News from PostdocNet

As the Max Planck PostdocNet, we are committed to strengthening the collective voice of our postdocs during this crucial phase of the WissZeitVG reform. more

Last Thursday (5 March 2026) marked an important step forward for the postdoctoral community. Representatives of the Max Planck PostdocNet met with Deputy Minister Dr. Silke Launert and senior officials at the BMFTR, together with colleagues from the Helmholtz Association PostDoc Network (HAPN) and the Leibniz PostDoc Network (LPN), to discuss the upcoming reform of the WissZeitVG—an issue of central importance for researchers across Germany. more

The first episode of the Mental Health Working Group’s new interview series, “In Diaglogue on Mental Health,” is now available on Youtube! more

Our new Steering Group met with the previous Steering Group recently to ensure a smooth transfer of resources and information. more

Welcome to our new Steering Group, who officially took office on December 22! more

Recent documentaries on power abuse in academic institutions, particularly those involving early career researchers, have drawn repeated public attention to these critical issues. Although individual documentaries focus on specific cases and institutions, the bigger picture that emerges reveals systemic problems within the academic landscape. Following extensive consultation with our community, PostDocNet presents this comprehensive statement addressing these concerns and outlining necessary reforms. more

The report by the Survey Working Group summarizes results obtained from 872 postdocs at 74 Max Planck Institutes. more