Schedule of Events
Thursday, 08 October 2026
9:00 - 17:00
How to Shape Your Future. Career Planning for Postdocs (Two-day) [On-site Workshop]
Workshop
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Bldg. 30.96, Seminar Room 006 (ground floor)
Bldg. 30.96, Seminar Room 006 (ground floor)
Matthias Merkelbach, Impulsplus
The event will be held in English and run for two days, on October 8 and 9, 2026.
What are my unique abilities and interests critical in determining the right career path for me?
Can I combine my ideas about a fulfilled life with a university career? How can I develop a strategy for embarking on an academic career path or other career choices?
This workshop will help to answer these – and other – questions for those who want to plan their career development strategically. It focuses on supporting experienced scientists and researchers. It offers possibilities to reflect upon future university careers or alternative career choices. Based on their individual profiles, participants will develop their own vision for their future personal and professional lives.
You reflect upon your professional career path and develop a well-orchestrated plan You write and draw a biographically-based profile that highlights und evaluates your qualifications, skills and job visions
You get information about formal and hidden requirements for careers outside of the academic world with special focus on Germany
You explore different occupational alternatives according to choices led by the feedback of your colleagues
Contents in brief
Creating your profile of skills and qualifications, highlighting your strengths and accomplishments
Choosing your own criteria and values for work and life Developing a vision for your own professional and private life Review and evaluation of personal development goals Detect and establish your professional network Next steps: application procedure and job interview in Germany
Methods
Individual work and team work Visualization, mind mapping Presentations and group discussion
This event is open to postdocs at KIT who are KHYS members. If you are currently not yet a member of KHYS, you can register here.
The event will be held in English and run for two days, on October 8 and 9, 2026.
We generally expect participants to attend throughout the entire duration of the event.
If you are unable to attend an event, please inform us promptly via e-mail. This way you are allowing your colleagues the opportunity to participate and you help us to maintain the quality of our Further Education Program. Thank you!
What are my unique abilities and interests critical in determining the right career path for me?
Can I combine my ideas about a fulfilled life with a university career? How can I develop a strategy for embarking on an academic career path or other career choices?
This workshop will help to answer these – and other – questions for those who want to plan their career development strategically. It focuses on supporting experienced scientists and researchers. It offers possibilities to reflect upon future university careers or alternative career choices. Based on their individual profiles, participants will develop their own vision for their future personal and professional lives.
You reflect upon your professional career path and develop a well-orchestrated plan You write and draw a biographically-based profile that highlights und evaluates your qualifications, skills and job visions
You get information about formal and hidden requirements for careers outside of the academic world with special focus on Germany
You explore different occupational alternatives according to choices led by the feedback of your colleagues
Contents in brief
Creating your profile of skills and qualifications, highlighting your strengths and accomplishments
Choosing your own criteria and values for work and life Developing a vision for your own professional and private life Review and evaluation of personal development goals Detect and establish your professional network Next steps: application procedure and job interview in Germany
Methods
Individual work and team work Visualization, mind mapping Presentations and group discussion
This event is open to postdocs at KIT who are KHYS members. If you are currently not yet a member of KHYS, you can register here.
The event will be held in English and run for two days, on October 8 and 9, 2026.
We generally expect participants to attend throughout the entire duration of the event.
If you are unable to attend an event, please inform us promptly via e-mail. This way you are allowing your colleagues the opportunity to participate and you help us to maintain the quality of our Further Education Program. Thank you!
15:00 - 17:00
KHYS: Offene Sprechstunde zur Beratung/Open consultation hours
Geb. 30.96, Raum 116
Nachwuchsforschende werden mit verschiedenen Herausforderungen konfrontiert, die zu Konflikten führen können, zum Beispiel im Betreuungsverhältnis, innerhalb der Arbeitsgruppe, im Hinblick auf Finanzierungsfragen oder hinsichtlich des selbststrukturierten Arbeitens. Die herausfordernde Phase kann auch persönliche Probleme mit sich bringen. Sollten Sie sich in einer solchen oder ähnlichen Situation befinden, können Sie bei verschiedenen Anlaufstellen am KIT Unterstützung finden. Einen Überblick finden Sie auf unserer Webseite unter www.khys.kit.edu/Anlaufstellen.
