What has changed for young scientists

Young researchers should no longer have to drift from one short-term contract to the next – this is one of the aims of the new Act on Fixed-Term Contracts in Academia. But what does the amendment mean in practice for early-career researchers and those who wish to employ them? Astrid Janssen, the university’s Head of Human Resources, attributes to the amendment a “significant influence on the contract set-up for early-career researchers”. On Wednesday, 14 December, 6.00 pm, in the University Library Hall (Uhlhornsweg 49–55). The discussion following the lecture will be moderated by the Vice-President for Early-Career Researchers and International Affairs, Prof. Dr Esther Ruigendijk. The Graduate Academy, together with the Graduate Schools for the Humanities and Social Sciences (3GO) and for Natural Sciences, Medicine and Technology (OLTECH), will then host a reception to facilitate further discussion. According to Janssen, the legislature has certainly achieved its aim of providing greater security for early-career researchers through appropriate contract durations for many employees. However, the law, which has been in force since March, also “brings with it disadvantages and uncertainties that need to be addressed”. For example, short contract terms make it impossible even in cases where, from the perspective of both employers and employees, they would have served an important purpose. In her presentation, Janssen discusses the key legislative changes, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. The Head of Human Resources reports on how the practical implementation at the university has progressed after one semester – and what developments can be expected in the future. The prospects for early-career researchers will be the focus of the morning session, marking the start of the 3GO Doctoral Students’ Day. At 10.00 am, she invites participants to the first part of a three-part workshop with coach and trainer Katharina Ludewig: ‘A PhD in the humanities and social sciences – what next?’ Registration is required for this event. In the afternoon, doctoral candidates or those interested in pursuing a PhD can exchange ideas at a poster session in the library hall. ‘Posters & Coffee’ runs from 3.00 pm to 5.30 pm. The session offers an insight into various doctoral research projects and the opportunity to network with other doctoral candidates.