Young Researchers Day

Workshop und Networking Day | October 7, 2025, in Eichstätt

Between ambitious goals and decisions about the future, mental health plays a central role during the doctoral phase. This is precisely where Young Researchers Day 2025 came in: under the motto “Stay mentally healthy during your qualification phase!”, participants were encouraged to consciously recognize their emotional and mental health and actively strengthen it. This year, parts of the program were again conducted in English.

In his welcoming speech, Prof. Dr. Jens Hogreve, Vice President for Research and Junior Researchers, emphasized that cultural change in the scientific system also involves talking openly about the challenges faced by doctoral students and postdocs and providing them with targeted support in their development.

The subsequent keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Elisa Pfeiffer presented a well-founded overview of the current state of research on individual stress factors during the qualification phase. At the same time, she outlined practical, everyday strategies that young scientists can use to strengthen their resources and successfully cope with stress.

This was followed by the workshop phase, during which doctoral students and postdocs could choose between three topics: self-care, conflict management and self-organization. Among other things, the sessions highlighted the role of appreciative communication in challenging situations. Participants were also given space to reflect on their individual stress levels and time management and to consciously focus on their own strengths.

The contents of the day were summarized in a joint final discussion with the trainers. The participants concluded that the workshops were a good starting point for more self-care. They also agreed that it was important to get to know each other and to support one another.

Afterwards, there was time for networking—an opportunity that had already been actively utilized during the coffee breaks and lunch together in the Mensa. In addition, the existing WhatsApp group was expanded so that participants could stay in touch after the event.

Many thanks to all participants for the lively exchange of ideas and experiences!

Program