientific independence (e.g., through own publications or group leadership) are required. All disciplines are eligible.

Further information can be found here.

Call for Applications: Procope Programme 2026 - Project-Based Personnel Exchange with France

2026-04-13T12:40:17+02:00

The DAAD and the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs are seeking researchers from all disciplines for the Procope programme (PPP/PHC) - perfect for anyone who wishes to establish or intensify a cooperation with a French research team.

Application deadline is 1 July 2026.
The project can start from January 2027 onwards.

Procope is a programme for project-based personnel exchange (on the German side) and a Partenariat Hubert Curien (PHC, on the French side). The projects run for two years - during this time, short-term exchanges between France and Germany take place repeatedly.

Researchers at universities or research institutions are eligible to participate. Companies may also take part, provided they collaborate with an academic partner.
All scientific disciplines are eligible for funding.

Further information can be found here.

Call for Applications: ''Technologies of the Future'' Mobility Scholarships 2026 - Research Stays in France

2026-04-13T12:25:40+02:00

The Science and Technology Department and the Cultural Department of the French Embassy in Germany are promoting the mobility of early-career researchers at German universities and research institutions.
Excluded are French nationals, including dual nationals.

Application deadline: 20 May 2026.

Funding is provided for research stays of one, two or three months in France.
The stay must begin between 1 September 2026 and 31 December 2026.

The call is addressed to students, doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers whose research topic is related to the use of new technologies - regardless of their academic discipline.

The monthly flat-rate funding amounts to:

€2,100 for PhD holders
€1,850 for doctoral candidates
€1,200 for Master's students with a research focus

An online information webinar will take place on 15 April 2026 at 3:00 p.m.

Further informations can be found here.

European Doctoral Day: Celebrate doctoral graduates and doctoral education on May 13th!

2026-04-10T13:58:43+02:00

European Doctoral Day

Across Europe, where science and research are core values, May 13th is now celebrated as European Doctoral Day — a day to highlight the vital role of doctoral education and the impact of doctoral graduates as key agents of innovation. A day to recognize their role in helping society navigate a rapidly changing world and in shaping Europe’s scientific, economic, industrial, and technological future.

European Doctoral Day is designed to:

Inspire European and international students to pursue doctoral education,
Increase employers’ awareness and recognition of doctoral qualifications,
Showcase the diverse career paths and societal contributions of doctoral graduates.

Join us in celebrating European Doctoral Day! In the week surrounding May 13, many universities across Europe are hosting events — you can be part of it. Here you can find a wide range of events!

We’re celebrating too – join us!

At Bielefeld University, we are proud to be part of European Doctoral Day. Celebrate with us and take part in a workshop dedicated to a topic that truly matters: mental health during the doctoral journey. Supporting doctoral researchers is a key priority for us, and we warmly invite all doctoral researchers at Bielefeld University to join this session.

Event details

European Doctoral Day at Bielefeld University: Mental Health, Recognition, and Sustainable Doctoral Pathways
Lecturer: Zita Deptolla (GrACe / Mental Health Management)
Date: 13 May 2026, 10:00 – 11:30 a.m., Online

Here you can find more information about our event and how to register.

We look forward to celebrating European Doctoral Day with you!

GrACe | Graduate Centre Newsletter - the new newsletter is here!

2026-04-10T13:16:20+02:00

At the GrACe | Graduate Centre, we produce a quarterly newsletter with a selection of offers and calls for applications both within and outside Bielefeld University: for example on events, self-learning opportunities or academic awards.

Here you will find the latest issue of our newsletter.

You can subscribe here.

The Graduate Centre's offers are bundled on our homepage and the GrACe blog and our LinkedIn-Account will keep you informed about many other news.

Best wishes from the Graduate Centre

NEOLAiA Peer Network- HR Experts

2026-02-23T09:58:51+01:00

NEOLAiA Peer Network- HR Experts: (Mental) health in organisational and personnel development in the University environment

The NEOLAiA Peer Network "HR Experts" facilitates discussion and exchange among NEOLAiA universities and beyond on (Mental) health in the context of ... personnel development / early career development (or personnel promotion / promotion of early career researchers) organizational culture organizational development / university development working and study conditions Employees from the administrations of NEOLAiA universities from HR development, health management and psychosocial counselling centres will come together for this purpose.

You want to take part?

