GSO* – New in 2025: Our Rebranding

For over 20 years, the GSO, formerly known as the German Scholars Organization, has been committed to shaping career paths for researchers - both in academia and beyond. Over time, our focus and target groups have evolved, and we have grown with them.

Why a New Name?

Our Story: From a Return Programs to an International Research Community

Back in 2002, our founders identified a major challenge: German researchers abroad faced significant hurdles when trying to return to Germany. At the time, funding structures looked very different – companies and institutions had yet to recognize the potential of internationally trained researchers with a PhD.

Our solution: Networking opportunities and advisory services, later expanded to include targeted funding programs for returning researchers.

The name German Scholars Organization was a perfect fit – actively supporting researchers in their return to Germany was a completely new concept.

A Changing Research Landscape

Fast forward to today: Supporting researchers in their return to Germany is now just one of many topics we address. The academic system has adapted, and international mobility has become less linear. A new audience has emerged: international researchers – both those considering a move to Germany and those already working here.

For them, tailored support was lacking. At the same time, issues such as diversity, knowledge transfer, true internationalization, dual careers, and digitalization have become more relevant than ever. Today, political changes are also accelerating the transformation of academia. While we continue to support German researchers, they too require new, forward-looking solutions.

Our Network, Our Mission, Our Name

Our scope has expanded, and our network has become truly international. It was time for our name to reflect this development. For years, we have been offering much more than just programs for German Scholars – now, our name aligns with our impact.

Birte Seffert, Head of Advisory and Funding Programs, Guidance, Skills & Opportunities for Researchers e.V.
»Today, nearly two-thirds of our career advisory services are used by international researchers in Germany. Beyond recruiting top researchers, we ask ourselves: How can we ensure that highly skilled researchers stay in Germany?«
Dr. Birte Seffert, Head of Funding Programs & Advisory Services

Our Mission & Commitment Today

After our rebranding, GSO now stands for Guidance, Skills & Opportunities for Researchers.

At its core, our mission remains the same:

Guidance – We provide individualized career advice and open up new perspectives – within academia and beyond.

Skills – We equip researchers with key competencies that advance their careers and empower them to take on societal responsibility.

Opportunities – We design innovative programs for researchers at critical career stages.

At the same time, we know that true change is only possible together. That’s why we actively share our knowledge and network with key stakeholders in academia, business, philanthropy, and policy. Together, we aim to identify structural challenges, develop innovative solutions, and drive systemic change.

Our Commitment

Society needs research. Research needs support. We offer independent, innovative, and scalable solutions for researchers and institutions – with measurable impact.

GSO Rebranding Anne Schreiter, Executive Director, Guidance, Skills & Opportunities
»We are independent and agile. We regularly engage with researchers at critical career junctions and have over 20 years of experience. With this unique combination, we aim to initiate systemic innovation - together with strong partners.«
Dr. Anne Schreiter, Executive Director

Our work is made possible by organizations that share our vision. We thank our current funders, the Klaus Tschira Foundation, the Dr. Wilhelmy Foundation, and all our research and industry partners who collaborate with us.

We are grateful for the past support of many foundations and look forward to future partnerships!

Important milestones of our work:

 

2002-2006

Founding of the GSO as the German Scholars Organization

One of our founders, Eicke R. Weber, was a professor at UC Berkeley in the U.S. at the time. This is where the first networking and information meetings for German researchers took place. These gatherings marked the beginning of a series of workshops and conferences aimed at connecting German researchers abroad with employers from academia and industry in Germany.

In 2003, the organization was officially registered as an association in Germany, and in 2006, the GSO opened its office in the Atrium on Friedrichstrasse in Berlin – where we are still based today.

2006-2015

Return Programs and Meetings with two Federal Presidents

The first funding came from the Alfried Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation, which supported universities in the “Return of German Researchers from Abroad” program. This was followed by two additional return programs in collaboration with the Carl Zeiss Foundation (including a new edition running until 2023) and the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation.

More than 150 German researchers from abroad met twice in Berlin, initiated by the GSO and supported by the Robert Bosch Foundation, the Klaus Tschira Stiftung and the Volkswagen Foundation. They had the unique opportunity to engage in discussions with then-Federal Presidents Horst Köhler and Christian Wulff.

