Qualification and Training in Research Networks
The program for qualification and training in research networks supports several Collaborative Research Centers (SFB) and the three Clusters of Excellence at RWTH Aachen University. In addition to the offerings of the Doctoral Academy, the program offers additional courses, workshops, coaching sessions, and networking events that support doctoral candidates in developing interdisciplinary skills for doctoral studies and beyond.
The program has been developed in close coordination with the participating research consortia and is tailored to their requirements. At the same time it is oriented towards the needs of the participating early-career researchers, regardless of what stage of their doctorate they have reached
In addition to skills development, the joint course offerings also serve to foster collaboration and networking within and between the consortia. The program enables the participating institutions to create synergies in their efforts to support early-career researchers.
Participating Research Consortia
Participating DFG Research Training Groups:
- 917 Nanoswitches
- 985 Functional Microgels and Microgel Systems
- 1394 Structural and Chemical Atomic Complexity
Participating Clusters of Excellence:
Benefits for Doctoral Candidates
- The courses are exclusively for you as doctoral researchers at the participating research consortia. The courses on offer are open to all doctoral candidates, regardless of institutional affiliation.
- Attending the courses will bring you into contact with doctoral researchers from different disciplines. Thus, the workshops and courses also serves as a platform for an interdisciplinary exchange of ideas.
- You will get to know colleagues from your own and other research networks.
- Through the seminars, you will develop skills and competencies that will enhance your career prospects within or outside academia.
- You can have your participation in the courses recognized and confirmed on your RWTH doctoral supplement.
Support for Principal Investigators (PI)
If you are a principal investigator who has established – or seeks to establish – a research training group or doctoral program, please do not hesitate to contact us.
We will be happy to support you in planning and implementing interdisciplinary training offerings, networking activities, and coaching for doctoral candidates or postdocs. Together with you, we design an education and training program that is tailored your Collaborative Research Center.
In close coordination with the "Collaborative Research Centers" section of Department 4.2 – Management of Third-Party Funding, we also provide support with applying for external funding for early-career researchers or research training groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this program different from that of the Doctoral Academy?
These courses have been created with the needs of the respective research group or consortium in mind. Eligible to take part in the program are the members of the participating research consortia only. Of course, these have the opportunity to benefit from the wide range of courses offered by the Doctoral Academy as well.
Who is eligible to participate in the course program?
Doctoral candidates in the Collaborative Research Centers:
- 917 Nanoswitches
- 985 Functional Microgels and Microgel Systems
- 1394 Structural and Chemical Atomic Complexity
Doctoral candidates in the Clusters of Excellence:
How can I register for the courses?
First, you need to register with the Doctoral Academy. Then you can register for the various courses on offer at: Educational Training in Research Consortia
What is coaching, what types of coaching are there, and how can I register?
Coaching sessions typically focus on one particular concern or issue. It is fairly short-term arrangement over a set duration. The coach does not directly propose a solution to the issue at hand, but encourages the coachee to develop their own solution with the help of a variety of tools and techniques.
Issues and topics that may be addressed in a coaching session include, for example:
- Career decisions and application advising
- Dealing with uncertainties
- Potential analysis
- Developing leadership skills
Doctoral candidates can benefit from one-on-one or group coaching sessions. Before registering for a coaching session, please consult with your supervisors beforehand. If you want to participate in the coaching program, please get in touch with Marie-Sophie Creutz.