To Be Honest Conference for Researchers
tbh 2026: Save the Date!
When: December 3 & 4, 2026
Where: Online via Zoom
Registration: Opens in September 2026
Who it is for?
- Researchers with a PhD or close to finishing one, including postdocs, group leaders, or professors;
- Professionals and decision-makers from academic institutions, funding bodies, or research policy.
What to expect?
- Peer exchange and expert advice
- Honest discussions about real challenges
- Concrete ideas and takeaways
- A supportive, cross-disciplinary community
While the focus is on the German research system, the questions, challenges, and perspectives discussed resonate far beyond.
Previous Editions
Navigating Uncertainty in Academia & beyond
The fourth edition tackled core questions of navigating research in an uncertain world, from short-term contracts and constant transitions to global instability and career planning, covering topics like coping with career insecurity, financial fitness, academic networking, entrepreneurship, LinkedIn for researchers, and effective grant strategies.
The Future of Academia: Hands-On Ideas and What Can Be Done Today
The 2024 edition tackled central career questions: the future of academia, fixed-term contracts, barriers to advancement, authentic visibility, career strategies in the humanities and social sciences, employer expectations beyond academia, and how selection committees make decisions.
Inconvenient Truths in Academia and How to Deal with Them
Topics in 2023 included academic career steps and leadership roles, transitions beyond academia, navigating German bureaucracy, building visibility and networks, balancing research with personal life, and the use of digital tools and AI in research.
Myth Busting & Career Advice
The first edition in 2022 centered on myth-busting around grants and publications, careers beyond academia, starting out as a group leader in Germany, academic politics, discrimination and power abuse, and good mentorship. It also offered practical career advice and tips for navigating the academic system.
Have questions about the conference or suggestions for future topics? We would be happy to hear from you.
Contact:
Sofia Gutium