Dr. Vitor, Cedran Piro (FU)
Dr. Sofia, Paraskevopoulou (RKI)
Dr. Shuba, Varshini Alampalli (CH)
The Berlin Metagenomics Network (BeMGNet) is a professional development initiative designed to create a cohesive platform for postdoctoral researchers working in the rapidly evolving, interdisciplinary field of metagenomics. By strengthening metagenomic data analysis, the network will help address key challenges such as host–microbiome interactions, “One Health” focused antimicrobial resistance (AMR), and pandemic preparedness. BeMGNet aims to build a city-wide community for sharing bioinformatics expertise and to encourage collaborative grant development among postdoctoral researchers and PhD students from BUA/BR50 institutions (FU, Charité, RKI, etc.). The project will be delivered through seasonal one-day workshops and a focused retreat, supported by an open-access online hub for knowledge exchange and resource sharing. Together, these activities promote interdisciplinary collaboration, support high-impact publications and joint funding applications, and ensure long-term sustainability through an organizing committee and the strategic pursuit of follow-up grants.
Dr. Timo Schmidt (FU)
Dr. Stephan Krohn (CH)
This career development project, "Causal Mechanisms of Altered Experiences," addresses a critical gap in consciousness research by creating an interdisciplinary network for postdocs across neuroscience, psychiatry, philosophy, and computational modelling. While research on altered experiences (from schizophrenia to psychedelic states) is expanding, the field currently lacks a unified framework to connect causal mechanisms studied across these diverse disciplines. The initiative's core objective is to establish a shared language and collaboration platform among early-career researchers, preparing them for joint grant applications—specifically a larger DFG Research Unit (FOR) proposal. This will be achieved through a series of integrated events in March 2026: a linkage with the Berlin Symposium on Stroboscopic Light, a dedicated Postdoc and Early-Career Workshop to outline collaborative projects, and a public science-communication day with international artists to enhance visibility and societal relevance. The project's sustainability will be ensured through ongoing online networking, peer mentoring, and the coordinated preparation of joint publications and funding proposals.
Dr. Anna Abalkina (FU)
Dr. Torsten Rackoll (CH)
Dr. René Aquarius (external collaborator, RU, NL)
This two-day workshop is a vital career development and networking initiative for postdoctoral and early-career researchers focusing on the growing, multidisciplinary threat of scientific paper mills—for-profit entities producing large-scale fraudulent research. Its primary objectives are to build a foundational network of experts, bridge disciplinary isolation, discuss crucial funding opportunities and research gaps, and foster international collaboration to advance this novel field. As a potential outcome of the workshop, participants will discuss and explore the development of a jointly authored policy-oriented summary aimed at informing relevant stakeholders about strategies for detecting and preventing paper mills. Professional relationships established during the workshop will be maintained post-event through a mailing list and a dedicated social media group, supporting continued exchange and collaboration and contributing to longer-term efforts to improve research quality and public trust in science.