Unter anderem bietet das Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS) in der Regel jeden Donnerstag von 15:00 bis 17:00 Uhr eine offene Sprechstunde zur Beratung in Konfliktfällen an. Dort können Sie in einem geschützten Rahmen Ihre Situation darlegen. In dieser Erstberatung informieren und beraten wir Sie individuell, wie Sie mit herausfordernden Situationen und Konflikten umgehen können und verweisen ggf. an weitere Stellen. Gerne können Sie auch einen individuellen Beratungstermin (auch per MS Teams) vereinbaren. Jutta Klein-Hitpaß steht Ihnen für Fragen oder Terminabsprachen gerne zur Verfügung.
--- ENGLISH ---
Junior researchers face different challenges in their research period. These can lead to conflicts, for example concerning the supervising relationship, within a working group, regarding financing issues, or concerning self-structured working. This challenging phase can also lead to personal problems. Should you find yourself in such or similar situations, you can find support at various advisory offices at KIT. For an overview please refer to our website: https://www.khys.kit.edu/english/advisory-offices.php.
KHYS offers open consultation hours in principle every Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. There you can safely discuss your situation. During this initial consultation, we offer information and advice on how to deal with challenging situations and conflicts. If applicable, we will refer you to other advisory offices. You are also welcome to make an appointment (also for an MS Teams meeting). Jutta Klein-Hitpaß will be happy to answer any questions you may have or to offer you an appointment.
Unter anderem bietet das Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS) in der Regel jeden Donnerstag von 15:00 bis 17:00 Uhr eine offene Sprechstunde zur Beratung in Konfliktfällen an. Dort können Sie in einem geschützten Rahmen Ihre Situation darlegen. In dieser Erstberatung informieren und beraten wir Sie individuell, wie Sie mit herausfordernden Situationen und Konflikten umgehen können und verweisen ggf. an weitere Stellen. Gerne können Sie auch einen individuellen Beratungstermin (auch per MS Teams) vereinbaren. Jutta Klein-Hitpaß steht Ihnen für Fragen oder Terminabsprachen gerne zur Verfügung.
--- ENGLISH ---
Junior researchers face different challenges in their research period. These can lead to conflicts, for example concerning the supervising relationship, within a working group, regarding financing issues, or concerning self-structured working. This challenging phase can also lead to personal problems. Should you find yourself in such or similar situations, you can find support at various advisory offices at KIT. For an overview please refer to our website: https://www.khys.kit.edu/english/advisory-offices.php.
KHYS offers open consultation hours in principle every Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. There you can safely discuss your situation. During this initial consultation, we offer information and advice on how to deal with challenging situations and conflicts. If applicable, we will refer you to other advisory offices. You are also welcome to make an appointment (also for an MS Teams meeting). Jutta Klein-Hitpaß will be happy to answer any questions you may have or to offer you an appointment.
Friday, 09 October 2026
9:00 - 13:00
From Prompt to Partner. Building Custom Chatbots for Your Professional Practice [On-site Workshop]
Workshop
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Bldg. 30.95, Seminar room Forum A+B …
Bldg. 30.95, Seminar room Forum A+B …
Dr. Stefan Götze, KIT/KHYS
The event will be held in English and run for one day, on October 9, 2026.
Generative AI can provide valuable support for many activities that surround academic work, such as generating ideas, structuring information or drafting and revising texts. However, the greatest benefits are often achieved when general-purpose large language models (LLMs) are tailored to specific tasks, contexts, and individual working styles. In this workshop, participants will learn how to design and build such customized AI chatbots.
Participants will first gain an understanding of how customized chatbots work and what distinguishes them from general-purpose AI systems. Building on this foundation, they will identify relevant use cases from their own professional environments. Through guided exercises and peer feedback, participants will learn how to design effective prompts for customized chatbots and to structure knowledge sources to support chatbot performance. By the end of the workshop, each participant will have developed and tested an initial prototype of a customized chatbot that can be further refined and applied within their own professional practice.
Please note the following requirements for participation: you …
are expected to have same prior experience in working with Generative AI need access to KIT’s AI platforms: KI Toolbox, MS CoPilot. will be asked to share the results of this workshop (e.g. prompts) with other participants.
This event is open to doctoral researchers and postdocs at KIT who are KHYS members. If you are currently not yet a member of KHYS, you can register here.
