Podcast Deep-Dives into Opportunities for Doctoral Researchers
- News

Spending years working in isolation on profound research questions in order to earn academic credentials—perhaps that was once the norm. Today, the doctoral phase is far more diverse. Since the launch of the Excellence Initiative around 20 years ago, universities have established new structures and opportunities for doctoral researchers: they connect with peers, apply for funding for their own events, conduct research abroad, and gain experience as reviewers or peer reviewers.
In the new episode of “Think.Try.Transform.”, Dr. Christiane Wüllner and Prof. Doris Reiter speak with host Sven-Daniel Gettys about the opportunities currently available to doctoral researchers at Ruhr University Bochum and TU Dortmund University. The two scholars also discuss the founding of the Research Academy, the cross-university platform of Ruhr University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, and the University of Duisburg-Essen dedicated to supporting early career researchers. Postdoctoral researchers and doctoral researchers also share their perspectives in recorded statements, describing which funding opportunities and programs were particularly important to them.
About the Podcast
The podcast “Think. Try. Transform.” showcases major ideas behind the joint application of Ruhr University Bochum and TU Dortmund University as university consortium of excellence and discusses them with those who know best: Rectors, researchers, founders and advisors. Hosted by Sven-Daniel Gettys, each episode covers topics such as clusters of excellence, support for doctoral candidates, and start-up activities. Under the lead of Ruhr University Bochum, new episodes are released monthly—accompanying the application phase until the announcement on October 2. During summer there will be a special episode featuring audience questions addressed to both rectors; submissions can be sent anytime via email to: hochschulkommunikationruhr-uni-bochumde. Most of the episodes are in German.





