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Scientists' Day 2026: Time & Timing in Academic Career Planning

Join us for this year’s Scientists' Day on June 16, 2026, at the Alte Aula (Lahntor 3), where we will focus on “Time & Timing in Academic Career Planning.”

Time & Timing in Academic Career Planning

The factor of time shapes academic careers in many ways. In this event, we will explore both the personal dimension of time — such as time management, balancing family and academic responsibilities, and the time demands of research and teaching—as well as structural and strategic aspects of career planning.

Especially during the PhD and postdoc phases, time is a scarce and highly influential resource. Fixed-term contracts, qualification requirements, and personal life decisions raise questions that are rarely straightforward—and depend as much on individual experiences as on structural conditions.

The event provides space to exchange ideas about the role of time and timing in career planning: How do we handle time pressure? How can research, teaching, and personal commitments be balanced? Which strategies have proven effective, and where do they reach their limits?

Furthermore, we will discuss structural and strategic aspects of academic career planning, including fixed-term contracts, application and review cycles, funding program durations, and “windows of opportunity” for certain topics and projects. The focus will be on career-defining transition phases and determining the right timing for next steps, functions, and leadership roles.