Dear early career researchers,
As you hopefully take some time to relax and recharge, we are already preparing for an exciting winter semester - and we look forward to welcoming you back to our workshops at Dahlem Research School. Workshop booking opens on September 17, 2025, at 12 noon - so mark your calendars and make sure you are ready in advance, as many sessions fill up quickly! => New to DRS?
Please register using your institutional email address (Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt - Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, or Universität Potsdam). You will receive a follow-up email to confirm your institutional membership - this step is required before you can book workshops.
Register here: https://www.drs.fu-berlin.de/user/register  => Already registered?
You will receive an email in mid August inviting you to confirm your continued institutional affiliation. Please complete this step to ensure your access to bookings.
Note: Any unused workshop days from the 2024/2025 academic year will expire. Also in this issue
→ DRS Podcast: Find below some handpicked episodes to accompany your break or inspire your next steps.
→ Spotlight on Research Integrity: New guidance document on acceptable text reuse practices 
→ Upcoming Workshops and Events: Don't miss our Open Door Talk “Doing your Doctorate at Freie Universität Berlin / Financing the Doctorate”!
→ Calls & Announcements: New Code of Conduct at Freie Universität Berlin We wish you a great rest of the summer and look forward to seeing you soon! 
Best wishes and take care,
Your DRS Team

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DRS Podcast "Navigating your Doctorate"

Take time this summer to listen, reflect, and recharge. These episodes offer insights and encouragement to support your path—whether you’re just starting, deep in research, or thinking about your future beyond the doctorate

Is a doctorate right for you?
Dr. Marlies Klamt guides listeners through essential reflections before embarking on a PhD. She encourages asking: “What motivates me? What am I willing to commit to?” This episode is perfect if you’re considering whether to start a doctorate or want to reaffirm your decision. https://blogs.fu-berlin.de/drs_podcast/2024/02/22/s02-episode-6-navigating-the-academic-crossroads-is-a-doctorate-right-for-you/  

Mental Health during the Doctorate 
Sandra Neumann, founder of Scholar Minds, talks about mental health strategies: early intervention, institutional support, and practical tips to sustain well-being throughout the PhD journey. A must-listen for maintaining resilience and balance. https://blogs.fu-berlin.de/drs_podcast/2023/06/26/s02-episode-3-mental-health-during-the-doctorate-with-scholar-minds/  

Applying your research to society – Transfer and Profund
Anna Figoluschka and Teresa Kollakowski from Profund Innovation show how you can transform your research into real-world impact. Whether through startups, collaborations, or technology transfer, this episode offers a roadmap for researchers in the mid-to-late stages of their PhD journey. https://blogs.fu-berlin.de/drs_podcast/2024/02/16/s02-episode-5/  

You need a high tolerance towards frustration
Dr. Ole Schulz-Trieglaff shares candid reflections on dealing with setbacks and impasses during doctoral work, emphasizing that “getting stuck is normal; the point is making your way out again.” An honest and encouraging listen for anyone facing challenges in their research. https://blogs.fu-berlin.de/drs_podcast/2023/02/02/s01-episode-1-dr-ole-schulz-trieglaff/  

The Dahlem Research School podcast "Navigation your Doctorate" (https://blogs.fu-berlin.de/drs_podcast/) supports prospective and current doctoral researchers during their early career phase. It features expert interviews covering all stages of a doctorate and chats with winners of the supervisor award.

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Spotlight on Research Integrity

NEW GUIDANCE DOCUMENT on acceptable text reuse practices in academic writing (KowIn 2025)
URL: https://www.fu-berlin.de/sites/gwp/informationen/dokumente/textrecycling_KowIn_2025.pdf   

SAVE THE DATE: DAY OF GOOD RESEARCH PRACTICE on November 19
The highlight of the event will be the presentation of the Rosalind Franklin Award for Academic Integrity by the President. The GWP Day is open to the public and is aimed in particular at doctoral researchers from all disciplines, who can have their participation in the event recognised.
Date: November 19, 9am-5pm in the SupraFab building (room 201).
URL: https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/gwp/index.html

NEWS AROUND GOOD RESEARCH PRACTICE
https://www.fu-berlin.de/sites/drs/research-integrity/gwp-news/index.html

OPEN SCIENCE in the Berlin University Alliance
https://berlin-university-alliance.de/openx-initiative.

E-LEARNING MODULE ‘GOOD RESEARCH PRACTICE FOR DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS’
https://www.berlin-university-alliance.de/grp

UNIWIND'S OPEN SCIENCE GUIDE — A MUST-VISIT! (in German)
A glossary, FAQs and links to resources tailored for early career researchers and science managers. Perfect for understanding the benefits of Open Science! https://www.openscience.uniwind.org/.

