Freiburg Postdoctoral Academy
Freiburg Postdoctoral Academy
The Freiburg Postdoctoral Academy (FPA) is a newly established structure at the University of Freiburg (UFR) that aims to promote national and international postdocs active in the university’s three key research areas: Pathways to Sustainability, Languages of Knowledge and Signals of Life. The FPA brings together exceptional young scientists from Freiburg and the world to foster cross-disciplinary and multidisciplinary dialogue and cooperation and to provide career opportunities. FPA members collaborate on joint research projects and publications, organize scientific conferences and workshops, and engage with the general public. Importantly, FPA members are allocated a group budget, which they manage independently, without external influence. While they remain affiliated with and based at their respective institutions, they meet regularly at FRIAS, giving them the opportunity to interact more closely and strengthen their collaborations.
Organization
The FPA was created as a result of the success of the Young Academy for Sustainability Research (YAS). The YAS has been instrumental in boosting the careers of several talented postdocs, as well as in advancing research in the field of sustainability. Wishing to expand this model to include the university’s two other key research areas, the University of Freiburg and FRIAS created the FPA.
The FPA consists of three sections, each reflecting one of the key research areas of the University of Freiburg:
(1) Pathways to Sustainability
(2) Languages of Knowledge
(3) Signals of Life
Each section consists of postdocs from Freiburg (50%) and abroad (50%). FPA members are selected through a competitive, international, and quality-focused selection process. The last member cohort for the section ‘Signals of Life’ is planned to begin in 2027.
Benefits
- High degree of autonomy and creative freedom
- Access to a wide range of international networks and research groups
- Peer mentoring and opportunities for networking with like-minded scientists
- Contribution to and engagement with a vibrant international and interdisciplinary research community
- Group budget for joint projects with other FPA members, as well as a personal research budget for individual research activities
- Support for joint research projects through FPA coordination and the FRIAS administration
- Reimbursement of travel and accommodation costs for quarterly meetings and research stays at FRIAS during the membership