The event will be held in English and run for one day, on October 9, 2026.
We generally expect participants to attend throughout the entire duration of the event.
If you are unable to attend an event, please inform us promptly via email. This way you are allowing your colleagues the opportunity to participate and you help us to maintain the quality of our Further Education Program. Thank you!
Generative AI can provide valuable support for many activities that surround academic work, such as generating ideas, structuring information or drafting and revising texts. However, the greatest benefits are often achieved when general-purpose large language models (LLMs) are tailored to specific tasks, contexts, and individual working styles. In this workshop, participants will learn how to design and build such customized AI chatbots.
Participants will first gain an understanding of how customized chatbots work and what distinguishes them from general-purpose AI systems. Building on this foundation, they will identify relevant use cases from their own professional environments. Through guided exercises and peer feedback, participants will learn how to design effective prompts for customized chatbots and to structure knowledge sources to support chatbot performance. By the end of the workshop, each participant will have developed and tested an initial prototype of a customized chatbot that can be further refined and applied within their own professional practice.
Please note the following requirements for participation: you …
are expected to have same prior experience in working with Generative AI need access to KIT’s AI platforms: KI Toolbox, MS CoPilot. will be asked to share the results of this workshop (e.g. prompts) with other participants.
This event is open to doctoral researchers and postdocs at KIT who are KHYS members. If you are currently not yet a member of KHYS, you can register here.
The event will be held in English and run for one day, on October 9, 2026.
We generally expect participants to attend throughout the entire duration of the event.
If you are unable to attend an event, please inform us promptly via email. This way you are allowing your colleagues the opportunity to participate and you help us to maintain the quality of our Further Education Program. Thank you!
Monday, 19 October 2026
10:00 - 17:00
Scientific Writing. What Makes a Good Paper and How to Write It (Two-day) [On-site Workshop]
Workshop
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Bldg. 01.52, Dürer-Saal (ground floor)
Bldg. 01.52, Dürer-Saal (ground floor)
Dr. Carsten Rohr, Soft Skills in Hard Science
The event will be held in English and run for two days, on October 19 and October 20, 2026.
Publications of research results is the currency in modern science. It might not be your favourite occupation, but it is a decisive one, strongly determining your future research and career opportunities. In this course, you will be introduced to the process of writing a scientific paper. In order to deepen and apply this knowledge, you will also actually produce a manuscript based on your research data (and one that might serve as the foundation for a journal submission). Questions about other forms of text like conference papers can also be discussed.
A-Z of scientific writing
Developing a clear main message Priority setting in the writing process Structure and logical flow of the text Create meaningful graphics Do’s and Don’ts of AI Tools in writing Tools and use cases for AI in writing How to develop a daily writing routine Efficient communication with co-authors
Please note: Given that this is a hands-on workshop, you need some (analyzed) data to serve as the foundation for a journal article. Please also bring some scientific texts you wrote (e.g., Bachelor or Master thesis, and any published or upcoming papers) to the workshop.
This event is open to doctoral researchers and postdocs at KIT who are KHYS members. If you are currently not yet a member of KHYS, you can register here.
The event will be held in English and run for two days, on October 19 and October 20, 2026.
We generally expect participants to attend throughout the entire duration of the event.
If you are unable to attend an event, please inform us promptly via e-mail. This way you are allowing your colleagues the opportunity to participate and you help us to maintain the quality of our Further Education Program. Thank you!
Publications of research results is the currency in modern science. It might not be your favourite occupation, but it is a decisive one, strongly determining your future research and career opportunities. In this course, you will be introduced to the process of writing a scientific paper. In order to deepen and apply this knowledge, you will also actually produce a manuscript based on your research data (and one that might serve as the foundation for a journal submission). Questions about other forms of text like conference papers can also be discussed.
A-Z of scientific writing
Developing a clear main message Priority setting in the writing process Structure and logical flow of the text Create meaningful graphics Do’s and Don’ts of AI Tools in writing Tools and use cases for AI in writing How to develop a daily writing routine Efficient communication with co-authors
Please note: Given that this is a hands-on workshop, you need some (analyzed) data to serve as the foundation for a journal article. Please also bring some scientific texts you wrote (e.g., Bachelor or Master thesis, and any published or upcoming papers) to the workshop.
