Scholars at Risk | Germany Section | NRW Group

 
March

 17-03-2025 – “The German Social Security System” (University of Düsseldorf)

Germany has a reputation for having one of the best social security systems in the world. At its core, the social security system is based on five pillars: health insurance, long-term care insurance, pension insurance, unemployment insurance and accident insurance.

But how does the system actually work? Which insurances are available for international researchers? What differences apply to researchers with a work contract and those with a scholarship? What are the benefits of statutory health insurance? What do you need to consider when seeing a doctor? Which additional private insurances are beneficial for international researchers? All these questions will be addressed in this information session. Furthermore, the event will provide time to address participants' individual questions.

Dr. Sigrun Wegener-Feldbrügge (JUNO)
Online Seminar: 17-03-2025;  4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

April

 24-04-2025/08-05-2025 – “Innovate to Impact - Transforming Research and Ideas Into Real-World Solutions" (University of Bochum)

Worldfactory, the Transfer & Entrepreneurship Hub of Ruhr University Bochum is excited to invite international researchers to an upcoming two-part workshop series: “Innovate to Impact - Transforming Research and Ideas Into Real-World Solutions”. This interactive event is designed to assist participants explore entrepreneurship as a possible additional career path and learn how to transform research finding and ideas into tangible solutions.

✅ Discover how to turn research findings and ideas into a potential startup idea

✅ Mutually learn from and exchange experiences with science-/research based startups from Ruhr University Bochum

✅ Explore funding and grant opportunities for research-driven entrepreneurship

✅ Participate in a hands-on design thinking session to explore potential ideas

✅ Connect with like-minded peers and expand your professional network
 

Worldfactory International
24-04-2025/08-05-2025;  5:30 – 7:30 p.m., RUB-Makerspace, University of Bochum

May

19-05-2025 – “German taxes in a nutshell” (University of Düsseldorf)

Depending on their source of income, international researchers living in Germany can be subject to German income tax. This information session will give an overview of the most important aspects of the German income tax for expats and try to tackle the most common questions arising such as: Do I have to pay income taxes? Do I need to make an income tax declaration? When do l have to file my tax return and how? Do I also have to pay taxes in my home country?

A Q&A session will be allocated at the end so as to tend to your personal questions. You are most welcome to send in any specific questions or areas you are interested in prior to the session.

Dr. Sigrun Wegener-Feldbrügge (JUNO)
Online Seminar: 19-05-2025;  4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

June

 17-06-2025  –  “The German academic landscape for internationals” (University of Düsseldorf)

A variety of institutions with diverse objectives and interests characterize the German research landscape. In this seminar, participants will learn about the German higher education system, non-university research institutions as well as possible entry positions and funding opportunities for international junior scientists. In addition, the seminar will also present career prospects beyond research positions.

Dr. Uta Brunner
Online seminar: 17-06-2025; 11 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. 

 
September

18/19-09-2025 “Applying for Jobs in Germany“ (RWTH Aachen)

This two-afternoon webinar will focus on improving application skills for careers in science, economy and public administration. The sessions provide orientation on job searching within these fields and strategies based on career interests. Participants will receive guidance on creating personal profiles that highlight their motivation, qualifications, and unique strengths. The event will also cover the written application process, emphasizing key elements of a successful application and effective presentation formats. Finally, guidance will be provided on the job interview process, including typical and critical questions to help participants respond confidently.

Dr. Andreas Stützer 
Online Seminar; 18/19-09-2025;  2 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

 
October

15-09-2025 “Proposal Writing & Navigating the German Research Funding Landscape“
(University of Cologne)

Securing research funding is a crucial step in establishing your academic career in Germany. For scholars new to the German academic system, understanding the funding landscape can be a significant challenge. This workshop is specifically designed for at-risk scholars in NRW to demystify the process of applying for third-party funding in Germany.

While proposal success rates can seem low, this practical workshop will equip you with the strategic knowledge to turn a good idea into a funded project. We will focus on the unique expectations of German funding agencies and the unspoken rules of the review process. You will learn not only what makes a proposal strong, but also how to avoid the common pitfalls that cause good researchers to be unsuccessful.

Key Takeaways

You will leave this workshop with:

• Actionable insights into what reviewers and panels at German funding agencies expect to see in a research proposal.
• Practical tools including detailed examples of compelling proposal sections and a strategic checklist and timeline to guide your writing.
• A clear understanding of the review process and how to give yourself the best possible chance of success in a competitive environment.

This workshop aims to empower you with the confidence, knowledge, and tools needed to successfully secure research funding and advance your career in Germany.

Marc Abernathy
Online Seminar; 15-09-2025;  9 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

 
November

06-11-2025 “Intercultural Insights: Getting to know Germany“ (University of Cologne)

Collaboration in international teams is nowadays essential in everyday working life at a higher education institution. Teamwork in an intercultural setting can be rewarding and bring innovation but can also come with barriers and challenges. This interactive workshop is aimed at international employees, doctoral candidates, researchers etc. who want to learn about, reflect on and expand their intercultural skills. The workshop will teach participants about general and culture-specific similarities and differences, both in theory and through practical case studies and active exercises. The aim of the workshop is – in addition to personal development – to recognise possible intercultural barriers when dealing with people from different cultures and to further develop one's own skills in the workplace.

Nicole Conde, Daniela Simut
University of Cologne International House, Kingsweg 6;  06-11-2025;  2 p.m. - 4 p.m.