Read more
Connecting the Dots: Sanne Maas on Career Development for Postdocs
Sanne Maas shares how early funding helped her grow a research idea, why grant writing helps her connect the dots, and how mentoring and peer exchange support career development. The article offers practical reflections for postdocs building independence.
How to Build a Strong Application for Junior Research Group Funding
What makes an application for junior research group funding convincing? Get hands-on advice that goes beyond standard application guidelines. The article draws on insights from fellows of the Rückkehrprogramm Nordrhein-Westfalen and an institutional funding adviser. The guidance applies both to this program and to junior research group applications more broadly.
Building Independent Research: Lessons on Experimental Setups, Funding, and Flexibility
What does it take to build an independent research project? KT Boost Fellow Felix Sauer shares practical lessons on designing experimental setups, choosing the right funding, and taking the first steps towards scientific independence.
How to Prepare for Job Interviews Beyond Academia
Job interviews beyond academia can feel unfamiliar. What do employers actually want to hear? This article explains offers practical guidance on how to present your experience in a way that resonates beyond research.
Academic Careers and Real Life: When Full Availability Isn't an Option
Academic systems often assume full availability, but real careers are built by people with different health conditions, responsibilities, and needs. KT Boost Fellow Jan Pennekamp shares practical lessons on flexibility, support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and developing leadership skills early.
Finding Long-Term Stability: Industry Careers for Chemistry PhDs
What do industry careers for chemistry PhDs look like in practice? Daniel Baier shares why he decided to leave academia, what surprised him most during the transition, and how he found long-term stability beyond research.
Starting Your Own Research Group: Lessons from an Emmy Noether Group Leader
Starting your own research group means much more than doing excellent science. Kevin Jahnke shares practical lessons from his transition from postdoc to Emmy Noether Group Leader.
How to Apply for the Klaus Tschira Boost Fund
What should go into a strong KT Boost Fund application? This article walks through the main steps: checking fit and eligibility, explaining the career boost, showing project independence, getting institutional support, and making the proposal clear for reviewers, with practical KT Boost Fund application tips.
5 Inconvenient Truths About Leadership in Academia
Stepping into your first leadership role in academia often means learning by doing. This article explores five common realities of academic leadership and offers practical ideas to help you navigate the transition with confidence.
What Remains: Why Mentoring Matters in Academia
Mentoring can shape academic careers in profound ways, yet it is often undervalued within higher education systems. Jeffrey M. Peck reflects on why mentoring matters in academia, how it supports researchers at all career stages, and why relationships may be the most enduring legacy of an academic career.
Academic Careers in the Humanities: Dedication, Strategy, and Coincidence on the Path to Professorship
How do academic careers in the humanities develop in practice? Michael Klenk reflects on his path from business to philosophy and shares insights on strategy, uncertainty, interdisciplinarity, networking, and the role of lucky coincidences in academic careers.
Leadership in the Humanities: Why It Is More Than a Buzzword
Leadership in the humanities often happens long before researchers hold formal leadership roles. This article explores how teaching, supervision, networks, and navigating academic structures shape research culture, and why humanities researchers should take these leadership experiences and competencies more seriously.
Risk, Collaboration, and Visibility: How to Succeed as a Math Postdoc
How do you move forward as a math postdoc? Klaus Tschira Boost Fellow Cipriana Anghel-Stan shares how collaboration, visibility, and risk-taking shape her work in global analysis, and what this means for building a research career in practice.
Looking beyond the Genome: Timothy Warwick on Risky Ideas, Support, Trust, Confidence and Feedback
Building an independent research career often means learning to work with uncertainty, feedback, and changing directions. This Boost Story follows Timothy Warwick’s work in epigenetics and RNA biology, and explores how risky ideas, mentorship, leadership, and trust shape research careers in practice.
Career Experiments for Researchers: A Different Way to Navigate Uncertainty
Career transitions do not always start with a clear plan. This interview with Matthew Betts looks at how researchers can use small, structured experiments to explore new directions, reduce uncertainty, and build clarity over time.
