To be Honest-Conference - Career Real Talk for Researchers
*To Be Honest – Career Real Talk for Researchers
A virtual conference for researchers navigating the German academic system
*To Be Honest is an annual virtual conference that creates space for honest conversations about academic careers. Researchers from all disciplines come together with peers, experts, and decision-makers to share what usually remains unsaid—experiences, strategies, and informal knowledge that often surface only in private chats or off-the-record moments.
The conference covers career-relevant topics ranging from structural challenges in academia to personal visibility, career transitions, and practical know-how—from funding to hiring processes. While the focus is on the German research system, the questions, challenges, and perspectives discussed resonate far beyond.
Who is it for?
Researchers with a PhD or close to finishing one—whether you’re a postdoc, a new group leader, or a professor. Professionals and decision-makers from academic institutions, funding bodies, or research policy are also welcome.
What to expect:
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Peer exchange and expert advice
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Candid discussions about real challenges
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Concrete ideas and takeaways
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A supportive, cross-disciplinary community
The Future of Academia: Hands-On Ideas and What Can Be Done Today
The Opening Session set the tone for two days of honest and transformative discussions, while speakers emphasized the importance of creating a positive vision for academia while confronting systemic challenges, encouraging active engagement and collaboration, while the wrap ups summarized the key learnings and actionable strategies participants could take with them….
…. while the Close-Up Session of the To Be Honest Conference 2024 was a reflective conclusion with takeaways and a space to digest insights from the event.
Day 2 began with a sense of anticipation and purpose. For many researchers, the academic journey can feel like an uphill climb—isolating, uncertain, and competitive. But as the To Be Honest Conference made clear, it doesn’t have to be.
At the sessions, speakers gathered to discuss challenges they rarely talk about out loud: visibility, career shifts, and the hidden processes of academic hiring. It wasn’t just about airing frustrations but finding tools, perspectives, and connections to move forward.
To Be Honest-Conference 2023: Envisioning Future
Our conference helped participants to
- envision a clearer path towards future success,
- manage expectations about immediate next steps, and
- make their voice heard.
Get access to our latest article with all learnings, recordings, and tips from the speakers.
An Honest Exchange with Experts from Academia & beyond
Our speakers were peers and experts who know about the challenges of the (German) academic system first-hand. They openly shared their experiences and learnings, and were also there to listen the audience’s ideas and suggestions.
Get access to our latest article with all learnings, recordings, and tips from the speakers.
Our Partners
The tbh-conference is supported by AlumNode – Your network by Klaus Tschira Stiftung and possible by funding from the foundation Klaus Tschira Stiftung.
