In its variety, the RMU Postdoc Career Weeks resemble “a very special kind of menu”, as Professor Franziska Lang, Vice President of TU Darmstadt and host university representative, said in her welcoming address: “Not one you’d find in a restaurant, but a rich and varied career menu inviting you to sample new skills, explore strategies, and sharpen your professional profile.”

This year’s program was thus carefully crafted to support early career researchers navigating the critical transition into the postdoc phase, to foster their professional development, and to create momentum. For doctoral candidates, the two weeks offered a unique opportunity to gain early insights into the demands and opportunities of postdoctoral life. Meanwhile, postdocs benefitted from comprehensive guidance on a wide spectrum of career paths, both within academia and beyond, helping them broaden their horizons and plan their next steps with clarity.

Organized by Ingenium – Young Researchers at TU Darmstadt, the event also placed a strong emphasis on practical, skill-oriented workshops tailored to the needs of emerging scientists. Sessions covered essential topics such as effective publishing strategies, securing third-party funding, mastering time management, and developing leadership and supervision skills. Moreover, the program provided targeted support for those aspiring to professorships, featuring workshops, digital toolkits, and personalized consultations designed to enhance career planning and application readiness. 

Beyond the workshops, the RMU Postdoc Career Weeks also fostered meaningful connections through networking opportunities. Participants especially valued the blend of virtual and in-person events, with social gatherings creating a welcoming space for informal exchange and community building. All in all, the attendees emphasized the “valuable mix of content, interaction, and reflection” as well as the “diversity of speakers and the supportive atmosphere throughout” as key highlights of the event.

Reflecting on the outcomes, the organizers likewise expressed their enthusiasm: “With its broad, practice-oriented content and the invaluable chance to connect, the RMU Postdoc Career Weeks have once again established themselves as a cornerstone event for early career researchers across the Rhine-Main Universities.”

Given its clear success, the RMU Postdoc Career Weeks are set to return in 2026, continuing to empower the next generation of academic leaders and innovators.