Research Advisor for International Networking
Research Advisor for International Networking
Expanding international contacts and promoting talent
Through the Research Advisor for International Networking (RAIN) programme, the
University of Oldenburg is strengthening cooperation and exchange among outstanding researchers
with the medium- and long-term goal of increasing the number of internationally funded scientists (e.g. through the ERC) based in Oldenburg. This is to be achieved through various mobility formats for advisors and hosts as well as for their scientists in early career stages.
What is the aim of RAIN?
RAIN is primarily a programme designed to promote the exchange of existing research relationships and the mobility of early-career researchers. This is where the research advisors come in. They are already familiar with the university through research relationships and stays in Oldenburg and can intensify contact by sending their doctoral students and postdocs to the UOL for research stays. In addition, the respective partners of the advisors at the UOL (hosts) can send their scientists to the advisors' international institutions.
Who are the research advisors at the University of Oldenburg?
Eleven outstanding researchers from five continents make up the first cohort of Research Advisors (2026–2028) at the University of Oldenburg. They are distinguished by their previous stays and existing connections with the UOL and are professionally linked to the university's profile and potential areas.
Regarding the selection process: the Research Advisors of the first cohort (2026–2028) were selected on the basis of proposals from key individuals in the profile and potential areas and chosen in a nomination meeting by VP-F and VP-N.
What is the role of the so-called hosts?
The hosts are scientists at the University of Oldenburg who form the essential bridge for the research advisors to the University of Oldenburg, as they already maintain research relationships with the latter and are further expanding them with the programme. Like the advisors, the hosts can also send their doctoral students and postdocs on research stays.
Programme elements
Short-term mobility
Funding for stays of up to four weeks for advisors and hosts or together with early-career researchers at their respective institutions.
Future talents stay
Secondment of doctoral students and postdocs from the UOL to the advisor's institution or vice versa, secondment of international doctoral students and postdocs for a research stay at the UOL (up to 6 months).
Virtual writing mobility
Online access to the UOL library service for international researchers in the early stages of their careers as advisors, e.g. for literature research and the preparation of publications.
Networking @ HWK
Annual networking event for advisors and hosts at the Hanse Wissenschaftskolleg (HWK) in Delmenhorst.