08:3009:00
Welcome
Opening remarks, introductions, objectives and programme overview
Harnack House, Berlin
GENERAL MEETING 2026
Empowering the Next Generation
Shaping the Future of the Max Planck Postdoc Community
The annual strategic forum of the Max Planck postdoctoral community, bringing together postdoctoral researchers and representatives, the Society's leadership, institutional representatives and partners from the national and international research ecosystem to exchange ideas, build collaborations and shape the future of the postdoctoral experience.
MEETING VENUE
Harnack House, Berlin
Ihnestraße 16–20, 14195 Berlin, GermanyU3 · Freie Universität (Thielplatz), approximately 100 m away.
THREE DAYS · CONNECT, LEARN, ACT
Program
Everything happening, all in one place.
Download program (Word)
Official 2026 program
ACT I · DAY 1 · CONNECT
Connecting The Research Ecosystem
How does the wider research ecosystem shape the postdoctoral experience, and how can we build it together?
The General Meeting begins by looking beyond individual institutes to understand the broader landscape of research policy, funding, collaboration and representation. The afternoon turns these perspectives into concrete ideas and initiatives through collaborative Working Group discussions.
16 sessions08:30 — 22:00
09:00–12:30
Connecting the Research Ecosystem
09:0009:30
Shaping the Future of Research Careers in Germany
Dr Stefan Johannes Stupp – Ministerial Director, Directorate W2 – Science (TBC) · Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR)
Harnack House, Berlin
09:3010:00
Navigating European Research Opportunities
Katharina Spannhake – Advisor NCP ERC & MSCA
EU Liaison Office of the German Research Organisations (KoWi)
Harnack House, Berlin
10:0010:30
Building Sustainable Research Careers: An International Perspective
Dr Mikey Creane – Chair
International Consortium of Research Staff Associations (ICoRSA)
Harnack House, Berlin
10:3011:00
Break
Harnack House, Berlin
11:0012:30
Creating an Attractive Research Environment: National, European and International Perspectives (Panel Discussion)
How can we create a sustainable and attractive research environment for early-career researchers?
Representatives from BMFTR, ICoRSA, HAPN, LPN and PostdocNet
Harnack House, Berlin
12:3013:30
Lunch
Harnack House, Berlin
13:30–15:30
Finding Synergies
13:3014:00
Working Group Lightning Pitches
Achievements, priorities and opportunities for participation
Harnack House, Berlin
14:0015:30
From Ideas to Initiatives (Working Group Action Labs)
Career Development • Communications • Mental Health • Survey • Open Science with Larissa Leiminger (MaxIT), introducing the Open Science Ambassadors and current Open Science initiatives across the Max Planck Society
Harnack House, Berlin
15:3016:00
Break
Harnack House, Berlin
16:00–18:00
Looking Beyond the Postdoc
16:0016:30
Navigating Academic Careers
Maike Schade (academics), with PostdocNet alumni Dr Karina Pombo-Garcia (BMS) and Dr Sinuhé Perea (CPTS)
Harnack House, Berlin
16:3017:00
Scientific Innovation in Practice
Dr Chen Chen-Wacker (E-BLOT Life Science), with PostdocNet alumni Dr Pablo Ruiz de Olano (HSS), Dr Jacob Davidson (BMS) and Dr Olga Koshkina (CPTS)
Harnack House, Berlin
17:0018:00
Career Paths, Innovation and Impact: Dialogue Across Academia and Beyond (Panel Discussion)
How can postdocs turn their expertise into diverse careers, innovation and impact within and beyond academia?
Academia and industry representatives together with former and current PostdocNet members
Harnack House, Berlin
18:0019:00
Dinner
Harnack House, Berlin
19:0020:30
Turning Ideas into Impact (Community Innovation Forum)
Presentation and discussion of the most promising ideas emerging from the Working Group Action Labs, identifying opportunities for collaboration and defining the next steps for implementation
Harnack House, Berlin
20:3022:00
Community Reception
Informal drinks and conversation
Harnack House, Berlin
END OF ACT I
Outcome: New ideas, partnerships and collaborative initiatives.