Are you interested in the network and would like more information or to join in? Then get in touch with us! The peer network thrives on the contributions, questions and suggestions of its members. It is therefore welcome to grow so that we can integrate new perspectives and impulses.

More information here.

Contact
Julia Burian, Health Management & Graduate and Academic Career Development Centre (GrACe): grace@uni-bielefeld.de
Janina Theismann, Health Management & Accessibility Services (ZAB): campusinbalance@uni-bielefeld.de

Apply now! Fulbright-Cottrell Award

2026-02-23T09:05:23+01:00

For junior faculty in chemistry, physics and astronomy at German universities/research institutes: Fulbright-Cottrell Award

Fundingbegins July 2026

Successful applicants will receive funding of €63,000 for a three-year project that integrates pioneering research with creative teaching in their respective fields. The award also includes an additional €5,000 for participation in the annual Cottrell Scholar Conference in Tucson, Arizona, as well as engagement in a transatlantic network of like-minded “teacher scholars.”

Detailed information about the award can be found here.

Application deadline: March 31, 2026

If you have any questions, please contact specialprograms@fulbright.de

Launch of the GrACe Advisory Board

2026-02-05T13:00:33+01:00

With its constitutive meeting on 19 January 2026, the GrACe Scientific Advisory Board has commenced its work. We look forward to engaging discussions and valuable input from the board members to support the strategic development of GrACe, as well as the further development and prioritization of our target-group-specific offerings.

Further information about the Scientific Advisory Board can be found here.

Contact:
Dr. Uta Walter & Dr. Jana Steffmann
grace@uni-bielefeld.de

Members of the Advisory Board and guests at the constitutive meeting (from left to right): Dr. Adrien Florio, Dr. Andrea Polzien, Prof. Dr. Frank Ziegele, Dr. Uta Walter, Dr. Denis Meuthen, Prof. Dr. Michaela Vogt, Prof. Dr. Markus Walber, Matteo Gentile, Prof. Dr. Christiane Fuchs. Not pictured: Dr. Sarah Sander and Elisabeth Schmidt.© Bielefeld University

Join FameLab Germany in 2026!

2026-02-04T12:39:51+01:00

Three minutes is enough time to make tea. But to explain scientific theories about the end of the universe? Or the functions of stem cells? In the FameLab science competition, early career reseachers have 180 seconds to explain their research topic to the audience and a top-class jury. Technically correct, entertaining and captivating. During their 3-minute talk participants may use minimal props - anything is allowed as long as they carry it on stage themselves. Every year, impressive young scientists perform on stage at the FameLab regional heats throughout Germany. The two best participants from each of the preliminary heats then take part in the FameLab Germany finals in Bielefeld, where they compete for the chance to represent Germany at the international FameLab finals.

The application phase has started! Apply now for the regional heat: March, 26, 2026

Application deadline: March, 10

More info & application: www.famelab-germany.de

Contact: famelab@wissenswerkstadt.de

The WissensWerkStadt Bielefeld looks forward to your participation!

Start of the application phase for the cross-university programme "Leadership in Science 2026/27"

2026-01-29T14:42:15+01:00

The 18th round of the cross-university leadership programme "Leadership in Science 2026/27 - Innovative, sustainable leadership concepts for female professors" will start on 16./ 23. October. The programme is aimed at female professors and tenure-track professors in or after interim evaluation who are employed at a university or higher education institution. The training series is organised by Bielefeld University and led by Alexandra Busch, an expert in training and coaching academics. The number of participants is limited to 12.

Interested professors are welcome to contact Franziska v. Wendorff at centre-for-professors@uni-bielefeld.de.

Further information on the programme can be found here.

GrACe | Graduate Centre Newsletter

2025-12-18T08:48:21+01:00

You can subscribe here.

The Graduate Centre's offers are bundled on our homepage and the GrACe blog and our LinkedIn-Account will keep you informed about many other news.

Best wishes from the Graduate Centre

Writing Retreat for Postdocs and other Advanced Researchers

2025-12-18T08:42:30+01:00

The GrACe and the ZLL Writing Centre invite postdoctoral researchers and advanced researchers without tenure at Bielefeld University to join a two-day Writing Retreat.

The retreat combines focused writing time in a quiet setting with short input sessions on writing strategies and productivity, as well as opportunities for networking.

It will take place at ZiF on two dates: 9–10 February 2026 and 18–19 February 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Further information and registration are available here.