04. October 2013 Career Planning in Science

More than 150 young scientists gathered information about funding possibilities

Young scientists who want to continue in research after their graduation generally have an uncertain future ahead. Positions in research projects are often limited to a few years. In this time the young scientists must do research, teach and coordinate projects. This leaves little time to take care of refinancing when the project ends. Which funding option is the right choice? What grants are available? And what makes a successful application?

During the first Career Day at Kiel University more than 150 young scientists got informed about funding possibilities and grants in Germany and Europe for financing their positions in science. The event was especially aimed at graduates who intend to continue on a career path at Kiel University or other research institutes.

“Junior researchers are important participants in the German science system. Consequently it is our goal in Kiel to give them the best help on their way,” says Professor Frank Kempken, Vice President of Kiel University. The first Career Day at Kiel University was meant to increase the scientists’ understanding of the numerous application forms in the national and international research funding landscape. Dr. Sonja Ochsenfled-Repp (Cooperation Centre EU of the Science Organizers, KOWI) and Dr. Michael Fuchs (German Research Foundation, DFG) presented the various funding possibilities of the DFG and the European Union, thus showing how to make the most of funding sources.

“It is important that our young scientists know their way around the German as well as the international funding landscape,” says PD Dr. Gesche Braker, coordinator of the Postdoc network IMAP in the Cluster of Excellence “The Future Ocean” and organizer of the Career Day at Kiel University. “We want to ensure that young academics have career perspectives that can be planned. This includes being able to work on one’s own research topic with possible funding from third-party sources or research grants.” In the Future Ocean postdoc network, young scientists are offered support in planning their careers. Kiel University also offers wide support to all scientists applying for funding.

Program (pdf)

Talks
Dr. Alexandra Heßling, Linda Piálek
Dr. Michael Fuchs
Dr. Sonja Ochsenfeld-Repp

Links
www.kowi.de (Kooperationsstelle EU der Wissenschaftsorganisationen)
www.dfg.de/en/research_funding/programmes/index.jsp
www.uni-kiel.de/forschung/en/service-information/overview-of-grants-and-funding?set_language=en
www.futureocean.org/en/postdoc_network/