Grete Hermann Career Forge

The Grete Hermann Career Forge is a professional development program tailored to the needs of female early-career researchers (ECR) considering an academic career.

The first run of the program starts on May 4, 2026.

Scope of the Program

Career Forge offers individual modules that participants can engage with flexibly over the course of 18 months. These modules include:

• Targeted qualification through workshops & training formats that foster academic & professional skills (e. g. presentation skills, media training, academic publishing etc.) – three to five training workshops
• Individual guidance through experienced scientists and regular one-to-one meetings – approximately every 2–3 months
• Networking events that connect participants within & beyond their institutions once per semester
• A kick-off meeting, a mid-term reflection, and a closing event

Benefits of the Program

The program empowers ECR to take an active role in shaping their own development. Accomplished scientists contribute experience, perspective, and constructive feedback, while ECR define their goals, set priorities, and drive their own progress through initiative and action.

By participating, ECR will be able to:

• Clarify their career goal 
• Develop a strategic career plan
• Strengthen their research profile and professional visibility
• Gain a clearer understanding of the academic system, including appointments and research funding
• Build transferable skills and expand their professional networks