Resources

Developing a research career requires continuous access to information, professional development, and networking opportunities. On this page, we have selected a range of relevant resources and initiatives – from career planning tools and training catalogues, to vital support networks. These resources are intended for researchers at all career stages, providing practical guidance, opportunities for professional advancement, and access to international collaborations.

Unite!’s Course Catalogue for Faculty & Staff

Explore the annual training programme for Faculty and Staff offered by Unite! Whether you’re looking for an on-site or online course to boost your career, acquire new skills, learn a new language, or take part in a staff week, you’ll find a variety of opportunities provided by the Unite! (University Alliance for Innovation and Technology) partners.

Unite! is an alliance of nine leading European universities, united by a shared vision to advance innovation, sustainability, and cross-border collaboration in research, technology, and education. Together, they create a dynamic network that empowers students, staff, faculty, and industry professionals to drive change and address global challenges.

MCAA Around the World Webinar Series  

MCAA members are stronger together! To share knowledge and enhance synergies, the MCAA has launched a series of webinars “MCAA Around the World Webinar Series” encompassing a wide variety of topics. Every second Friday of the month, a representative of a Chapter or Working Group invites a speaker to discuss a specific topic. 

The Marie Curie Alumni Association (MCAA) is a global network of researchers who currently benefit or have benefited from the European Commission’s Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) research funding. The MCAA supports and contributes to advancing knowledge for a global, diverse, and informed society. Its primary focus is to support its members’ career development, offer networking opportunities, and contribute to shaping research and innovation policies across Europe and globally.

German Postdoc Network

German Postdoc Network (GPN) is a holistic community to inform, connect and support postdocs. You can register for their mailing list and stay up to date on all GPN news and events or you can also write them a message if you have any questions, want to become active within the GPN or if you are looking for collaborations.

German Postdoc Network’s mission is to improve the postdoctoral experience by creating opportunities for connection, collaboration, and identity-building. They aim to gather and disseminate crucial information ensuring postdocs are well-informed and supported. GPN give a voice to postdocs to represent their interests and influence policies that impact their professional and personal development.

BuWiK 2025 – National Interactive Report on Early Career Researchers

National Report on Early Career Researchers presents empirical results on the situation of early career researchers (WiKa) in Germany. It is published regularly once per legislative period. In 2025, the focal topic is the establishment of tenure-track professorships. 

Early career researchers contribute significantly to scientific and societal progress and innovation even during their qualification phases, such as doctoral and post- doctoral studies. At the same time, their qualification is essential to meet the growing demand for highly skilled professionals in the modern knowledge society. It is thus especially important to report on the situation of early career researchers.

The purpose of the National Report on Early Career Researchers (Bundesbericht Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler in einer frühen Karrierephase – BuWiK) is to process and analyse current findings and data relating to early career academics in Germany and to make such data available for research. This report serves as a source of foundational empirical knowledge for the academic community, as well as a resource for Germany’s federal and state governments, scientific institutions and funding organisations. Furthermore, this report offers a valuable point of reference for early career researchers themselves.

Narrative CV: The Peer Exchange Platform (PEP-CV)

The Peer Exchange Platform (PEP-CV) is a resource for the research and innovation community to collaboratively create narrative-style CVs. PEP-CV was developed by a partnership between the MCAA, like-minded associations, funding agencies and researchers.

The goal of PEP-CV is to become a platform for everyone active in the research and innovation sector to engage in simple peer mentoring exchanges around the diverse range of experiences, achievements, and career paths found in narrative-style CVs that foster a holistic view of researchers and their contributions.

CRAC Vitae’s Resources for All Career Stages

Careers in research look different for everyone. Your career journey might not be linear, and your professional development needs will be individual to you.

CRAC (the Careers Research and Advisory Centre) is an independent charity founded in 1964, dedicated to supporting career development and active, career-related learning. CRAC leads and manages the Vitae programme, a global leader in supporting the professional development of researchers and in working with institutions striving for excellence, innovation, and impact. 

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