Transition from Academia to Medical Affairs: Roles, Skills, and First Steps
Many researchers consider careers beyond academia, but the field of Medical Affairs is often still unclear. This interview with Dr. Alex Palumbo offers insights into the transition from academia to Medical Affairs, what the field involves, and how to prepare for it.
Developing Leadership in and Beyond the Lab as a Postdoc in Plant Science
Pascal Hunziker works on orphan crops with potential for food security. His project shows how leadership develops through daily research work, from organizing lab meetings to building collaborations across methods and countries.
What Makes a Successful Transition from Academia to Industry? Insights from William Clark
Why do some researchers transition successfully into industry roles while others struggle despite strong academic profiles? In this interview, William Clark shares insights on focus, strategy, networking, and what helps researchers move beyond academia more effectively.
Reading the Past in “Stone”: How Björn Klaes Reconstructs Climate History From Cave Mineral Formations
What does it actually take to lead a lab as an early-career researcher? In this Boost Story, Björn Klaes reflects on his work in soil science and climate research, and how leadership develops through daily decisions, team dynamics, and research practice.
Retirement Planning for Researchers: Where to Start and What Matters Early On
Retirement planning often gets pushed aside in academia, especially with uncertain career paths. This article breaks down what actually matters early on, from building a financial foundation to making sense of long-term decisions, without getting lost in products or complexity.
Two Fellows, One Institution: Mariia Nesterkina & Florian Hubrich on Non-Linear Careers and Returning to Academia
Two Fellows, two paths: this article explores non-linear academic career paths through the experiences of KT Boost Fellows Mariia Nesterkina and Florian Hubrich.
How to Qualify for a Professorship in Germany
Learn how to qualify for a professorship in Germany by understanding different career paths, expectations, and timing. This article explains what committees look for and how to build a profile that signals independence, readiness, and fit.
Mapping the Unseen: How Sam Thiele brings Machine Learning into Geoscience
How is machine learning used in geoscience, and what does interdisciplinary research look like in practice? In this article, KT Boost Fellow Sam Thiele shares insights into his work on geological modelling, uncertainty, and research at the interface of data and Earth systems.
Leaving Academia: What Hiring Managers in Industry Look For
What do hiring managers really look for when researchers apply outside academia? Lira Nigmatullina shares insights from her career in biotech and HR on strong applications, common mistakes, and how to navigate the transition to industry.
AI Career Tools for Researchers: Practical Ways to Use Them in Job Applications
AI tools can help researchers prepare CVs, cover letters, and interviews more efficiently. This article introduces practical AI career tools and example prompts that can support different stages of the job application process.
Jobs for Humanities Postdocs Outside Academia: Where to Look and How to Position Yourself
Many humanities postdocs begin exploring careers beyond academia but are unsure where to start. This article outlines common sectors, entry routes, and practical strategies for positioning your academic experience in the non-academic job market.
Leaving Academia for Scientific Publishing: A Career Path Beyond the Lab
What does it actually mean to leave academia for scientific publishing? In this interview, former chemical biology postdoc Silvia Achilli shares why she made the move, how the transition felt, and what working in publishing looks like from the inside.
Ten Practical Tips for Using LinkedIn as a Researcher
Many researchers approach LinkedIn with hesitation. It can feel unclear how using LinkedIn as a researcher works without slipping into unwanted self-promotion.
Financial Planning for Researchers in Germany
Fixed term contracts and international mobility make financial decisions harder in academia. This article explains how the German pension system works, how to assess financial advice, and how to think about risk, time, and flexibility when planning under uncertainty.
Using Your Research Skills in Start-ups: Ten Practical Tips
Entrepreneurship can feel unfamiliar to many researchers. Yet research skills for startups often translate more directly than expected. This article explores how academic experience aligns with early ventures and how researchers can build on what they already bring.
The Hidden Currency of Research: Why Networking Matters
Academic networking rarely looks like textbooks suggest. This article explores how researchers build and use networks in everyday practice, from peer exchange to navigating uncertainty and career transitions.