This event is open to doctoral researchers and postdocs at KIT who are KHYS members. If you are currently not yet a member of KHYS, you can register here.
The event will be held in English and run for two days, on October 19 and October 20, 2026.
We generally expect participants to attend throughout the entire duration of the event.
If you are unable to attend an event, please inform us promptly via e-mail. This way you are allowing your colleagues the opportunity to participate and you help us to maintain the quality of our Further Education Program. Thank you!
12:30
Writing Retreat at Monastery Bad Wimpfen (Four-day) [On-site in Bad Wimpfen]
Kloster Bad Wimpfen, Lindenplatz 7, 74206 Bad Wimpfen
Dr. Gunnar Seemann
The event will be held in English and run for four days, from October 19, 2026, 12:30 p.m. to October 22, 2026, 12:00 noon in the monastery in Bad Wimpfen.
Advance your writing project in a focused and inspiring environment.
Imagine four days with a single goal: making real progress on your writing. Whether you are working on your dissertation, a journal article, a conference paper, or a grant proposal, this four-day Writing Retreat offers the time, support, and structure needed to make substantial progress on your writing.
From October 19 to 22, 2026, we will retreat to the peaceful surroundings of Bad Wimpfen Monastery. Away from the demands and distractions of everyday academic life, participants can focus on their writing while benefiting from the supportive atmosphere of a community of fellow writers.
The retreat combines:
extended periods of focused writing, short inputs on writing-related topics by an academic coach, individual consultations with the coach, movement breaks and optional yoga sessions.
Structured writing sessions, shared goals, and mutual encouragement help create momentum and accountability throughout the retreat.
Participants will be accommodated in single rooms with private bathroom facilities. Wi-Fi is available only in the shared seminar room, where guided writing sessions take place. Healthy full-board catering is provided throughout the retreat.
The retreat is open to doctoral researchers and postdoctoral researchers who have a current writing project and are prepared to dedicate the four days to advancing it.
Participation is free of charge. KHYS covers all retreat costs, including accommodation and meals. Participants only need to arrange and cover their own travel expenses.
Places will be allocated based on the order of registration and the expected benefit of the retreat for the progress of the applicant's current writing project. If you are attending the retreat during your regular working hours, please remember to submit a travel application form (“Dienstreiseantrag”), if required.
This event is open to doctoral researchers and postdocs at KIT who are KHYS members. If you are currently not yet a member of KHYS, you can register here.
The event will be held in English and run for four days, from October 19, 2026, 12:30 p.m. to October 22, 2026, 12:00 noon in the monastery in Bad Wimpfen (ca. 2 hours by train from Karlsruhe).
Participation throughout the entire duration of the event is mandatory.
If you are unable to attend an event, please inform us promptly via email. This way you are allowing your colleagues the opportunity to participate and you help us to maintain the quality of our Further Education Program. Thank you!
Advance your writing project in a focused and inspiring environment.
Imagine four days with a single goal: making real progress on your writing. Whether you are working on your dissertation, a journal article, a conference paper, or a grant proposal, this four-day Writing Retreat offers the time, support, and structure needed to make substantial progress on your writing.
From October 19 to 22, 2026, we will retreat to the peaceful surroundings of Bad Wimpfen Monastery. Away from the demands and distractions of everyday academic life, participants can focus on their writing while benefiting from the supportive atmosphere of a community of fellow writers.
The retreat combines:
extended periods of focused writing, short inputs on writing-related topics by an academic coach, individual consultations with the coach, movement breaks and optional yoga sessions.
Structured writing sessions, shared goals, and mutual encouragement help create momentum and accountability throughout the retreat.
Participants will be accommodated in single rooms with private bathroom facilities. Wi-Fi is available only in the shared seminar room, where guided writing sessions take place. Healthy full-board catering is provided throughout the retreat.
The retreat is open to doctoral researchers and postdoctoral researchers who have a current writing project and are prepared to dedicate the four days to advancing it.
Participation is free of charge. KHYS covers all retreat costs, including accommodation and meals. Participants only need to arrange and cover their own travel expenses.
Places will be allocated based on the order of registration and the expected benefit of the retreat for the progress of the applicant's current writing project. If you are attending the retreat during your regular working hours, please remember to submit a travel application form (“Dienstreiseantrag”), if required.