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Upcoming Workshops and Events

Dahlem Research School offers an extensive workshop program, most of which is open to all doctoral researchers from the partner institutions of the Berlin University Alliance. Visit our booking platform and check the announcements:
→ www.drs.fu-berlin.de/course_list.

NEW USERS: Register with an institutional email address and confirm your membership.
REGISTERED USERS: Confirm your continued membership once a year.

DEEP SCIENCE FUTURE WITH AI: An Ideation Workshop for Producing a Better Tomorrow
In this workshop you will explore how AI can be brought to good use for society and individuals. You get to know entry-level methods for assessing use cases for AI and will be walked through your first “no code” prototype or paper sketch. Join us in shaping and reflecting this new wave of AI-based innovations.  
Date: September 2, on-site
URL: https://www.drs.fu-berlin.de/node/115106 

OPEN DOOR TALK “Doing your Doctorate at Freie Universität Berlin / Financing the Doctorate”
Date: 10 September 2025, 14:00-16:00 hrs / 2:00-4:00 pm Berlin time 
Format: online @ Dahlem Research School (Webex)
Language: English
URL: https://www.fu-berlin.de/sites/drs/offers/drs-open-door-talks/index.html 
Please pre-register if you want to receive the presentation after the event: https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/drs/offers/drs-open-door-talks/index.html 

SMOOTH SAILING – Staying Strong and Healthy Throughout Your Doctorate
How can you strengthen your well-being – especially in stressful times? The Mental Health Days support doctoral researchers with input on resilience, stress management, and relaxation. For greater calm in everyday life and clarity on your path to your doctorate.
Dates: September 10-11, 2025, on-site at Umwelt-Bildungszentrum Berlin, https://www.umwelt-bildungszentrum.de/
URL: https://programm.zewk.tu-berlin.de/de/events/019388f5-e0f8-7c15-81f2-2f2f85dc4355

ONE-ON-ONE CONSULTATION ON YOUR WRITING *NEW OFFER*
Bring a text written in English (maximum of approximately 7 pages) to the session, where it will be discussed with a professional and revised with a focus on overall structure, sentence construction, style and readability. 
Date: September 25, online, 45-minutes slots
URL: https://www.drs.fu-berlin.de/en/node/112509

ONLINE COMPETENCE TOOL
A self-assessment platform that helps doctoral researchers and postdocs identify and enhance interdisciplinary skills for diverse career paths.
https://www.berlin-university-alliance.de/en/commitments/promoting-talent/postdoc-academy/competence-tool/

Even if workshops are fully booked, please still register for the waiting list so that we can gauge the level of interest or need you have for the workshops. This helps us plan future sessions or make adjustments.
Also check for free places in the Berlin University Alliance's GRADUATE STUDIES SUPPORT PROGRAM 
→ www.berlin-university-alliance.de/en/commitments/promoting-talent/projekte/graduate-studies-support-program/list/
and explore Freie Universität Berlin’s further RESOURCES FOR DOCTORAL RESEARCHERS
→ https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/drs/offers/index.html.

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Calls & Announcements

NEW CODE OF CONDUCT AT FREIE UNIVERSITÄT BERLIN
The Academic Senate of Freie Universität Berlin has adopted a new Code of Conduct. Building on existing policies and statutes, the Code outlines shared values and binding standards for respectful and inclusive interaction across all areas of university life—studies, teaching, research, and administration. It emphasizes a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination, bullying, and violence, and promotes an environment of fairness, integrity, responsible leadership, and sustainability. 
URL: https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/universitaet/code-of-conduct/index.html

JPO PROGRAM (GERMAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT)
Description: 25 JPO positions available in international organizations including UN, World Bank, and others
Target group: Early-career professionals with strong academic backgrounds and international interest
Application deadline: August 17, 2025
URL: bit.ly/4fu1YnO 

EUROPAEUM BRUSSELS POLICY SEMINAR: STRATEGIC AUTONOMY NOW
Description: Policy seminar in Brussels exploring EU institutions and strategic autonomy, with visits to EU Parliament and Commission
Target group: Master’s & PhD students at a Europaeum member university
Date (event): October 14, 2025
Application deadline: August 29, 2025
URL: https://europaeum.org/call-for-applications-brussels-policy-seminar-inside-the-eu-system-strategic-autonomy-now/

ACADEMICS NACHWUCHSPREIS 2025
Description: Award for early-career researchers in all disciplines recognizing promising academic talent
Target group: Doctoral candidates and early-career postdocs
Application deadline: August 31, 2025
URL: https://www.academics.de/nachwuchspreis

PROMOTION – DISSERTATIONSWETTBEWERB VERLAG BARBARA BUDRICH PREIS
Kostenlose Veröffentlichung der Dissertation in einem der fünf Fachbereiche des Verlages (Erziehungswissenschaft, Gender Studies, Politikwissenschaft, Soziale Arbeit, Soziologie)
Bewerbungsfrist: 31.08.2025
Weitere Informationen: https://budrich.de/promotion-dissertationswettbewerb/