Effective Grant Strategies for Researchers: A Practical Guide
Many grant applications fail due to strategy, not weak ideas. This article explores practical insights on effective grant strategies for researchers, from shaping ideas before the template to choosing the right funding instrument, working with institutions, and handling rejection more strategically.
From Research to Scientific Project Management: What the Transition Really Involves
What does it mean to move from research to science management? Francesco Cannizzaro reflects on his transition from a PhD and postdoc in chemistry to coordinating international research projects and funding strategies at a large university.
From Anxiety to Action: Coping with Academic Career Insecurity
Career insecurity is not a phase many researchers simply “get through.” This article explores why uncertainty feels so draining, how it often leads to inaction, and what helps move from rumination toward small, deliberate steps.
From PhD to Professorship – A Practical Guide to Academic Careers in Germany
Navigating an academic career in Germany can be challenging, especially for international researchers trying to understand both the formal structures and the unwritten expectations that shape the path from PhD to professorship. We spoke with Mirjam Müller about her new book "From PhD to Professorship: A Practical Guide to Academic Careers in Germany".
Recap: To Be Honest Conference 2025 - Navigating Uncertainty in Academia & beyond
The To Be Honest Conference 2025 brought researchers together for open conversations about uncertainty in academic careers. The keynote session shared practical insights on agency, support, and real-life decisions. Watch the session recording and explore the key takeaways.
Where Biotechnology meets Industry: From Academic Research to Practical Solutions at BASF
Researchers often develop expertise that can drive innovation far beyond the university environment. For Moritz Bross, moving into industry was a natural step toward applying his scientific knowledge in a way that supports more sustainable processes. Today, he leads a laboratory team at BASF.
Returning to Lead: Lessons on Building Academic Independence
Returning to Germany to start your own research group can be both exciting and complex. This article shares practical tips and insights for postdocs and researchers preparing for academic independence through programs like the NRW Returning Scholars Program.
Understanding the German Academic System
German academia can seem complex — from fixed-term contracts and funding rules to different academic tracks and career paths beyond research. In this session, Anne Schreiter unpacked what makes the system distinct and what really matters for your next career steps, whether you are aiming for a professorship or exploring other directions.
Becoming a Junior Group Leader in Germany: How to Gain Independence after Returning from Abroad with Ramona Wolf
Tips for becoming a Junior Group Leader in Germany from Prof. Dr. Ramona Wolf, fellow of the NRW Returning Scholars Program.
Careers Beyond Academia – First Steps and Strategies
Transitioning from academia to other sectors often feels daunting: how do your research skills translate to roles in business, public institutions, or the non-profit world? What do job titles really mean, how should a CV and cover letter look, and is LinkedIn truly necessary? Birte Seffert, head of career advice and coaching at GSO, shares strategies and practical tools to help postdocs navigate this shift.
Beyond Bragging: Using LinkedIn Strategically as a Researcher – with Alma.me
How can researchers use LinkedIn as a research tool, networking accelerator, and visibility platform—without “bragging.” Practical steps for postdocs in Germany: building a useful feed, doing informational interviews, and shaping a profile that translates academic strengths for non-academic audiences.
Becoming a Junior Group Leader in Germany: How to Gain Independence after Returning from Abroad with Robert Hein
Tips for becoming a Junior Group Leader in Germany from Prof. Dr. Robert Hein, fellow of the NRW Returning Scholars Program.
How the German Association of University Professors and Lecturers (DHV) Supports Your Academic Career
For many postdoctoral researchers – especially those navigating the complex German academic system from abroad – questions around career pathways, legal status, and institutional expectations can be overwhelming. What are your real options after the PhD? What does it take to secure a professorship? And who can guide you through appointment negotiations, salary frameworks, and strategic decisions?
Becoming a Junior Group Leader in Germany: How to Gain Independence after Returning from Abroad with Andrea Kirsch
Tips for becoming a Junior Group Leader in Germany from Prof. Dr. Andrea Kirsch, fellow of the NRW Returning Scholars Program.
