Welcome Weeks introduced for early-career researchers

Around 450 doctoral researchers start their doctorate at the University of Stuttgart every year. The university offers them a wide range of support. At the Welcome Weeks, a new series of events, early career researchers are given an insight into a variety of topics that are particularly relevant to them, such as rights and obligations, good scientific practice, research funding, publishing, science communication and more. They also have the opportunity to meet key contacts who can help them to overcome any challenges.

“The Welcome Weeks are aimed at doctoral candidates and postdocs who are new or have only recently started research at the University of Stuttgart. Our goal is to ensure that they have a smooth start, to provide clear orientation, and create valuable networking opportunities. Our primary goal is to foster a sense of belonging and deepen the connection to the University of Stuttgart," says Dr. Jürgen Hädrich, Head of the GRADUS Graduate Academy, which initiated the new event format.

Prof. Dr. Judith Tonhauser, who assumed the role of Vice Rector for Early Career Researchers and Diversity in October 2024, inaugurated the Welcome Weeks on November 14 with a warm greeting to the participants: “I am very happy to see so many early career researchers from all over the world at this event today, researchers who are eager to gain knowledge and to expand humanity’s knowledge. Especially in these times, more than ever, we need great minds to help write the future.“

Linguist Prof. Dr. Tonhauser shared insights from her own experiences as a doctoral student and postdoctoral researcher with the early-career researchers. Following her studies in Stuttgart, she earned her doctorate at Stanford University in the USA, with subsequent career milestones taking her to Berlin, Ohio, and other locations. “So, I understand that your first days and weeks at a new university can be a mix of excitement and information overload, and can lead to loads of questions. We are here to support you in getting oriented and we are here to support you in taking this next step, to set you up for success. We’re excited to bring you on board.“

Matthias Weiß, Chairman of the DoKUS Doctoral Researcher Representation Board, also welcomed the participants, encouraging them to get involved and take part in the DoKUS social activities.

Afterwards, participants seized the opportunity to network: At an information fair, 13 university service departments showcased their offerings and advisory services, covering areas such as research funding, entrepreneurship, personnel matters, and health topics.

The Welcome Weeks launch event was supported by the Welcome Center for International Researchers.

How can I effectively manage my doctoral degree? What national and EU funding sources are available to support postdoctoral projects? What rights and obligations do I have as an employee at the University of Stuttgart? What is Open Access and how does science communication work? Over the coming weeks, a total of eleven workshops and lectures will address these and other questions. Most of the Welcome Weeks events are held in English so that international early career researchers can also take advantage of the offer. "We plan to offer this new format every winter semester in the future," says Dorothee Baur, GRADUS officer responsible for organizing the Welcome Weeks.