Dear early career researchers Workshop booking opens on March 18, 2026, at 12 noon: Explore our offer and secure your place early via our booking platform. Be quick as some workshops are booked up within minutes. → Upcoming Workshops and Events

• Workshop “Gute Promotionsbetreuung: Prozessorientiert fördern; fordern und ermöglichen” (20 March 2026) – A practice-oriented training for professors and supervisors who (will) supervise doctoral researchers. → Upcoming Workshops and Events
• New online session as part of exchange forum “Promotion im Dialog”: Join the ongoing conversation on good doctoral practice at FU Berlin and take part in the next session on March 26, featuring a study on "Erste Generation Promotion". → Calls & Announcements
• Elsa-Neumann-Scholarship: Applications are open until 15 April 2026. The scholarship supports outstanding doctoral researchers with a monthly stipend plus research allowance. → Calls & Announcements

Best wishes and take care,
Your DRS Team

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DRS Podcast "Navigating your Doctorate"

In our latest episode, Dr. Steffen Jaksztat, Sociologist at the German Center for Higher Education Research and Science Studies (DZHW), investigates how social background shapes the path to a doctorate - from the decision to pursue a dissertation to careers afterward. In the DRS podcast interview, he explains the importance of financial security, family expectations, and role models, the opportunities offered by formalized selection processes, and why mentors play a key role in the success of first-generation doctoral candidates. Listen to the episode here: https://blogs.fu-berlin.de/drs_podcast/2025/09/09/does-your-familial-background-influence-your-decision-for-against-a-doctorate/ or on Spotify.

The Dahlem Research School podcast "Navigating your Doctorate" (https://blogs.fu-berlin.de/drs_podcast/) supports prospective and current doctoral researchers during their early career phase. It features expert interviews covering all stages of a doctorate and chats with winners of the supervisor award. NEW: Listen in on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/5iYlKZpuC4j5RjLFstdlbR?si=3a44ff7e558a4ec0! 

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Spotlight on Research Integrity

RESEARCH DATA MANAGEMENT WORKSHOPS SPRING 2026
Several online workshop offers, in English and German 
Target group: BUA researchers
URL: https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/drs/research-integrity/gwp-news/CARDS-Forschungsdatenmanagement-Spring-2026.html 

ROSALIND-FRANKLIN-AWARD FOR RESEARCH INTEGRITY - Call for nominations 2026
Description: The award honors researchers at Freie Universität Berlin who have promoted research integrity through their exceptional dedication.
Target group: All members and organizational units of Freie Universität Berlin can nominate candidates. The nominee must be a member of Freie Universität Berlin at the time of nomination. Acting ombudspersons and members of the investigatory commission may not be nominated.
Deadline: 31.03.2026
URL: https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/gwp/rosalind-franklin-preis/index.html

E-LEARNING MODULE ‘GOOD RESEARCH PRACTICE FOR DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS’
https://www.berlin-university-alliance.de/grp

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Upcoming Workshops and Events

Dahlem Research School offers an extensive workshop program, most of which is open to all doctoral researchers from the partner institutions of the Berlin University Alliance. Visit our booking platform and check the announcements:
→ www.drs.fu-berlin.de/course_list.

NEW USERS: Register with an institutional email address and confirm your membership.
REGISTERED USERS: Confirm your continued membership once a year.

We would love to hear your thoughts and opinions on our workshops. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us tailor our support to meet your needs and ensure that our events are relevant and beneficial to you. It will only take a few minutes of your time (5 minutes): https://www.drs.fu-berlin.de/en/node/115722. To ensure your anonymity, please log out of the booking platform before participating. Thank you so much for contributing! 

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GUTE PROMOTIONSBETREUUNG: PROZESSORIENTIERT FÖRDERN; FORDERN UND ERMÖGLICHEN 
Kooperation DCAT & Dahlem Research School
Description: Der Workshop vermittelt praxisnahe Kompetenzen für eine erfolgreiche Promotionsbetreuung. 
Target group: Professor*innen oder andere Personen, die eine Promotion betreuen bzw. betreuen werden. 
Date: 20.03.2026, 09:00 – 16:00 
Room: Dahlem Research School, Hittorfstraße 16, 14195 Berlin, Room 004 
URL: https://veranstaltung.dcat.fu-berlin.de/Veranstaltung/cmx68ee62c6495be.html

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OPEN DOOR TALK DOING YOUR DOCTORATE@FU / FINANCING THE DOCTORATE
Learn more about the different possibilities of doing a doctorate at Freie Universität Berlin, important administrative steps, potential challenges and how to find funding for your doctoral research.
Date: 11 March 2026, 14:00-16:00 hrs/ 2:00-4:00 pm Berlin time
Format: online, please pre-register if you want to receive the talk presentation after the event
URL: https://www.fu-berlin.de/sites/drs/offers/drs-open-door-talks/index.html

