GRADE – Goethe Research Academy for Early Career Researchers

GRADE is the central institution for the support of early career researchers at Goethe University. It offers multidisciplinary qualification programmes, guidance, and support to researchers during the early stages of their career. GRADE sets standards for structured doctoral education and supports junior researchers from all faculties. It follows international standards in graduate education and is constantly improving its services in line with the needs and interests of doctoral candidates and postdocs. GRADE is to ensure the high-quality provision of professional development training to researchers in the early stages of their careers, while at the same time contributing to the university's strong academic reputation. GRADE - At a Glance Individual Advice Are you not yet sure about starting a PhD project? Are you having difficulties with your doctoral studies? The GRADE team supports you during your decision-making processes and helps with problems during your doctoral studies. Structured Doctoral Education We provide a comprehensive qualification programme to all doctoral candidates of Goethe University and support you individually to organise your doctoral studies. Ready for Your Career Get prepared for your career inside or outside academia and gain insights into various professional fields. Build your future network with GRADE. Personal Coaching The coaching sessions provide individual support, for instance, in orientation phases, in crisis situations or with a specific problem (e.g. difficulties with the supervisor). GRADE Qualification Programme We offer a variety of workshops to doctoral candidates and postdocs covering research-related skills. In addition, our programme offers training and guidance for one's individual career development. GRADE has no set curriculum so that one can select the workshops in accordance with one's individual needs. GRADE Personality Tools With a comprehensive range of personality development tools, such as workshops teaching communication skills, reasoning, problem-solving strategies in science, or simply showing how one can optimally budget energy, GRADE strengthens personal qualities and helps to transform weaknesses into strengths. GRADE Inter-/Transdisciplinary Tools Without neglecting basic research, junior researchers should train themselves to consider everything from its finest detail to its entirety. Interdisciplinary work is encouraged so that junior researchers can assess the value of their own work in relation to the whole. e-Learning “Good Academic Practice” “Studying and Then Earning a Doctorate?” For Master's students Information event “Studying and Then Earning a Doctorate?” Exposé writing in humanities and social sciences Individual advice/guidance