JGU and its partners offer a variety of courses that support young researchers to further develop their transferable skill set. Those courses are meant as an additional qualification during the scientific qualification of young researchers.
Sascha Vogel | science 42
This course combines traditional methods of science communication with modern AI technologies to convey complex scientific content efficiently and comprehensibly.
Participants will learn how AI-supported tools such as language models, chat bots or image generators can be used to adapt scientific topics to different target groups.
| Date | 26.05.2025, 9 am - 5 pm |
| Offered by | GRADE Frankfurt |
Apl. Prof. Dr. Ulli Vilsmaier | Responsive Research, Collective and Associated Professor at Leuphana University
This online workshop on transformative research introduces different approaches that combine knowledge production with real-world change. Participants will explore participatory action research, transdisciplinary research, community-based research, and real-world lab research. These methodologies aim to generate knowledge while actively engaging with societal challenges, making them particularly relevant in times of complexity and uncertainty. However, their interventionist nature also raises debates about the role of science in society.
Through a combination of expert input, discussions and group work, the workshop offers an opportunity to understand key methodologies and concepts, gain insight into global examples, and reflect on the potential and challenges of transformative research. Participants will be encouraged to critically assess their own research projects and consider how they can integrate transformation-oriented elements effectively.
| Date | 04.06.2025, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm 06.06.2025, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm online |
| Offered by | GRADE Uni Frankfurt |
Dr. Dimitra Lountzi | TwentyOne Skills, Köln
Make your research stand out with compelling visuals that communicate your findings clearly and creatively. In this interactive workshop, you'll explore a range of AI-powered tools to generate graphs, infographics, and custom illustrations. The session includes guided practice with your own data or provided examples, and expert input on what makes visuals effective across academic and public audiences.
| Date | 04.06.2025 9:00 am - 4:00 pm online |
| Offered by | GRADE Uni Frankfurt |
Dr. András Aszódi | VBCF BioComp, Vienna
Online workshop introducing key principles of scientific visualization using the ggplot package in R. Topics include visual perception, data types, and core plot types (scatterplots, histograms, bar charts, densities, faceting), based on the “Grammar of Graphics” concept. Basic R knowledge is required.
| Date | 10.06.2025 9:00 am - 1:00 pm online |
| Offered by | GRADE Uni Frankfurt |
Moritz Colmant | www.hochschulimpulse.de
The online workshop "Designing Successful Conferences" empowers early career researchers to confidently plan and pitch innovative academic events using a research-based, interactive method. Guided by an event expert and supported by a digital deck of design tools, participants develop event concepts tailored to audience expectations. The workshop combines practical tools, collaborative exercises, and best-practice insights to build skills in communication, coordination, and creative event design.
| Date | 24.06.2025 9:00 am - 4:00 pm online |
| Offered by | GRADE Uni Frankfurt |
What is next after your doctorate or postdoc phase? In the post-doctoral phase, there is often the challenge of making more fundamental career decisions, developing and implementing an individual strategy for your own career. In fact, as an academic, you have excellent opportunities to pursue a career path that suits you.
JGU's Human Resources Development would like to support you in developing and realising your own career strategy with an individual coaching offer. If you decide to take advantage of this offer, you will have the opportunity to focus and work on your individual counselling needs in up to 5 coaching sessions with an external career coach.
| Date | Individual appointments |
| Offered by | Human Resources Development |
Robert Kötter | TwentyOne Skills, Köln
This online workshop equips advanced doctoral candidates and postdocs with essential leadership skills for digital collaboration. Trainer Robert Kötter, leadership expert and co-founder of several remote-first companies, introduces modern leadership models, communication techniques, and tools for managing decentralized teams. Participants will explore empathy, team culture, and conflict resolution to lead effectively in virtual scientific environments.
| Date |
21.05.2025, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm 25.06.2025 9:00 am - 4:00 pm |
| Offered by | GRADE Uni Frankfurt |
Dr. Thomas Teichler | Lead to Trust, Winterthur & Natalisa Scherff | Coach Scherff, Frankfurt
The on-campus workshop "Career Compass – How to Set the Direction of Your Career Path" supports advanced doctoral candidates and postdocs in gaining clarity and confidence for their professional future. In a supportive environment, participants explore their values, strengths, and motivations to envision a meaningful career path and create a concrete action plan. Using creative methods and AI tools, the workshop helps researchers reflect deeply and take the first steps toward a fulfilling career—whether within or beyond academia.
