Learning & Development | Workshops and Events
Workshops for career development in the summer semester 2026
For all postdoctoral researchers, junior research group leaders and junior and tenure-track professors
Our workshops and offers are targeted at postdoctoral researchers, who are on their way to a professorship as well as those who think about a non-academic career paths. Even if you are not sure yet whether you want to leave academia, we offer the support and space for you to recognize and promote your potential and we accompany you in your career decisions. Our offers are designed to support you in the preparation for future positions in research, industry and in political, social or other institutions. We want to enable you to meet the following goals:
- career orientation and decision making
- development of management and leadership skills
- qualification for leadership positions
- increasing your chances in job applications
With Learning & Development’s workshop offers, we support your career development for your professional future inside and outside of academia.
You will find detailed descriptions of all workshops in HISinOne when you register.
Management, Leadership & Health
As a Postdoc, you’ve likely encountered inappropriate behavior in academic settings—whether subtle microaggressions or more overt harassment. This practical online course equips you with concrete tools to respond effectively, from verbal countering techniques to an “emergency kit” of strategies for real-world situations. Through hands-on exercises using your own experiences, you’ll practice responses that build confidence and clarity, ensuring you’re never left speechless again. Whether you want to prevent uncomfortable situations or handle them with greater assurance, this training gives you the skills to advocate for yourself with determination.
| Dates: | Tue., 19.05.2026, 1:30 p.m.–4:30 p.m. |
| Trainer: | Dr. Simone Cardoso de Oliveira |
| Location: | Online via ZOOM |
| Language: | English |
Academic life demands resilience, but how can you thrive rather than just survive in this high-pressure environment? This blended learning series offers practical tools to help you regulate stress and set healthy boundaries through evidence-based mindfulness and self-compassion techniques. You’ll learn how to cultivate presence in challenging moments, develop healthier responses to self-criticism, and approach your work with greater focus and motivation. Through a combination of live sessions and flexible digital resources, you’ll discover ways to integrate these practices into your daily routine, empowering you to navigate your academic career with balance and mental strength.
| Dates: | Tue., 09.06.2026, 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Tue., 16.06.2026, 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Tue., 23.06.2026, 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. Tue., 30.06.2026, 2:30 p.m.–3:30 p.m. |
| Trainer: | Dr. Sybille Hüfner |
| Location: | Online via ZOOM |
| Language: | English |
This workshop is designed for postdoctoral researchers who want to optimize their project management skills. Participants will gain insights into various aspects of project management, including roles, project phases, milestones and communication within a project, furthermore risk analysis, stumbling blocks, project teams and agile methodologies like Scrum. The workshop aims to enable researchers to efficiently manage projects with the tools and achieve long-term success by effectively planning, implementing, and integrating project results.
| Date: | Thu., 18.06.2026, 09:00 a.m.–05:00 p.m. Fri., 19.06.2026, 09:00 a.m.–05:00 p.m. |
| Trainer: | Claudia von Schultzendorff |
| Location: | Freiburg Research Services, Friedrichstraße 41–43, Seminar Room 02 003 (2nd floor) |
| Language: | English |
As a female postdoc, you know the challenges of making your voice heard in academia—whether in negotiations, leadership, or simply claiming your space. This program helps you refine your communication, build confidence, and navigate academic structures with authenticity and strategic influence. Through hands-on exercises and peer feedback, you’ll learn to shape decisions through dialogue, handle resistance constructively, and tell compelling stories that inspire action. Register to the course to strengthen your presence, overcome barriers, and lead with the impact you deserve.
| Dates: | Mon., 06.07.2026, 09:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (in person) Mon., 03.08.2026, 09:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. (online) |
| Trainer: | Jasmina Hasanbegovic |
| Location: | In person (06.07.): Freiburg Research Services, Friedrichstraße 41–43, Seminar Room 02 003 (2nd floor) Online (03.08.) via ZOOM |
| Language: | English |
Unconscious categorisations, stereotypes and simplifications often influence our decisions and interactions in the scientific environment more than we realise. This anti-bias workshop offers you the opportunity to sharpen your awareness of cognitive distortions (unconscious bias) that can lead to erroneous unconscious (pre)judgements and decisions – and, in the worst case, to discrimination. You will also learn about the origins and effects of prejudice and discrimination. Through theoretical input, discussions and individual work, you will reflect on your own perceptions, norms and values and learn to develop power-sensitive and bias-conscious behaviours. This workshop offers you the chance to strengthen your ability to think critically about discrimination and thus contribute to a more inclusive and fairer working environment.