This event is open to doctoral researchers and postdocs at KIT who are KHYS members. If you are currently not yet a member of KHYS, you can register here.
The event will be held in English and run for four days, from October 19, 2026, 12:30 p.m. to October 22, 2026, 12:00 noon in the monastery in Bad Wimpfen (ca. 2 hours by train from Karlsruhe).
Participation throughout the entire duration of the event is mandatory.
If you are unable to attend an event, please inform us promptly via email. This way you are allowing your colleagues the opportunity to participate and you help us to maintain the quality of our Further Education Program. Thank you!
Thursday, 22 October 2026
15:00 - 17:00
KHYS: Offene Sprechstunde zur Beratung/Open consultation hours
Geb. 30.96, Raum 116
Nachwuchsforschende werden mit verschiedenen Herausforderungen konfrontiert, die zu Konflikten führen können, zum Beispiel im Betreuungsverhältnis, innerhalb der Arbeitsgruppe, im Hinblick auf Finanzierungsfragen oder hinsichtlich des selbststrukturierten Arbeitens. Die herausfordernde Phase kann auch persönliche Probleme mit sich bringen. Sollten Sie sich in einer solchen oder ähnlichen Situation befinden, können Sie bei verschiedenen Anlaufstellen am KIT Unterstützung finden. Einen Überblick finden Sie auf unserer Webseite unter www.khys.kit.edu/Anlaufstellen.
Unter anderem bietet das Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS) in der Regel jeden Donnerstag von 15:00 bis 17:00 Uhr eine offene Sprechstunde zur Beratung in Konfliktfällen an. Dort können Sie in einem geschützten Rahmen Ihre Situation darlegen. In dieser Erstberatung informieren und beraten wir Sie individuell, wie Sie mit herausfordernden Situationen und Konflikten umgehen können und verweisen ggf. an weitere Stellen. Gerne können Sie auch einen individuellen Beratungstermin (auch per MS Teams) vereinbaren. Jutta Klein-Hitpaß steht Ihnen für Fragen oder Terminabsprachen gerne zur Verfügung.
--- ENGLISH ---
Junior researchers face different challenges in their research period. These can lead to conflicts, for example concerning the supervising relationship, within a working group, regarding financing issues, or concerning self-structured working. This challenging phase can also lead to personal problems. Should you find yourself in such or similar situations, you can find support at various advisory offices at KIT. For an overview please refer to our website: https://www.khys.kit.edu/english/advisory-offices.php.
KHYS offers open consultation hours in principle every Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. There you can safely discuss your situation. During this initial consultation, we offer information and advice on how to deal with challenging situations and conflicts. If applicable, we will refer you to other advisory offices. You are also welcome to make an appointment (also for an MS Teams meeting). Jutta Klein-Hitpaß will be happy to answer any questions you may have or to offer you an appointment.
Unter anderem bietet das Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS) in der Regel jeden Donnerstag von 15:00 bis 17:00 Uhr eine offene Sprechstunde zur Beratung in Konfliktfällen an. Dort können Sie in einem geschützten Rahmen Ihre Situation darlegen. In dieser Erstberatung informieren und beraten wir Sie individuell, wie Sie mit herausfordernden Situationen und Konflikten umgehen können und verweisen ggf. an weitere Stellen. Gerne können Sie auch einen individuellen Beratungstermin (auch per MS Teams) vereinbaren. Jutta Klein-Hitpaß steht Ihnen für Fragen oder Terminabsprachen gerne zur Verfügung.
--- ENGLISH ---
Junior researchers face different challenges in their research period. These can lead to conflicts, for example concerning the supervising relationship, within a working group, regarding financing issues, or concerning self-structured working. This challenging phase can also lead to personal problems. Should you find yourself in such or similar situations, you can find support at various advisory offices at KIT. For an overview please refer to our website: https://www.khys.kit.edu/english/advisory-offices.php.
KHYS offers open consultation hours in principle every Thursday from 3 to 5 p.m. There you can safely discuss your situation. During this initial consultation, we offer information and advice on how to deal with challenging situations and conflicts. If applicable, we will refer you to other advisory offices. You are also welcome to make an appointment (also for an MS Teams meeting). Jutta Klein-Hitpaß will be happy to answer any questions you may have or to offer you an appointment.
more…
all
