Promoting excellence for female postdoctoral researchers

In addition to professional qualifications, additional skills are becoming increasingly important for a successful career in academia. The Executive Support Unit for Diversity and Gender Equality aims to support female researchers with a PhD at the University of Passau in their career paths by promoting excellence and developing measures to counteract the structural disadvantages faced by women in academia.
In particular, through
Strategic career coaching for postdoctoral researchers offers individual support in clarifying professional goals and developing suitable career options. It helps you make informed decisions and shape your own career path in a targeted and confident manner.
We currently work with the following coaches:
- Dr Barbara Cramer
- Dr Susanne Günther
If you are a female researcher with a PhD and are interested in career coaching, you can apply here:
Depending on the available budget, each participant can take advantage of up to three coaching sessions.
The workshop programme for early-career female researchers with PhDs at the University of Passau is specifically tailored to their particular needs in the postdoctoral phase. It supports them in further developing their subject-specific, interdisciplinary and strategic skills and in consciously planning their next career steps.
Review

28 July 2025:
Workshop ‘Becoming (more) visible as a postdoctoral researcher’ with a keynote speech on the topic ‘Becoming (more) visible: Impulses from university communications’ with Katrina Jordan, Head of the Communications and Marketing Department at the University of Passau, and Deputy University Women's Representative Dr Kathrin Plank.

30. January 2026:
Media training workshop specifically for female postdoctoral researchers at the University of Passau with Katrina Jordan, accompanied by Fritz Pflugbeil
The events for female postdoctoral researchers at the University of Passau provide practical ideas for career development and specifically strengthen technical, methodological and strategic skills.
- Networking event “Presentation of the Young Academy of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities (BAdW)” on Tuesday, 09 June 2026, 10:00 a.m. – Registration required
Review
- Workshop and networking event ‘Becoming (more) visible as a postdoctoral researcher’ on 28. July 2025
Tailored information for young female doctoral graduates is important in order to support them during a crucial phase of their careers. After completing their doctorates, many face groundbreaking decisions both within and outside academia. Clearly presented and relevant content helps to identify opportunities, make informed decisions and confidently shape individual career paths. Our goal is to provide guidance, create transparency and facilitate access to funding opportunities, networks and perspectives.
- The interactive platform ‘sichtbar.sein.selbst.gestalten’ (be visible, shape yourself) was developed by an interdisciplinary team at Munich University of Applied Sciences as part of the BMBF-funded Prof:inSicht project. Here, female scientists can find research-based information to help them shape their visibility individually and authentically. Based on the individual goals and time resources of the scientist, numerous recommendations for action are provided. The best practice tips can be selected individually and downloaded in a clear handout. This service helps female scientists to understand visibility, overcome concerns and develop strategies for creating visibility. The platform has been very well received by the female scientists who have already tested it.