Since 2016

Leadership Academy (LSA)

Leadership in research was a relatively new topic at that time – and there were hardly any programs addressing this issue. Especially for “Free Movers”- researchers without a fixed affiliation to Germany – there were no independent programs available.

This is where the GSO’s Leadership Academy (LSA) stepped in. In collaboration with the Helmholtz Association and the Max Planck Society, we developed an innovative program that annually reached 25 researchers from all disciplines.

With support from the Klaus Tschira Foundation, the Schader Foundation, and three non-university research institutions, the LSA has become an established opportunity.

Today, after nine rounds, it is clear that leadership skills in research remain a highly relevant topic.

Since 2018

Flexible Funding through the Klaus Tschira Boost Fund

Since 2018, the KT Boost Fund, supported by the Klaus Tschira Stiftung, has enabled young, outstanding researchers to independently pursue their own projects. Through flexible funding and a targeted mentoring program, the fellows can bring their ideas to life and advance their careers.

Each year, around 300 researchers apply for 15 fellowships, which has revealed a significant funding gap.

Networking is key for us: That’s why we offer receptions and alumni gatherings for fellows and alumni – and also visit them at their research institutions.

Since 2018

AlumNode

By now, the programs had produced several alumni – this was also the case with the Heidelberg Laureate Forum Foundation, with whom we connected at an event.

Since its founding, the network has steadily grown and is now managed and developed by a dedicated four-person team. Additional alumni groups from the Klaus Tschira Foundation have also joined, further expanding the diversity and reach of AlumNode.

AlumNode offers its members a dedicated platform where regular “Coffee Breaks” are held by alumni for alumni, along with workshops, meetings, and a special funding program that promotes exchange and collaboration.

Since 2020

Expansion of Workshops, Lectures & Moderations

The GSO had to reinvent itself during the pandemic, and now a large part of our offerings is digital. This has not only helped us remain flexible but also allowed us to reach a wider audience.

However, in-person formats are still very important to us, especially when it comes to effectively communicating our topics and goals. For this reason, we also offer workshops for institutions – not only in the area of career development for researchers, but also on topics such as recruitment and retention, science management, leadership, and the development of funding and alumni programs.

Coaching at GSO with Birte

Since 2021

Career Advisory Services become more international

A unique feature of the GSO is our independent career consulting, which is conducted on equal terms. Topics such as career orientation and strategy, applying for professorships, and jobs outside of academia are particularly in demand.

In recent years, our target group has become significantly more international. Currently, about two-thirds of the consultations are sought by non-German researchers at German institutions.

Since 2022

Launch of HiddenChamps

Statistically, Academia is the alternative career for researchers.

With HiddenChamps, we introduce smaller and lesser-known companies through video and text contributions, giving researchers an insight into the requirements, skill profiles, and job opportunities in these or similar companies.

In addition, we offer webinars with company representatives, allowing for direct exchange and further insights into various career fields. In this way, we create a bridge between the academic world and the business sector.

Since 2022

To be Honest Career Real Talk for Researchers*

The To be Honest conference is a virtual space that promotes genuine exchange: Here, experts and peers share their experiences, valuable tips, and insider knowledge that you can’t simply find on Google.

In cooperation with the AlumNode network, alumni and network partners are the primary contributors, passing on their knowledge and enabling practical, in-depth discussions.

The format has become well-established and is highly sought after: Each year, over 1,000 participants register for the two-day conference, which has become an important resource for those who would otherwise have limited or no access to relevant career opportunities.

2023-2025

Rebranding Process

We were often confronted with the question of who exactly the “German Scholars” are – many still strongly associated the GSO with its original mission: bringing German researchers back to Germany.

But that was only partially true. By now, we had not only expanded our program portfolio but also had an increasingly international target audience.

After many discussions, meetings, a workshop, and a lot of colorful post-its, we completed our rebranding process at the beginning of 2025.

Especially in times of growing pressure on science and researchers, it is important for us to develop innovative, independent, and scalable solutions. These should not only benefit researchers but also help institutions and companies work together to drive change. Because it takes many partners to create real change.

Check out or current funding programs!