Our Motivation

The years immediately before and during the initial period of an independent group leader position make up one of the most productive, yet most critical phases in a scientist’s career. Exchanging experiences with peers, opportunities to interact and collaborate, in particular during the (re-) integration into the German research environment, as well as reliable funding are key ingredients for success. This is particularly true given the rapidly ongoing changes within the European research environment, which increasingly calls for earlier independence. At the same time, the transition into a permanent leader position, be it academic or industrial, requires an ever broader repertoire of skills beyond scientific excellence and a strong network for support.