Scientific Career Days 2025
How does a habilitation at the Faculty of Medicine work and what support is available? How can gender and diversity dimensions be taken into account in research projects and third-party funding applications? How can experiences of sexism in everyday (working) life be recognized and addressed? What funding opportunities are available to postdocs?
These and other questions will be explored in person and online from November 12 to 18, 2025.
A special highlight: On November 12 at 6:30 p.m., you can look forward to our now legendary Science Slam. Further information can be found here.
The program is aimed in particular at doctoral students and postdocs, but is also open to other interested parties.
Program November 12 - 18, 2025
The path to habilitation and funding opportunities at the Faculty of Medicine with Q&A session (in German)
with Prof. Dr. Maximilian Ruge (Oncological Stereotaxy and Radiosurgery), Prof. Dr. Elke Kalbe (Vice Dean for Academic Development and Equal Opportunities) and Dr. Deborah Großkopf-Kroiher (ZMMK)
Location: Seminar room of the ZMMK research building (Robert-Koch-Straße 21, 50931 Cologne)
Target group: Postdocs
How does a habilitation at the Faculty of Medicine work, and what support is available along the way? This event will give you a clear overview of the most important steps and possible funding programs. Afterward, you can ask your questions in an open Q&A session and engage in discussion with experts.
Gender-sensitive research in the natural and life sciences – “How do I integrate gender and diversity dimensions into the planning and implementation of research projects and third-party funding applications?” (in German)
with Dr. Laura Wortmann (Gender-Sensitive Medicine, Bielefeld University) and Dr. Lisa Krall (IMPACT, UzK)
Location: tba
Researchers often underestimate the innovative potential and the transferability of their academic research. In this workshop you will get some hands-on tips on science-based transfer, spin-offs and the Gateway support offer and learn how to benefit from our expertise and network to bring your research into application.
Gender-differentiated analysis and consideration of diversity dimensions at different levels and stages of the research process increases the quality, robustness, and reproducibility of scientific studies (Heidari et al. 2016). In many areas, such as medicine, climate research, and mobility research, taking gender aspects into account in the research process can also be vital. For submissions to renowned journals such as Nature, Lancet, and Cell, but also for applications to major third-party funding bodies such as the DFG or the EU, it is therefore necessary to take gender and other dimensions of diversity into account in order to increase the quality of the research content.
In this workshop, we will work together to determine the extent to which gender aspects can be systematically and permanently integrated and structurally anchored in scientific research processes, from research questions to research design and methods, as well as their reporting. The workshop is therefore suitable for all research phases.
Seminar content includes:
- Understanding basic concepts of sex, gender, and intersectionality
- Developing gender perspectives on your own (ongoing or planned) research projects
- Learning about and applying methods for gender- and diversity-sensitive research in all phases of research
- Learning about gender and diversity aspects in project proposals, third-party funding applications, or other aspects and applying them in practice as needed
Please briefly outline your research area in advance, including any research projects and their current status, as well as any specific requests, so that we can address them in the workshop.
Sexism in everyday (working) life – recognizing, identifying, stopping (in German)
with Verena Arps-Roelle (founder of act & protect® – Against Sexualized Violence)
Online via Zoom
Target group: Female and TIN* employees
Was it “just” a stupid remark—or did it cross the line? Why do situations like this happen to me? Where does sexism begin—and how can I protect myself without making myself vulnerable or being labeled hysterical?
That's what we'll be talking about. In this interactive webinar, we will take a practical and reflective look at sexism and sexualized boundary violations – especially in professional, academic, and social contexts.
The focus will be on strengthening your confidence in taking action:
- How can I recognize sexist dynamics in everyday life and at work?
- How do I address situations that cross boundaries—as the person affected, as a witness, or as an ally?
- How can I deal with shame, insecurity, and fear of negative consequences?
- And how can I develop a confident attitude and greater self-efficacy?
The aim of the workshop is to develop a sense of boundary violations and to find individual, everyday strategies for dealing with them. The focus is on self-determination – without role-playing or pressure to perform. Instead, we offer a safe space for exchange, practical methods, and in-depth knowledge about gender-specific power relations and social role models.
What you can expect:
- Expert insights into sexism, power structures, and language
- Concrete strategies for action – individual, supportive, practical
- Space for exchange, reflection, and empowerment
- You decide for yourself when and how you want to participate
Afterward, the speakers will be available for confidential discussions.
Funding opportunities for postdocs (in German)
with Dr. Simona Walker (funding advisor at the Faculty of Medicine)
Location: tba
Target group: doctoral candidates in the final phase of their studies and postdocs
This workshop will provide you with an overview of funding opportunities for postdocs, including postdoc fellowships, research stays abroad, and funding for independent junior research groups. In addition, you will identify funding opportunities that suit your project idea and personal situation. There will be time for individual questions and discussion during and after the workshop. You are welcome to bring your questions to the workshop.