| Date: | Wed., 15.07.2026, 09:00 –13:00 Uhr |
| Trainer: | Felix Wittenzeller |
| Location: | Freiburg Research Services, Friedrichstraße 41–43, Seminar Room 02 003 (2nd floor) |
| Language: | English |
AI is transforming academia, and as a professor/ postdoc researcher/research group leader/digital transformation officer you’re at the forefront of this change—whether in research, teaching, or collaboration. This workshop equips you with the mindset and tools to lead digital transformation in your team, balancing innovation with ethical responsibility and human-centered leadership. Through interactive exercises and real-world academic cases, you’ll learn to navigate resistance, foster psychological safety, and communicate change with clarity and empathy. Register to the course to turn uncertainty into curiosity and shape the future of your research group with confidence.
| Dates: | Mon., 20.07.2026, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Wed., 22.07.2026, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Wed, 05.08.2026, 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. |
| Trainer: | Jasmina Hasanbegovic |
| Location: | Online via ZOOM |
| Language: | English |
Orientation & Career Planning
Are you a doctoral candidate or postdoc and new to the German research system? This workshop offers a comprehensive overview of the German Research System, designed for non-German researchers eager to navigate the unique landscape of German academia. You will gain insights into essential terms such as Juniorprofessor, Tenure Track Professor, Habilitation, Akademischer Mittelbau, Beamter and Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, understanding their implications for your career and interactions with supervisors, directors, and administration. By the end of this seminar, you will comprehend the structure of the German research system, the steps required to pursue a career in German academia, and the associated risks and benefits. Demystify the German academic environment by applying to this workshop.
| Date: | Wed., 17.06.2026, 9:30 a.m.–12:30 noon |
| Trainer: | Dr. Matthias Schwarzkopf |
| Location: | Online via ZOOM |
| Language: | English |
As a doctoral or postdoctoral researcher in Germany, you know how complex and opaque the academic career path can be—especially for international scholars. This interactive 90-minute session provides a clear roadmap with seven key steps to navigate the German academic system with confidence. You’ll gain practical insights to recognize opportunities, strengthen your professional agency, and make informed decisions about your career trajectory. Whether you’re planning your next steps or seeking clarity about the academic landscape, this workshop will help you approach your career development with greater strategy and purpose.
Use your lunch break for your professional development—compact, practical, and inspiring!
| Dates: | Wed., 01.07.2026, 12:00 noon–1:30 p.m. |
| Trainer: | Mirjam Müller |
| Location: | Online via ZOOM |
| Language: | English |
Der Weg zur Professur ist voller Ungewissheiten – doch eine frühzeitige strategische Planung kann Ihnen Klarheit und Sicherheit geben. In diesem Workshop lernen Sie, welche entscheidenden Schritte Sie in der Postdoc-Phase gehen sollten, um Ihre Karriere im deutschen Wissenschaftssystem gezielt voranzubringen. Sie erhalten wertvolle Einblicke in Berufungsverfahren, Priorisierung von Kriterien und die Suche nach passenden Betreuer*innen oder Arbeitsgruppen. Durch praktische Übungen und Selbstreflexion entwickeln Sie einen konkreten Plan, der Ihre Stärken nutzt und mögliche Risiken minimiert.
| Date: | Di., 07.07.2026, 09:00–16:00 Uhr |
| Trainer: | Dr. Matthias Schwarzkopf |
| Location: | Online via ZOOM |
| Language: | Deutsch |
Communication & Presentation
Der Kurs ist Teil des neuen Qualifizierungsprogramms WisskomQ. Es hat zum Ziel, Forschende aller Disziplinen und Karrierephasen umfassend in ihrer Wissenschaftskommunikation zu stärken. Es vermittelt dafür wesentliches Wissen und vielfältige praktische Fertigkeiten. Teilnehmende, die das gesamte WisskomQ-Programm durchlaufen (2 Grundlagenmodule, 3 Erweiterungsmodule), erhalten das Zertifikat WisskomQ der Universität Freiburg. Wenn Sie Interesse haben, am gesamten WisskomQ-Programm teilnehmen, kontaktieren Sie bitte kommunikation@zv.uni-freiburg.de
Postdocs aller Disziplinen und aller Karrierephasen erhalten in diesem eintägigen Grundlagenworkshop I eine umfassende Einführung in die Welt der Wissenschaftskommunikation. Sie erfahren nicht nur, was Wissenschaftskommunikation ausmacht, warum sie wichtig ist und welche rechtlichen Grundlagen zu beachten sind, sondern auch, wie Sie sich auf anspruchsvolle Kommunikationssituationen vorbereiten können, beispielsweise für Interviews oder den Umgang mit schwierigen Fragen. Nach dem Kurs werden Sie in der Lage sein, in verschiedenen medialen Umfeldern souverän und sicher aufzutreten sowie komplexe Sachverhalte einfach zu erklären. Außerdem werden Sie wissen, welche Angebote und Strukturen die Universität Freiburg im Bereich Wissenschaftskommunikation bereitstellt.
