Helmholtz Association Postdoc Network (HAPN)

The Helmholtz Association Postdoc Network (HAPN) is an organization of postdoctoral researchers (postdocs) representing their peers across the Helmholtz Association. The steering committee will consist of two representatives from each center. It will work closely with career and postdoc offices within Helmholtz Centers and the Helmholtz Head Office.

Postdoctoral researchers are an indispensable pillar within Germany's research landscape. They contribute significantly to the German scientific accomplishments, and serve as pivotal catalysts for innovation in research. However, they also face challenges due to their insecure contractual situations, unclear career perspectives, and the lack of postdoc representation and community. The main goal of HAPN is to strengthen Helmholtz postdocs personally and professionally, by providing a platform for them to engage in meaningful discussions, share experiences, and collectively shape their future within the Helmholtz community.

1 | Promote collaboration and networking

The first long-term goal focuses on cultivating a vibrant and interconnected community of postdocs within Helmholtz. HAPN will be open to all Helmholtz postdocs to foster community and interaction via various channels. We will organize regular Helmholtz postdoc days, cooperate with other networks such as the Helmholtz Juniors (HeJus), and launch networking channels. By facilitating collaboration and networking, we aim to stimulate innovation and knowledge sharing and to foster a sense of belonging within the Helmholtz postdoc community.

2 | Enhance postdoc experience and support

The second long-term goal revolves around improving the overall experience of Helmholtz postdocs. This includes safeguarding their well-being and professional development, and enhancing their working conditions to ensure that they can live up to their full scientific potential. Key components include advocating for transparent salary structures, attractive working environments, long-term perspectives, and determining future issues that are key to postdoc success.

3 | Advocate for administrative and operational optimization

HAPN will also advocate for administrative processes and practices that support and protect postdocs among Helmholtz centers. Key strategies include establishing direct communication channels with the Helmholtz Head Office and advocating for the implementation of standardized time recording practices and clear regulations for mobile working. Through these efforts, we aim to optimize administrative and operational efficiency, thereby reducing Helmholtz’s administrative burden and redirecting resources to support its mission and the postdoc community effectively.

• March 8^th 2023 - First networking event

Representatives from 12 Helmholtz Centers joined to indicate their interest in a postdoc network within Helmholtz.

• March 29th & July 4th 2023 - Statements of German Postdoc Networks on the WissZeitVG Revision

Together with the Max Planck PostdocNet, the Leibniz PostDoc Network and other German networks, postdoc representatives/teams of different Helmholtz Centers issued the “Joint Statement from German Postdoctoral Networks on the Eckpunktepapier from the BMBF” on 17.03.2023 (accessible on the Max Planck PostdocNet website). In June 2023, these networks were invited by the BMBF to comment on the Draft Bill for the WissZeitVG.

• May 5th 2023 - Second Meeting of Helmholtz Postdoc Representatives/Teams

The goals and activities of a future network were discussed and outlined for the future proposal.

• May 25th 2023 - Exchange between the presidents and early career researcher (ECR) representatives of MPG and HGF in Berlin

Helmholtz postdocs Dr. Jasmin Groß & Dr. Heike Prokoph joined the event in Berlin. Following this meeting, the “Touchstones for a Successful Law on Temporary Scientific Contracts (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz)” document was compiled.

• Summer 2023 - Survey for Postdoc Representatives/Teams at Helmholtz Centers

The survey aimed to establish the status quo of how postdocs are currently organized at different Helmholtz Centers. Postdocs from 12 centers participated in the survey. Based on contact data from the survey, a mailing list was created to facilitate communication among Helmholtz postdoc representatives/teams and other German postdoc networks.

• Autumn 2023 – HAPN Proposal

The HAPN Proposal was finalized and submitted to the Helmholtz Head Office for review and approval.

• February 8^th 2024 – The proposal is approved!

The authors of the proposal meet with Helmholtz staff to determine next steps.

• March 7^th 2024 – First meeting of the HAPN Launch Committee

Representatives from postdoc networks/organizations, and postdoc offices meet to plan the Kick-off event.

• Upcoming - November 2024 HAPN launches

• Who can join HAPN?
  • We recognize that the term “Postdoc” is not universal for every field so we are using the following definition: 1) Post-PhD defense, 2) Employed on a temporary contract, and 3) Not (in)formally supervising post-PhD employees. If you have any questions regarding eligibility, please reach out to the steering committee.
• When does HAPN launch?
  • HAPN will kick off on November 5th and 6th 2024 with an in-person meeting in Berlin to establish a steering committee, short term goals, and recognize the knowledge and accomplishments of postdoc representatives at individual centers. We would love to see you there!
• How much time will participating in HAPN require?
  • As part of HAPN leadership you would have at least a monthly steering committee meeting and a monthly working group meeting. Beyond that, it is up to individual members how much time they want to invest in tasks/projects necessary to achieve set goals.
• If I have children or need other accommodations, can I participate in HAPN?
  • HAPN wants to be an inclusive organization. Please let us know if you need any accommodations like childcare or an accessible, low-stimulus room, etc. We are happy to try to accommodate any childcare or disability needs during the Kick-Off and future events.