Matthias Merkelbach, M.A. | Impulsplus, Köln
The on-campus workshop "Career Planning: How to Start Leaving Academia" supports advanced doctoral candidates and postdocs in developing a personalized strategy for a non-academic career path. Through self-assessment, coaching techniques, and group discussions, participants reflect on their skills, values, and goals to envision a fulfilling professional life beyond academia. The workshop also provides practical insights into job applications, interviews, and workplace culture—particularly within the German context.
| Date | 05.-06.06.2025, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Offered by | GRADE Uni Frankfurt |
Robin Breit | Language Resource Center, TU Darmstadt
Dr. Ute Henning | SchreibCenter at the Language Resource Center, TU Darmstadt
In today’s multilingual academic world, researchers use multiple languages in their daily work. While English dominates publishing and conferences, many scholars have untapped linguistic potential that could enhance their research and career development.
This interactive workshop explores how languages shape academic work. Participants will:
- Reflect on their linguistic biography and the role of languages in academia
- Discuss multilingualism in global research and career development
- Learn strategies for using multiple languages in literature research and academic writing
- Explore ways to expand and maintain their language repertoire
| Date | 11.06.2025, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Offered by | TU Darmstadt |
Dr. Michael Gordian | www.lebensklug.com, Berlin
The online workshop "Freelancing in Academia and Beyond: Career Design for Scientists" offers advanced doctoral candidates and postdocs practical guidance on exploring freelancing as a career path. Participants reflect on their skills, define their service offerings, and learn strategies for networking, pricing, and managing uncertainty. With real-life insights from the trainer’s own freelance journey and peer exchange, the workshop provides a supportive space to assess whether freelancing aligns with their personal and professional goals.
| Date | 12.06.2025, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
| Offered by | GRADE Uni Frankfurt |
Dr. Thomas Teichler | Lead to Trust & Hervé Essa | Human Centric Leaders
The online workshop "Beyond Networking – How to Reach Your Professional Goals in Large Organizations" equips late-stage doctoral candidates and postdocs with the tools to navigate office politics and build strategic alliances within complex institutions. Led by experienced coaches Dr. Thomas Teichler and Hervé Essa, the course focuses on understanding organizational dynamics, mapping stakeholders, and avoiding common political pitfalls. Through interactive exercises and experiential learning, participants develop the awareness and influence needed to advance their careers in and beyond academia.
| Date | 12.06.2025, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm |
| Offered by | GRADE Uni Frankfurt |
Nils Kühne | Deputy Head of HR & Legal Affairs, JGU Mainz
This information session is aimed at doctoral researchers and postdocs who have questions about the German Act on Fixed-Term Contracts in Academia (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz) and related employment regulations.
After a brief introductory input outlining key aspects of the WissZeitVG and common challenges in its application, there will be plenty of time for individual questions. The aim of the session is to reduce uncertainty and provide clarity on the legal foundations of academic employment.
The event will be held in German and is designed to address both general and personal questions.
To register, please send an email to mpa@uni-mainz.de
If you already have specific questions, feel free to send them in advance – we will gather and forward them.
| Date | 12.06.2025, 9:30 - 12:30 online, MS Teams |
| Offered by | JGU |
Robert Thompson | RTTA, Frankfurt
A productive relationship with your supervisor is key to successfully managing your PhD journey. This interactive workshop explores strategies for clear communication, expectation management, and conflict resolution. Participants will learn techniques to navigate power dynamics, set boundaries, and engage effectively with higher-ups in academia.
