Lunch Talks and Series
Our Lunch Talks provide a flexible way to learn and reflect during the day. You can join while having lunch, take a short break, or even participate while working. Some sessions are interactive, allowing you to ask questions and engage with the speaker. Topics are practical and relevant for work or everyday life.
The 2026 series focuses on mental health in the workplace, offering strategies to manage daily tasks effectively and maintain well-being. Each session aims to support participants in feeling balanced, resilient, and productive. Lunch Talks are held online from 12:00 to 13:00. Access links are sent to registered participants shortly before each event.
Registration is required to participate. Join us to gain insights, take a moment for yourself, and connect with peers in a supportive environment.
Lunch Talk Series: Under Pressure – Well(being) at Work
Date: Monday 26.01.2026 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Francesca Carlin
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/ff2772d6c718aa77a4904e7a59d5c394-1530952
Boundaries are deeply personal, and everyone decides their own limits. In this lunchtime talk we’ll reflect on how power dynamics in the university shape our experiences and when “enough is enough”. We’ll also share university resources and ways to explore options if challenges arise, and ideas for supporting yourself.
The Talk will include:
– a PDF of the information on the slides
– Resource list that also includes book recommendations
Date: Wednesday 11.03.2026 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Dr. David Willmes (GraCe)
Hilfe bei Krisen und Konflikten und Koordination des zentralen Ombudsverfahrens für Promovierende und Betreuende
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/0d481fd76ed29bdf05185d7b0fa09e38-1535951
Originally conceived as an evidence-based therapeutic approach, ACT has been extended to various other non-clinical settings (known here as acceptance and commitment training). No matter where ACT is applied, its interventions are based on a groundbreaking insight: we don’t have to control difficult thoughts and feelings before we can change our lives. Rather, trying to control those thoughts and feelings is part of the problem, as we easily get hooked by them. To illustrate this basic psychological process, a model called “choice point” is introduced. Finally, we will do an exercise that can help you develop an alternative attitude towards internal challenges, to unhook from difficult thoughts and feelings–and move forward on your path to a fulfilling life.
In this Lunch Talk, you are asked to join a task to implement an exercise. Please have paper and pen ready.
Date: Wednesday 20.05.2026 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Maike Busson-Spielberger (Uniklinik FR)
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/7dd194ede3e68a65944bb4b355145c84-1530962
Sie lernen im Lunch Talk mit Maike Busson-Spielberger den Begriff Mikropolitik anhand des Modells von Prof. Daniela Rastetter kennen. Was haben Emotionen, Networking und mein Verhältnis zur Macht mit Mikropolitik zu tun und wie beeinflussen sie meinen Alltag und meine Karriere in der Hochschule?
Date: tba (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: tba
Registration:
Date: 12.11.26 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Prof. Kathrin Wünsch
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/1a7062ca5daa1fdadc39b539ee4f387e-1531838
Female scientists pursuing doctoral degrees and postdoctoral studies often find themselves caught between high performance expectations, time pressure, and constant stress. Mental health often only becomes a focus once stress has already become noticeable—and recommendations such as “exercise more” seem hardly feasible in everyday life.
This Lunch Talk shows in a scientifically manner and practical way how even small amounts of exercise can help reduce stress and promote mental health. The focus is on realistic approaches that can be integrated into everyday working life without additional time pressure. The aim is to arouse curiosity, open up new perspectives, and show feasible ways of using exercise as a resource for mental health in everyday scientific life.
Lunch Talks
Date: Wednesday 25.02.2026 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Dr. Stefanie Speil (Recruiter at SICK AG)
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/1a5f92979e75b3934318a5787df59678-1530967
Gain insights from the perspective of an industry recruiter. Learn what recruiters are really looking for in conversations and how they prepare for interviews. Discover the balance between authenticity and presenting your best self, and understand common interview processes.
The session covers practical topics such as reaching out to employees via LinkedIn or networks, handling salary questions and negotiations, and approaching speculative applications. You’ll also hear about teamwork: how teams function, the roles within them, and how to reflect on your own future position in a team. This is a chance to understand the hiring perspective and better navigate your own career path.