MENTAL HEALTH  - Strengthened and healthy through the doctoral thesis 
Especially in challenging times, it is crucial to know strategies for maintaining your well-being. Work on developing a positive mindset, identify stress factors, and discover helpful resources for your doctoral journey. Learn about and try out relaxation techniques. This way, you can face challenges with greater confidence and achieve your personal goals more efficiently. 
Date: March 11 and 12, 2026 
Venue: https://www.umwelt-bildungszentrum.de/  
Registration: https://programm.zewk.tu-berlin.de/de/events/019932de-d297-7763-87e7-e3f346f66c45

KICK OFF YOUR DOCTORATE 
The retreat is an on-site event. In order to create a space in which you can focus on your doctoral project and engage with other doctoral researchers, we meet at a conference hotel close to Berlin. Participants will be accommodated in single rooms.
Date(s): April 22 - 24, 2026
Venue: https://www.hotel-sommerfeld.de/  
URL: https://pretix.eu/cgss/kick-off-26-en/

ERFOLGREICH IN DIE PROMOTION
Der Retreat findet vor Ort statt. Um einen Raum zu schaffen, in dem Sie sich auf Ihr Promotionsvorhaben konzentrieren und sich mit anderen Doktoranden austauschen können, treffen wir uns in einem Tagungshotel in der Nähe von Berlin. Die Teilnehmer werden in Einzelzimmern untergebracht.
Date(s): April 20 - 22, 2026
Ort: https://www.hotel-sommerfeld.de/
URL: https://pretix.eu/cgss/kick-off-26-de/

ONLINE COMPETENCE TOOL
A self-assessment platform that helps doctoral researchers and postdocs identify and enhance interdisciplinary skills for diverse career paths.
https://www.berlin-university-alliance.de/en/commitments/promoting-talent/postdoc-academy/competence-tool/

Even if workshops are fully booked, please still register for the waiting list. This helps us plan future sessions or make adjustments.
Also check for free places in the Berlin University Alliance's GRADUATE STUDIES SUPPORT PROGRAM 
→ www.berlin-university-alliance.de/en/commitments/promoting-talent/projekte/graduate-studies-support-program/list/
and explore Freie Universität Berlin’s further RESOURCES FOR DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS
→ https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/drs/offers/index.html.

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Calls & Announcements

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ELSA-NEUMANN-SCHOLARSHIP 
Description: The Elsa-Neumann-Scholarship supports outstanding doctoral researchers at Freie Universität Berlin with a monthly stipend of €1,350 plus an additional €100 per month for research materials, for up to three years. 
Target group: Prospective doctoral researchers at Freie Universität Berlin with excellent academic performance whose doctoral project makes a significant contribution to their field.
Application deadline: April 15, 2026, at 12:00 noon
URL: https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/drs/funding/nafoeg   

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„PROMOTION IM DIALOG": Erste Generation Promotion am 26. März von 12:00 bis 13:00 Uhr
Die Dahlem Research School lädt alle ein, die die Promotionsphase an der FU Berlin gestalten oder begleiten. Ziel ist es, gute Promotionspraxis sichtbar zu machen und die Förderung von Wissenschaftler*innen in der frühen Karrierephase gemeinsam weiterzuentwickeln. 
In der nächsten Session präsentiert die Studierende Anne Besmer ihr Lehrforschungsprojekt und geht einer zentralen Frage nach:
Welchen Einfluss hat die soziale Herkunft auf den Wunsch, eine Professur anzustreben?
Auf Grundlage ausgewählter NACAPS-Daten der Freie Universität Berlin analysiert sie, ob – und inwiefern – die soziale Herkunft die akademischen Karriereaspirationen beeinflusst. 
Seien Sie dabei – wir freuen uns auf Ihre Teilnahme! Die Teilnahme ist ohne Anmeldung möglich: https://www.fu-berlin.de/sites/drs/forum/index.html.
Bleiben Sie informiert und melden Sie sich in der Mailingliste an: https://lists.fu-berlin.de/listinfo/Promotion-im-Dialog/.  

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MSCA POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP 2026 MASTERCLASS IN PARIS - CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University, CNRS and IRD are launching a call for applications for the on-site masterclass dedicated to candidates preparing a proposal for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Postdoctoral Fellowships (MSCA-PF) 2026 call.
Target group: postdoctoral researchers
Date(s): 1-5 June 2026
Application and abstract submission deadline: March 5, 2026
URL: https://recherche.pantheonsorbonne.fr/actualite/masterclass-msca-postdoctoral-research-fellowship-applications-call-candidates

3R CURRICULUM – ETHICS AND PRACTICAL APPROACHES IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
Description: interactive course introducing current developments of new approaches in biomedical research along the 3R principles
Target group: doctoral/PhD students in life sciences or veterinary sciences 
Date(s): 16.03.-20.03.2026
Application deadline: 09.03.2026
URL: https://charite3r.charite.de/en/education/3r_curriculum  