Led by Robert Thompson, an experienced trainer in people management, the session provides practical tools to reduce stress, increase motivation, and enhance productivity by improving supervisory interactions. Through structured discussions and real-life scenarios, attendees will develop strategies to foster a positive, professional working relationship.
| Date | 02.06.2025, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Offered by | GRADE Uni Frankfurt |
Dr. Andrea Perino | Coaching and Training for PhDs, Leipzig
Effectively communicating scientific research to policymakers is essential for influencing decision-making processes. Policy briefs serve as a powerful tool to translate complex scientific findings into clear, actionable recommendations.
This on-campus workshop, led by Dr. Andrea Perino, provides an introduction to the science-policy interface, guiding participants through the process of crafting a compelling policy brief. Attendees will learn how to extract key messages from their research, develop policy recommendations, and communicate findings in a way that resonates with non-scientific audiences. Practical exercises will help refine writing techniques and strategies for disseminating policy briefs to relevant stakeholders.
| Date | 16.06.2025. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm |
| Offered by | GRADE Uni Frankfurt |
Dr. Matteo Garavoglia
This online workshop provides doctoral candidates and postdocs with practical leadership and supervision skills for managing teams in academia. Participants will learn to develop effective leadership strategies, understand team dynamics, and enhance their supervision competencies. Special emphasis is placed on intercultural aspects and addressing individual challenges in academic leadership.
On the second day, participants will receive tailored feedback in one-on-one coaching sessions to refine their leadership approach.
| Date | 21.05.2025, 09:00 am - 06:00 pm 22.05.2025, 09:00 am - 04:00 pm online |
| Offered by | TU Darmstadt |
| Date | 22.05.2025, 01:00 pm - 05:00 pm 23.05.2025, 09:00 am - 05:00 pm |
| Offered by | GRADE Uni Frankfurt |
Dr. Karin Bodewits & Dr. Philipp Gramlich | NaturalScience.Careers; Oosterbeek, The Netherlands
Publishing your research is essential for claiming new discoveries, building your academic reputation, and securing funding. However, navigating the publishing landscape and understanding author rights, licensing, and open access options can be challenging.
This introductory workshop provides key insights into the publishing process with a focus on open access.
| Date | 26.-27.05.2025, 09:00-11:00 am online |
| Offered by | GRADE Uni Frankfurt |
Prof. Dr. Julian Langenhangen | Stuttgart Media University
This workshop helps PhD candidates enhance their productivity by introducing practical methods for organizing tasks and managing research challenges. Participants will explore agile techniques, digital tools, and strategies for planning and focus, all adaptable to their personal workflows. The goal is to build sustainable habits that support both dissertation progress and long-term career success.
| Date | 27.05.2025, 9:00 am - 4:00 pm |
| Offered by | GRADE Uni Frankfurt |
Anne-Christine Günther & Karen Schiele | University and State Library Darmstadt
Publishing your research is essential for claiming new discoveries, building your academic reputation, and securing funding. However, navigating the publishing landscape and understanding author rights, licensing, and open access options can be challenging.
This introductory workshop provides key insights into the publishing process with a focus on open access.
| Date | 03.06.2025, 01:30 pm - 03:00 pm online |
| Offered by | TU Darmstadt |
In an increasingly interconnected world, academia brings together diverse cultures, beliefs, and perspectives. To collaborate effectively across borders and disciplines, scholars must develop cultural awareness and adaptability.
- Understanding and navigating the complexities of global academia
- Recognizing and managing culture shock
- Developing cultural intelligence for academic and professional success
- Embracing diversity and inclusion in research and teaching
In cooperation with TwentyOne Skills, GRADE offers 35+ asynchronous online courses. Each 3-month session starts in January, April, July, and October. Participants can register anytime and access the courses for three months on the TwentyOne Skills online platform.
| Date | asynchronous online course |
| Offered by | GRADE Uni Frankfurt |