HAW Professorships: A Practice-Oriented Career Path – with HTW Berlin
Our webinar explored what it takes to qualify for a HAW professorship in Germany: combining teaching, applied industry experience, research, and university service. With many HAW professorships in Germany opening up due to a generational shift, now is the time to prepare and position yourself strategically.
Bridging AI, Academia, and Applied Research
Keeping up with the Boost Fellow Christin Kreutz. Over homemade vegan chocolate cake, Birte and Cathrin, talked about career choices, taking chances, and navigating academia beyond the traditional path. This final episode offers insights on interdisciplinary research, international experience, and smart career planning.
From Arctic Expeditions to High-Tech Bird Tracking
Keeping up with the Boost Fellow Eunbi Kwon. Eunbi shared her journey from Arctic fieldwork to innovative bird tracking technology, highlighting the importance of collaboration with industry, adaptability in research methods, and the transformative role of AI in behavioural ecology.
Breaking Boundaries with Soft Robotics
Keeping up with the Boost Fellow Renate Sachse. Renate shared insights from her interdisciplinary research and offered advice on navigating academic careers, emphasizing openness, strategic focus, and active engagement beyond research.
Navigating Academia and Applied Research
Keeping up with the Boost Fellow Dr. Susanne Wintzheimer. Susanne shared insights into her research on composite materials for catalysis and her experiences working between university and an applied research institute. She also offered advice on navigating academic careers in Germany, from setting clear goals to managing time and building strong networks.
From Industry to Academia and the Future of Photonics
Keeping up with the Boost Fellow Dr. Bennet Fischer. Once an industrial mechanic, he now pioneers energy-efficient image processing using fiber-based photonics. Bennet shares advice on embracing practical skills, seizing opportunities, and creating tools that drive research forward.
Translating Your Postdoc Experience for the German Job Market
Learn how to position your postdoc experience for the German job market. Career coach Birte Seffert and HR expert Susanne Kortendick share practical advice on CV writing, salary expectations, and navigating career transitions beyond academia.
Small Streams, Big Impacts
Keeping up with the Boost Fellow Dr. Clarissa Glaser. She focuses on how small streams (in German: Bäche) exchange water with their surrounding environment—and how this exchange will be affected by climate change. Her work highlights the vital role of headwater streams, paving the way for better predictions and sustainable solutions in global water management.
Authentic Visibility for Researchers
Learn how clarity, consistency, and confidence can help early-career scientists share their work. Small steps and authentic messaging open doors for recognition.
The Social Side of Mathematics
Keeping up with the Boost fellow Sam Sanders. Sam explained his research on computing with continuous data, drawing from Turing and Kleene’s work to develop new mathematical approaches. He also shared insights on academic growth, the power of bold ideas, and the importance of diversity in mathematics.
Glass Ceilings in Academia: Strategies for Overcoming Systemic Barriers
Explore methods to challenge hidden obstacles in academic careers - how community-building, mentorship, and inclusive policies can open up glass ceilings for researchers.
A Researchers’s Guide to Academic Fixed-Term Contracts in Germany (WissZeitVG)
Explore the complexities of the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (WissZeitVG) in Germany. Learn about the 6+6 rule, international challenges, FAQs, and strategies for academic career planning.
Landscape Ecology and Managing a Research Grant
Keeping up with Alice Mockford. Besides talking about her Boost Fund journey, Alice gave insights about her research: How biodiversity loss and climate change threaten insect ecosystem services, and how greenveins management can support beneficial insects.
To Be Honest Conference 2024 | Summary Day 2
The *Tbh-Conference 2024 provided a forum where peers and experts shared advice and informal knowledge - the kind that is usually based on watercooler conversations or lucky coincidences.
Leading Research and Pursuing Habilitation in Immunology
Keeping up with the Boost fellow Sabrina B. Bennstein. Sabrina discussed her research on immune system development, focusing on the thymus and innate lymphoid cells. She also shared insights on leading a research group and the key steps involved in pursuing habilitation for an academic career.