FINANZIELLE ORIENTIERUNG UND SICHERHEIT WÄHREND DER PROMOTION
Online-workshop des Vereins Erste Generation Promotion e.V. zum Themenbereich "Finanzen in der Promotion"
Termin: 12. März 2026
Zielgruppe: Promovierende
URL: https://www.egp-verein.de/veranstaltungen/

UNA EUROPA SUMMER SCHOOLS FOR DOCTORAL RESEACHERS 2026
Una Europa hosts four summer schools for doctoral researchers at our partner universities, as well as researchers from selected associated partners. 
URL: https://www.una-europa.eu/opportunities/una-europa-summer-schools
Applications are open now for three summer schools to take place from 15–19 June at University College Dublin/An Coláiste Ollscoile Baile Átha Cliath: Sustainability for All, One Health for All, Artificial Intelligence and Creativity, and Exploring Soft Materials: From Molecules to Biomaterials which will take place from 29 June–3 July at Alma Mater Studiorum – Università di Bologna. 
No tuition fee for participants. Accommodation is provided at University College Dublin. Università di Bologna does not provide accommodation, researchers are therefore required to arrange accommodation. Each participant is responsible for financing their own travel and accommodation. 
At most Una Europa partner universities, doctoral researchers can apply for Erasmus+ funding for Blended Intensive Programmes (BIPs) from their own university. Please note that the availability of funding depends on your home university. Researchers from Freie Universität Berlin please contact Dr. Klaus Wiehl for funding options: unaeuropa@zedat.fu-berlin.de.
Application deadline: 13 March 2026 

THE FUTURE LEADERS OF EUROPE / EUROPAEUM SCHOLARS PROGRAMM
Are you interested in policy and leadership? Are you interested in trying to make the world a better place? Would you like to work with some of the brightest doctoral candidates from across Europe and receive high level skills training? The program delivers via 7 modules over 2 years, the Programme gives you the opportunity to learn about policy across Europe, create your own policy recommendations, receive professional training, and develop your leadership skills. 
Target group: doctoral candidates interested in policy and leadership
Deadline for applications: 15 March 2026
URL: https://europaeum.org/programmes/scholars-programme/

SCIENTIFIC WORKFLOWS: TOOLS AND TIPS 
Lecture series by Dr. Selina Baldauf for early-career researchers of all disciplines.
When? 3rd Thursday of a month (lecture period), 4pm - 5pm
URL: https://www.bcp.fu-berlin.de/en/graduiertenzentrum/promovierende/veranstaltungen/lecture-SB
In the meantime, check out the vast collection of materials including videos and slides from past events: https://selinazitrone.github.io/tools_and_tips/  

FUNDING DOCTORAL RESEARCH IN INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION: THE EAIE DOCTORAL RESEARCH GRANTS
Looking for research funding, greater visibility, and a supportive academic community beyond your own institution? Grants offer funding of up to €4,500  for travel for fieldwork or academic conferences.
Target group: Doctoral student or candidate working on topics connected to international education
Application deadline: 31 March 2026
URL: https://www.eaie.org/research/research-grants.html

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: “NAVIGATING A TRANSFORMING WORLD ORDER: FELLOWSHIPS ON SECURITY AND TECHNOLOGY”
Wanted: the next generation of security experts! Postdoctoral fellowships offered by Volkswagen Foundation with a focus on a holistic understanding of security, a European perspective, and effective cross-sectoral exchange. 
Target group:  early career researchers up to 5 years after completing their PhD
Application deadline: 05 May 2026, 02:0 pm; online Q&A: 09 April 2026
URL: https://www.volkswagenstiftung.de/en/funding/funding-offer/navigating-transforming-world-order-fellowships-security-and-technology

JOURNAL CLUB FOR DIVERSITY AND RESPONSIBLE RESEARCH AND INNOVATION (DRIVERS)
The Journal Club offers a space for exchange on the intersections between "Responsible Research and Innovation" (RRI) and Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) in science. As part of a monthly meeting, we discuss selected literature on RRI and DEI. The focus is primarily on cross-cutting issues, the role of research assessment, and its reform.
Target Group: All interested parties, especially researchers and students at Charité, BIH and other higher education and research institutions.
Next Dates: April 13 + June 1, 2026
URL: https://www.bihealth.org/en/translation/innovation-enabler/quest-center/events/course/journal-club-for-diversity-and-responsible-research-and-innovation-drivers

DOCTORAL PROGRAMS AT FREIE UNIVERSITÄT BERLIN
(Annual) Calls for doctoral places, doctoral positions and/or fellowships
https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/drs/doctorate/structured-or-individual/drs_programs

DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIPS
A selection of the most important institutions that award doctoral scholarships
https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/drs/funding/grants/index.html

FORSCHUNGSPREISE (in German)
www.fu-berlin.de/forschung/service/foerderung/informationen/preise

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Please send your questions and comments to: skills@drs.fu-berlin.de

Dahlem Research School (DRS)
Hittorfstr. 16
14195 Berlin
+49 30 838 620 61
www.fu-berlin.de/drs

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