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.
News
Symposium from 26 June to 27 June 2026 at the University of Oldenburg
From 26 June to 27 June 2026, a symposium on the topic of ‘Higher Education Engagement Work in Support of the Sustainable Development Goals’ took place at the University of Oldenburg in collaboration with Nelson Mandela University and the University of Dar es Salaam.
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 and Hosts at the University of Oldenburg?
| Research area | UOL host(s) | Advisor and partner university |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean, Climate and Biodiversity Nexus | Prof. Helmut Hillebrand, Prof. Bernd Blasius | Prof. Klemens Eriksson , University of Groningen (RUG), Netherlands |
| Smart Technologies for Prevention: From Hearing Research to Brain Health | Prof. Christiane Thiel, Prof. Esther Ruigendijk | Dr Hanin Karawani , University of Haifa, Israel |
| Reliable human-centred artificial intelligence | Prof. Karsten Speck | Prof. Darelle van Greunen NMU, South Africa |
| Social policy and social cohesion | Prof. Bernd Siebenhüner | Prof. Pius Yanda University of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania |
| Modern Political Theory | Prof. Jan Sauermann | Prof. Bernhard Kittel University of Vienna, Austria |
| Futures of (Un)Knowledge: Transitions in Education, Media and Discourse Formations | Prof. Martin Butler | Prof. Sule Egya Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Nigeria |
| Animal Navigation: Sensory Mechanics, Quantum Biology, Future Technologies | Prof. Henrik Mouritsen, Prof. Miriam Liedvogel | Prof. Jason Chapman, University of Exeter, UK |
| Materials and processes for a sustainable future | Prof. Gunther Wittstock, Dr Dmitry Momotenko | Prof. Pooi See Lee , Nanyang Technological University, Singapore |
| Energy transitions | Prof. Andreas Rauh | Prof. Lucy Pao University of Colorado Boulder, USA |
| Energy Informatics | Prof. Sebastian Lehnhoff | Prof. Srinivasan Keshav University of Cambridge, UK |
| Computer Algebra, Algebraic and Arithmetic Geometry, Singularities | Prof. Anne Frühbis Krüger | Prof. Nivaldo de Goes Grulha Junior, USP São Paulo, Brazil |
What are the Research Advisors’ responsibilities?
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 previous visits and an existing connection with the University of Oldenburg and are academically linked to the university’s profile and potential areas.
Regarding the selection process: The Research Advisors of the first cohort (2026–2028) were identified on the basis of a right of nomination held by key figures from the university’s profile and potential areas and were selected during a nomination meeting by the Vice-President for Research (VP-F) and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs (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.