To Be Honest Conference 2024 | Summary Day 1
The *Tbh-Conference 2024 provided a forum where peers and experts shared advice and informal knowledge - the kind that is usually based on watercooler conversations or lucky coincidences.
Advancing Microbiome Research
KT Boost Fund Fellow Youssef El Mouali shared his thoughts on how failure and progress help advance microbiome research, highlighting the importance of adding valuable knowledge to better understand its complexities. He also shared what motivates him: the thrill of making new discoveries.
Leading with Authenticity
KT Boost Fund Fellow Lorenz Adlung shared his approach to leading a research team emphasizing transparency, trust, and team culture. He highlighted the importance of personality fit in hiring, strategic science communication, and the influence of his East German background on his career and identity.
Rocks Making Waves
Keeping up with Maria-Elena Vorrath. She talked about her innovative project, that can offer sustainable CO₂ removal solutions. She highlighted the importance of industry collaboration, effective communication, and fostering future talent to maximize the impact of scientific research.
Combining Practical Experience and Creativity in Experimental Physics
Keeping up with the Boost fellow Hilary Noad. She discusses her innovative research on applying pressure to materials at ultra-low temperatures, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience and creativity in experimental physics.
The Importance of Perseverance in Grant Applications
Keeping up with Ignacio Rodriguez Polo. Ignacio talked about his research on gastruloids and their role in early human development, highlighting his collaboration between the UK and Germany. He shared his passion for cooking and emphasized the importance of grant applications.
A Perspective on Science and Discovery
Keeping up with Vahid Nasirimarekani. Birte and Vahid discussed his research focused on understanding the origins of life. They also discussed Vahid's unique academic journey, his approach to science, and his ambition to establish a dedicated research institute in Germany.
Mentorship and Breakthroughs in Neuroscience
Keeping up with Frederic Römschied. Frederic talked about his project on social flexibility in Drosophila, emphasizing how mentorship has been pivotal in his career.
Careers Beyond Academia in Humanities & Social Sciences
Humanities and Life Sciences offer diverse opportunities beyond academia, but finding the right fit can be challenging. We spoke with Marco Valero Sanchez and Christoph Senft, who provided valuable insights on transitioning to industry.
Finding the Right Fit: Strategies for Attracting PhD Candidates
Keeping up with Deniz Kumral. Birte visited Deniz to talk about her research on slow-wave sleep disruption. Deniz offered insights into finding suitable PhD students for a research project.
Insights on Transitioning Between Institutions for Postdocs
Keeping up with Svetlana Klementyeva. Since Svetlana transitioned to a new institution for her second postdoc, she shared her experiences and offered some helpful advice for fellow postdocs.
Cost Considerations in Scientific Research
Keeping up with Inmaculada Martínez Reyes. Inmaculada introduced Birte to her project and talked about the steps, processes, and costs of her research on the metabolomics of cancer immunology – and what the Boost Fund did for her.
Flexibility in Funding: A Game Changer for Researchers
Keeping up with Oya Cingöz. She tlked about the Boost effects and career development and shared her advice for those progressing in academia.
On Learning to Let Go in Research
Keeping up with Henri Niskanen. Henri gave Birte a tour of his institute, where they discussed molecular genetics, his move to Berlin, and his life as an experimental researcher.
The Path to Leadership: Building Strong Collaborations
Keeping Up with Stefanie Bärthel in Heidelberg. Stefanie and Birte met and talked about good practises in collaborations, the selection process at BioMed X Institute, and how the Boost Fund career development program has helped her in gaining more confidence to strive for leadership in academia.
The Dr. Wilhelmy-GSO Travel Expenses Program: Recap of 10 Years
For a decade, the Dr. Wilhelmy-GSO Travel Expenses Program has helped international researchers attend in-person job interviews for academic positions in Germany. As the program celebrates its 10th anniversary, we explore its impact through the stories of beneficiaries.