This event takes place in cooperation with RTG 2606
Date: Wednesday 22.04.2026 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Markus Hauff (TaxTraining)
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/3e2eabcd75b7bc7edf9a76772a540d0c-1530971
“Tax Basics for International Researchers”
You invest all your energy in your research – but when it comes to German taxes, you don’t feel in control? In this lunch talk, you will get a clear and accessible overview of tax residency in Germany (unbeschränkte / beschränkte Steuerpflicht), the different tax classes (Steuerklassen) and the key question: Do you actually have to file a tax return – and if yes, when does it really pay off for you? We will highlight common mistakes, simple ways to reduce your tax burden and which documents you should start keeping from now on. The session will be held in English, with all important German tax terms explained step by step. You will leave with more clarity, more confidence – and a concrete first action you can take.
Issues to be addressed:
• Tax liability in Germany
• Limited vs. unlimited tax liability
• Residence, length of stay
• Tax return obligation – Do I have to file a tax return? (Cases with obligation vscases without obligation, but with the possibility of a refund)
• Overview of deadlines and 4-year period for voluntary submission
• What can I deduct? – Overview of deductible costs
• Income-related expenses (commuting, specialist literature, work equipment, conferences, relocation)
• Home office vs. office at home
• Children & family
• Mini-job, side job – when does it become relevant for tax purposes?
This event takes place in cooperation with RTG 2606
Date: Wednesday 17.06.2026 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Markus Hauff (TaxTraining)
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/805e018cd6dc5b72f503f779e3147c2e-1530973
You don’t want to improvise your first German tax return (Steuererklärung) – but you’re not sure where to start? In this lunch talk, we focus on hands-on practice: how to approach your first German tax return step by step. Using examples of career paths of female researchers, we will show which details really matter, which expenses you can actually deduct – for example home office, work-related expenses (Werbungskosten), childcare costs, relocation expenses or financial support for family abroad – and which software tools or advisory services can save you time, money and stress. We will also address special topics such as scholarships (Stipendien) and pension contributions (Rentenversicherungsbeiträge) if you only stay in Germany for a short time. The session will be held in English, with all relevant German terms clearly explained and mirrored in the handout. You will leave with a personal step-by-step roadmap and the confidence to prepare and file your own German tax return.
Issues to be addressed:
• Structure of the German tax return: Basic structure: Main form, Appendix N, Appendix Child/Pension if applicable
• Understanding your income tax statement and transferring it to your tax return
• Tax assessment notice: How does the tax office calculate your tax and how do I read the result?
• Receipts & typical deductions in practice
• Which receipts should I collect and how should I organize them?
• Examples of income-related expenses, explained using 2–3 typical researcher personas
• In brief: childcare, maintenance abroad, relocation, and conference travel
• Ways to submit your return – tools and support
• ELSTER as the official portal: opportunities and limitations for non-native speakers
• Tax apps/software with interview logic
• Income tax assistance association vs. tax advisor – when is which type of support worthwhile?
Date: Wednesday 01.07.2026 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Oliver Trachte (PR UFR)
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/a079c6a5d1eaf5d2c4f2cb326deae7e5-1531794
In this session, we’ll explore how the Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz (Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act) shapes your academic career in Germany. This law governs the duration of fixed-term contracts for PhD candidates, postdocs, and researchers, setting limits on how long such contracts can last. We’ll dive into essential aspects like parental leave, holidays, and working hours, and how they are regulated under this law. Understanding your rights regarding contract renewals, availability, and possible extensions will be key to navigating the system. Join us for a comprehensive overview, designed to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with academic employment in Germany.
Date: 19.10.26 (12:00 – 13:00)
Location: online | link will be sent after registration before the event
Invited speaker: Dr. Katrin Frisch
Registration: https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/p/ffd9b410d3bf4965bd4afea5fd0baa6a-1533459
Since the introduction of ChatGPT in November 2022, generative AI (genAI) has entered the daily lives of many researchers: According to latest studies up to 84% of researchers are now using genAI, while student use is already at 90%. However, as studies have also shown, researchers still struggle with the lack of clear AI guidelines, which prevents them from working with genAI to the extent that they would like.
Although research institutions and other stakeholders, like research funders and publishers, have been issuing AI guidelines and policies since 2023, these documents show limited consensus and have many blind spots. As a result, researcher have to learn to navigate a heterogeneous AI policy landscape if they want to use AI in their research. Due to the ongoing technical advancements, matters will also most likely remain in flux.
In this Lunch Talk, we will look at existing guidelines and persistent challenges at the intersection of genAI and research integrity. I will present recommendations on how to disclose different AI use cases in publications and discuss what is currently considered good research practice concerning genAI when it comes to peer review, writing grants or using AI-generated images. In addition, the Lunch Talk will raise awareness about issues that are still under debate such as detection of AI generated content and ethical aspects of genAI.