Our Mission

We support researchers at critical turning points in their careers - where orientation is often lacking and key decisions are made. That is exactly where we come in: through guidance, community building, and impact-oriented programs. We have been doing this for over 20 years, driven by a strong belief: researchers have enormous potential to shape and advance society.
»GSO ensures that scientific talents who would like to do research and work in Germany receive professional advice and access to networks. GSO is majorly engaged and successful in this area, as is its innovative approach.«
Prof. Dr. Heike Graßmann, State Secretary in the Saxon Ministry of Science, Culture and Tourism
»The mission of GSO makes a difference! The encouragement to be confident in one's own skills is truly empowering.«
Dr. Bettina Hieronimus, Researcher at Max Rubner-Institute, Karlsruhe, Germany
»I believe that GSO‘s mission to gain a deeper understanding of international brain circulation and to translate this knowledge into programs and individual support is timely and important.«
Daniel H. Wagner, Network Development German-American Fulbright Commission
»I’m really impressed by GSO’s innovative programs, the way they facilitate interdisciplinary networking and that they are so dynamically close to the realities of young researchers’ working and private lives.«
Dr. Marcel Pawlowski, Schwarzschild Fellow at Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP)

This is what we do:

As an independent non-profit organization, we provide researchers with guidance on career paths and leadership development, connect them across sectors, and support interdisciplinary and also higher-risk research. GSO helps researchers explore their options and take the next step – within or beyond academia.

For research institutions, we offer workshops, consulting, and facilitation to help strengthen talent development and advance programs and structures.

We connect companies with a largely untapped talent pool and provide a platform for job opportunities and employer branding.

This is what we stand for:

1. Impact starts with people
GSO strengthens researchers so they can take responsibility and create impact in science, the economy, and society.

2. We are there when it matters
We support researchers at the critical points in their careers – where orientation is lacking and key decisions are made.

3. We enable strong profiles, leadership, and networks
We help researchers develop independent profiles, shape their careers, take on leadership, and build networks across disciplines and sectors.

4. We close a key gap in the system
While many programs fund research, we support the people behind it: in career development, leadership, and new perspectives.

5. We connect individual development with systemic impact
We empower researchers while also supporting the development of structures and programs.

Three people sitting and standing around a table in an office and talking

 

Photo Credit:

  • Heike Graßmann: Franziska Werner/UFZ
  • Leadership Academy: Cherie Birkner