| Date: | Di., 28.04.2026, 09:00–16:00 Uhr |
| Trainer: | Robert Kötter | TwentyOne Skills |
| Location: | Seminarraum der Freiburg Research Services, Friedrichstraße 41–43, 2. OG |
| Language: | Deutsch |
As a doctoral or postdoctoral researcher, your ability to communicate your work clearly and confidently can open doors to collaborations, funding, and career opportunities. This workshop helps you craft a compelling elevator pitch and refine your presentation skills using techniques from theater and communication training. You’ll learn how to make complex ideas accessible, project confidence through body language and voice, and overcome nervousness when speaking about your research. Whether you’re networking at a conference or pitching your work to potential collaborators, you’ll leave with the tools to make a strong, authentic impression.
| Date: | Mon., 04.05.2026, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. |
| Trainer: | Francesca Carlin |
| Location: | Freiburg Research Services, Friedrichstraße 41–43, Seminar Room 02 003 (2nd floor) |
| Language: | English |
Der Kurs ist Teil des neuen Qualifizierungsprogramms WisskomQ. Es hat zum Ziel, Forschende aller Disziplinen und Karrierephasen umfassend in ihrer Wissenschaftskommunikation zu stärken. Es vermittelt dafür wesentliches Wissen und vielfältige praktische Fertigkeiten. Teilnehmende, die das gesamte WisskomQ-Programm durchlaufen (2 Grundlagenmodule, 3 Erweiterungsmodule), erhalten das Zertifikat WisskomQ der Universität Freiburg. Wenn Sie Interesse haben, am gesamten WisskomQ-Programm teilnehmen, kontaktieren Sie bitte kommunikation@zv.uni-freiburg.de
Wie können Sie Ihre Forschungsergebnisse so visualisieren, dass sie nicht nur Fachpublikationen bereichern, sondern auch in Medien und Öffentlichkeit wirken? Dieser Kurs vertieft Ihre Fähigkeiten, wissenschaftliche Inhalte durch anschauliche Grafiken, Videos und andere Visualisierungen zu vermitteln – von der Planung bis zur Umsetzung. Sie lernen, wie Sie komplexe Daten in überzeugende visuelle Geschichten verwandeln und welche Techniken für Datenjournalismus und Wissenschaftskommunikation besonders geeignet sind. Durch praktische Übungen und Feedback entwickeln Sie ein Gespür dafür, wie Sie Ihre Forschung anschaulich und wirkungsvoll präsentieren – ob in Publikationen, Vorträgen oder digitalen Formaten.
| Date: | Do., 28.05.2026, 09:00–16:30 Uhr |
| Trainer: | Robert Kötter | TwentyOne Skills |
| Location: | Online via ZOOM |
| Language: | Deutsch |
Als Forscher*innen wissen Sie, wie wichtig es ist, komplexe Inhalte verständlich und ansprechend zu vermitteln – sei es in Präsentationen, Publikationen oder der Lehre. Dieser Workshop zeigt Ihnen, wie Sie mit Sketchnotes, also visuellen Notizen und Skizzen, Ihre Forschungsthemen auf den Punkt bringen und gleichzeitig Ihre eigenen Gedanken strukturieren können. Durch praktische Übungen lernen Sie, wie Sie mit einfachen Zeichentechniken Zusammenhänge veranschaulichen und Ihre Inhalte klarer kommunizieren – ob für eigene Reflexionen oder für die Vermittlung an andere. Ob für Tagungsbeiträge, Lehre oder die eigene Konzeptentwicklung: Sie erhalten Werkzeuge, um Ihre Ideen visuell zu entwickeln und Feedback zu erhalten.
| Date: | Mo., 15.06.2026, 09:00-12:00 Uhr Di., 16.06.2026, 09:00-12:00 Uhr |
| Trainer: | Eva-Maria Schumacher |
| Location: | Online via ZOOM |
| Language: | Deutsch |
Der Kurs ist Teil des neuen Qualifizierungsprogramms WisskomQ. Es hat zum Ziel, Forschende aller Disziplinen und Karrierephasen umfassend in ihrer Wissenschaftskommunikation zu stärken. Es vermittelt dafür wesentliches Wissen und vielfältige praktische Fertigkeiten. Teilnehmende, die das gesamte WisskomQ-Programm durchlaufen (2 Grundlagenmodule, 3 Erweiterungsmodule), erhalten das Zertifikat WisskomQ der Universität Freiburg. Wenn Sie Interesse haben, am gesamten WisskomQ-Programm teilnehmen, kontaktieren Sie bitte kommunikation@zv.uni-freiburg.de
Wie präsentieren Sie Ihre Forschung überzeugend, wenn Ihr Publikum nicht aus Expert*innen besteht? Dieser Kurs vertieft Ihre Fähigkeiten, wissenschaftliche Inhalte allgemeinverständlich und ansprechend aufzubereiten – ob für Medien, Politik oder die interessierte Öffentlichkeit. Sie üben verschiedene Vortragsformate wie Science Slams oder TED-Talks und lernen, auch unerwartete Fragen souverän zu beantworten. Durch praktische Übungen und Feedback entwickeln Sie eine klare, prägnante und anschauliche Art der Wissensvermittlung. Der Kurs stärkt Ihre kommunikativen Kompetenzen, um Ihre Forschung einer breiteren Öffentlichkeit zugänglich zu machen.