AUSSCHREIBUNG FÜR DIE JUNGE AKADEMIE | MAINZ
Das Nachwuchsförderungsprogramm der Akademie der Wissenschaften und der Literatur | Mainz für exzellente promovierte Forschende aller Disziplinen sowie Literatur- und Musikschaffende.
Bewerbungsschluss: 31. August 2025.
Beginn der Mitgliedschaft: April 2026
Weitere Informationen: www.adwmainz.de/junge-akademie

PROMOTIONSSTIPENDIUM DER HEINRICH BÖLL STIFTUNG 
Bewerbungsfrist: 1. September 2025
Weitere Informationen: https://www.boell.de/de/stipendium-promotion 

DAAD–KYOTO UNIVERSITY PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM TOWARDS SDGs (PPP JAPAN)
Description: Joint DAAD–Kyoto University program supporting short-term research stays for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers. Projects must contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and involve collaboration with Kyoto University or its partners.
Target group: Doctoral candidates and postdocs (within 5 years of PhD) at German institutions
Date (funding period): 2026–2028
Application deadline: September 1, 2025
URL: https://www.daad.de/de/infos-services-fuer-hochschulen/programme-der-projektfoerderung/detail/detail/ppp-joint-research-bilateral-collaboration/?pfp-id=57299799
Note: On the DAAD portal, select “Projektbezogener Personenaustausch Japan mit der Universität Kyoto ab 2026”. Applications to other PPP-Japan programs (e.g. JSPS) will not be accepted. Contact at Kyoto: Kyoto University Office of Research Acceleration (KURA).

ViCAS EARLY-CAREER FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME (Vienna Center for Advanced Studies)
Description: Interdisciplinary residential fellowships for researchers within eight years of their PhD, providing stipend, accommodation support, and workspace in Vienna
Target group: Early-career post-PhD researchers from any discipline
Date (fellowship): October 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
Application deadline: September 1, 2025
URL: https://vicas.univie.ac.at/call-early-career-fellows/

THE MARTIN BUBER SOCIETY OF FELLOWS IN THE HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES (Hebrew University of Jerusalem)
Description: Postdoctoral fellowships (up to four years) fostering interdisciplinary research and collaboration between outstanding scholars from Germany and Israel (or PhD from either country), with stipend and resident life in Jerusalem
Target group: Post-PhD humanities/social-sciences scholars (German or Israeli nationals or PhDs from Israeli/German universities)
Date (fellowship begins): October 1, 2026
Application deadline: September 4, 2025
URL: http://buberfellows.huji.ac.il/application

DFG AND STIFTERVERBAND SCIENCE COMMUNICATION AWARD 2026
Rewarding innovative and impactful science communication across all disciplines.
Target Group: Researchers at universities and non-university research institutions in Germany
Application Deadline: September 30, 2025
URL: https://www.dfg.de/de/gefoerderte-projekte/preistraeger-innen/communicator-preis

SCIENTIFIC WORKFLOWS: TOOLS AND TIPS 
Lecture series by Dr. Selina Baldauf for early-career researchers of all disciplines.
When? 3rd Thursday of a month (lecture period), 4pm - 5pm
Where? Online on Webex
Next event: in October, in the meantime, check out the vast collection of materials including videos and slides from past events: https://selinazitrone.github.io/tools_and_tips/  
URL: https://www.bcp.fu-berlin.de/en/graduiertenzentrum/promovierende/veranstaltungen/lecture-SB

3R CURRICULUM ON ETHICS AND PRACTICAL APPROACHES IN BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH
Current developments of new approaches in biomedical research along the 3Rs principle of “Replacement, Reduction and Refinement”, using interactive seminars as well as hands-on sessions.
Dates: basic seminars only, October 6th 10 am – 5 pm (course part I, workload: 0.4 ECTS-CP) OR
whole course week, October 6th-10th (course part I+II, workload: 2.5 ECTS-CP).
URL: https://charite3r.charite.de/en/education/3r_curriculum/

DOCTORAL PROGRAMS AT FREIE UNIVERSITÄT BERLIN
(Annual) Calls for doctoral places, doctoral positions and/or fellowships
https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/drs/doctorate/structured-or-individual/drs_programs

DOCTORAL SCHOLARSHIPS
A selection of the most important institutions that award doctoral scholarships
https://www.fu-berlin.de/en/sites/drs/funding/grants/index.html

FORSCHUNGSPREISE (in German)
www.fu-berlin.de/forschung/service/foerderung/informationen/preise

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Please send your questions and comments to: skills@drs.fu-berlin.de

Dahlem Research School (DRS)
Hittorfstr. 16
14195 Berlin
+49 30 838 620 61
www.fu-berlin.de/drs

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