The course is addressed to academics who came to Germany as adults and who have gained their academic background in whole or in part in a foreign country. The three-day seminar is designed to help participants understand the German science system and to offer practical knowledge which is essential for actively shaping a career as an academic, but not necessarily in the role of a researcher in a university. The course content covers general and legal aspects of the German science system, as well as the role and management of third-party funding. Another focus is on communicating about science and the role of science events. Participants will gain access to useful resources and benefit from the opportunity to network.

Learning Goals

On finishing the course, participants

• Have a good understanding of the different kinds of science institutions in Germany and understand their function in the system.
• Know the basic laws within which German universities operate as well as some urgent challenges facing German universities.
• Understand the essentials of the third-party funding system in Germany, with a focus on the DFG (German Research Foundation).
• Understand the critical aspects of the management of third-party-funded projects.
• Have an overview of possible career paths for scientists in Germany.
• Master the essentials of science communication and know the important aspects of the organisation of science events.

Content

• Overview of the landscape of German science institutions, comparison with countries that participants have experience with (Day 1)
• Legal aspects and current challenges relevant to German universities (Day 1)
• Overview of third-party research funding in Germany (focus: DFG) and EU-funding (Day 2)
• Essentials of management of third-party-funded projects (Day 2)
• Career paths for scientists in Germany (sectors, roles) (Day 2)
• Essentials of communicating as a scientist (Day 3)
• Useful resources for learning about the German job market for scientists/academics (Day 3)

Target Group

Each year, universities in Berlin and Brandenburg provide a safe haven for researchers who, due to war, persecution, or other threats, are unable to pursue their work freely. While hosting Scholars at Risk ensures immediate protection, establishing long-term career perspectives within the German academic landscape often remains challenging.

The Scholars at Risk Berlin-Brandenburg network, supported by Bard College, offers various professional development opportunities to help these scholars navigate the German research system and secure sustainable career paths. This three-day “Science Management” seminar, offered by the TU Berlin Academy, targets scholars with a doctoral degree or those in the final stages of their PhD, from all academic disciplines. It equips participants with practical skills for managing research projects, navigating institutional structures, and advancing their professional integration into academia.

* All participants of the Scholars at Risk Berlin-Brandenburg Network are invited to take advantage of a reduced course fee. To receive your personal discount code, please get in touch with us - we will be happy to assist you with your booking. Once you have received the code, you can easily complete your registration on the TU Berlin Academy website. Please contact us via the blue contact button below on this page or directly via info@academy-tu.berlin.

Dates

Day 1 - 03.12.2025
Day 2 - 14.01.2026
Day 3 - 21.01.2026