| Date: | Do., 30.07.2026, 09:00–16:30 Uhr |
| Trainer: | Robert Kötter | TwentyOne Skills |
| Location: | Seminarraum der Freiburg Research Services, Friedrichstraße 41–43, 2. OG |
| Language: | Deutsch |
Research practice & Research Funding
As a postdoc in the natural or life sciences, writing a compelling grant proposal can feel like navigating a maze – especially when you’re just starting out. This hands-on workshop will guide you through developing your research idea into a structured, fundable project, from crafting a clear work plan to aligning it with funding requirements. Through practical exercises and feedback, you’ll learn how to communicate complex ideas in a way that resonates with reviewers, turning uncertainty into confidence. Whether you’re new to grant writing or looking to refine your skills, this session will give you the tools to make your next proposal stand out.
| Date: | Mon., 11.05.2026, 9:00 a.m.–12:30 noon Tue., 12.05.2026, 9:00 a.m.–12:30 noon Mon., 18.05.2026, 9:00 a.m.–12:30 noon Tue., 19.05.2026, 9:00 a.m.–12:30 noon |
| Trainer: | Sabine Preusse |
| Location: | Online via ZOOM |
| Language: | English |
As a postdoc, finding focused time to advance your writing projects can be challenging – but this structured day offers just that. Whether you’re working on a journal article, grant proposal, or book chapter, you’ll have dedicated time to make meaningful progress in a distraction-free environment. The supportive atmosphere allows you to connect with peers at a similar career stage, sharing experiences and building networks while staying productive. Bring your current project or a new idea, and leave with clearer goals, fresh momentum, and a writing routine you can use again.
| Date: | Tue., 21.07.2026, 8:30 a.m.–6:00 p.m. |
| Trainer: | Dr. Cita Wetterich |
| Location: | FRIAS conference Room |
| Language: | English |
Individual Consulting
As a doctoral graduate, you are faced with the question of how to successfully apply your academic expertise in the non-university working world. In an individual consultation, you can clarify your goals, sharpen your profile, develop strategies for your application, or have your documents reviewed – tailored to your needs and in your preferred language. Whether you want to find out about career fields, optimize your documents, or simply gain clarity about your next steps, you will receive professional support that will give you more confidence in your career decisions. Take advantage of this opportunity to discover your potential and shape your path into the professional world.
| Dates: | Fr., 08.05.2026 • 09:00–09:45 a.m. • 09:45–10:30 a.m. • 10:30–11:15 a.m. • 11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m. • 12:15–01:00 p.m. • 02:00–02:45 p.m. • 02:45–03:30 p.m. • 03:45–04:30 p.m. (45 minutes per individual session) |
| Trainer: | Claudia von Schultzendorff | von Schultzendorff Academy |
| Location: | GDaPE meeting room, Rheinstr. 10, Room 02 006 (2nd floor) |
| Language: | English, German or Spanish |
As a postdoc in a leadership position, you know the challenges: whether it’s leading your team effectively, setting clear goals, or finding the balance between responsibility and your own workload. Our individual leadership consulting (90 min.) offers you the opportunity to reflect on your leadership skills in a targeted manner and develop concrete strategies for complex leadership situations. Whether you are new to the role or have many years of experience, you will receive tailored support to improve your communication and sharpen your leadership strategy. Learn how to better reach your team, overcome resistance, and act with greater clarity and confidence.
Preparation for coaching: Please prepare a specific situation from your everyday leadership work that you would like to discuss and work on intensively.
| Dates: | Fr., 26.06.2026 • 09:00–10:30 a.m. • 10:45 a.m.–12:15 p.m. • 01:15–02:45 p.m. • 03:00–04:30 p.m. (90 minutes per individual session) |
| Trainer: | Claudia von Schultzendorff | von Schultzendorff Academy |
| Location: | GDaPE meeting room, Rheinstr. 10, Raum 02 006 (2nd floor) |
| Language: | English, German or Spanish |