Schedule of Events

A career in industry is an attractive option for many young scientists after completing their doctorate or postdoc phase. And quite a few actually choose to leave academia with the aspiration of entering responsible positions in the private sector.
 
However, given that employees in private enterprises often are required to both pursue different goals and work differently compared to employees in research institutions, scientists need to adopt different mindsets and competences for succeeding in a business environment. In addition to specialist professional knowledge, transferrable skills in the areas of management methods, leadership and communication are particularly required.
 
To give you a head start for a successful career entry in the private sector, this e-learning program provides initial insights into key competences specifically for the business context. A selection of short online courses examines a variety of relevant topics, taking examples from everyday business life as their starting point. Apart from conveying theoretical background information they offer practical advice and provide suggestions for exercises and self-reflexion. Competences acquired by working thouroughly on these e-learnings can also be helpful for similar tasks in other than industrial work contexts, of course.
 
We have three modules in our Short-Cuts to Industry Program: Management Methods - Leadership - Communication. Depending on your personal needs, you can choose one course per module (they are offered in English, German or other languages) and compile them into your personal self-learning programme. Get fit for a career in industry! Below you can register for the Communication module.
 
Communication
Moderating Meetings (50 min)
Targeted Networking (100 min)
Basics of Negotiations (70 min)
Storytelling within the Company (80 min)
Arguing and Persuading Using the Five-Sentence Method (100 min)
Virtual Teams – Communication (50 min)
 
Information on registration and course operation
You will be able to choose one course per module. Please choose carefully on the basis of the course descriptions, taking into account that some courses overlap in their content.
 
This e-learning course is being offered in a self-learning format. You therefore have the option to begin at any time convenient to you and work through it at your own pace. Please note that the indicated course durations refer to the pure processing time of the course contents. Please plan additional time for transfer tasks.
 
 
Please note
You will receive the login details as well as further information on the course in a separate e-mail within three weeks after registration for the course. Please register below for the Communication module. The e-learning will be accessed on an external online training platform.
 
You can find the Management Methods module here: https://www.khys.kit.edu/veranstaltungskalender.php/event/55576 You can find the Leadership module here: https://www.khys.kit.edu/veranstaltungskalender.php/event/55577  

The event will be held in English and run for three days, on July 3, July 10 and July 17, 2026, 1 p.m to 5 p.m each.
 
Expand your programming skills with Python. Python is a versatile and powerful language used in fields like web development and machine learning. Its high demand makes it a valuable skill for enhancing your research and job prospects.
 
Content and Learning Objectives: This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Python. By the end, participants will be able to read and write Python scripts and develop efficient solutions by breaking down complex problems. Topics include basic syntax, variables, loops, functions, and more.
 
Methods: The course combines theoretical explanations, practical demonstrations, and interactive exercises, allowing you to ask questions and apply what you learn immediately.
 
Benefits: Gain a solid foundation in Python, automate tasks, and improve workflow efficiency. Be prepared to tackle programming challenges in your research and beyond.
 
Special Features:
•      No prior knowledge required
•      The course will not be recorded
•      No preparatory tasks necessary – just bring your curiosity!
 
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 three days, on July 3, July 10 and July 17, 2026, 1 p.m to 5 p.m each.
 
Technical requirements: To participate in this event, you need a stable internet connection, a webcam and a microphone. Participants will receive further detailed information regarding the online-platform prior to the event.
 
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!

Die Veranstaltung findet auf Deutsch und an zwei Tagen statt, am 6. und 7. Juli 2026, jeweils von 9:00 bis 16:30 Uhr.
 
Projektmanagement ist eine Schlüsselkompetenz – sowohl für zukünftige Aufgaben außerhalb der Wissenschaft, als auch für den Arbeitsalltag von Forschenden. Projekte gelingen, wenn fachliches Können mit soliden Management- und Selbstführungskompetenzen kombiniert wird.
 
Dieser Workshop führt in die Grundlagen des Projektmanagements ein und richtet sich an Promovierende und Postdocs ohne Vorkenntnisse. Sie lernen, Projekte systematisch zu planen und durchzuführen – von SMART-Zielen über Ressourcen- und Risikoanalysen bis hin zu agilen und klassischen Ansätzen. Praxisbeispiele, Erfahrungsaustausch,Einblicke in Online-Tools und der Einbezug von KI in das Projektmanagement runden den Workshop ab.
 
Nach dem Workshop können Sie:
Projekte effizient planen und steuern: Projektziele SMART definieren, Planung von Umfang, Ressourcen, Zeit, Stakeholderanalyse, Risikoanalyse den Projektlebenszyklus verstehen und umsetzen: Rollen, Aktivitäten, Meilensteine, Kommunikation im Projekt, Risikomanagement, Projektstrukturplan, Projektsteuerung klassisches, agiles und hybrides Projektmanagement unterscheiden typische Fallstricke vermeiden und neue Lösungsansätze nutzen     ausgewählte Online-Tools für das Projektmanagement nutzen  
Der Workshop ist praxisorientiert, erfahrungsbasiert und interaktiv. Wir erarbeiten alle Phasen des Projektmanagements anhand von Beispielen und bieten Raum für individuellen Erfahrungsaustausch.
 
Erhalten Sie das Rüstzeug für professionelles Projektmanagement – in der Wissenschaft und darüber hinaus.
                                                           
Bitte beachten Sie: Neben diesem Workshop bietet das KHYS weitere Projektmanagementkurse mit unterschiedlichen Schwerpunkten an, dabei kann es zu inhaltlichen Überschneidungen kommen:
 
Getting Started. Managing your Dissertation Project Successfully Project Management for Research Projects Projektmanagement in der Industrie Agile Project Management (für Fortgeschrittene mit Vorwissen)  
Die Veranstaltung richtet sich an Promovierende und Postdocs am KIT (Mitglieder des KHYS). Wenn Sie derzeit noch kein Mitglied bei KHYS sind, können Sie sich hier registrieren.
 
Die Veranstaltung findet auf Deutsch und an zwei Tagen statt, am 6. und 7. Juli 2026, jeweils von 9:00 bis 16:30 Uhr.
 
Eine vollständige Anwesenheit an der Veranstaltung wird erwartet.
 
Bitte melden Sie sich frühzeitig per E-Mail ab, wenn Sie nicht an einer Veranstaltung teilnehmen können. Damit können Personen von der Warteliste nachrücken und Sie helfen uns, die Qualität des Weiterbildungsprogramms aufrecht zu erhalten. Vielen Dank!

Die Veranstaltung findet auf Deutsch und an zwei Tagen statt, am 6. und 7. Oktober 2026, jeweils 10:00 - 17:00 Uhr.
 
In der Wissenschaft arbeiten viele Promovierende und Postdocs in interdisziplinären Projekten oder leiten kleinere Teams – oft ohne formale Führungsfunktion. Dennoch müssen sie Aufgaben koordinieren, Entscheidungen herbeiführen und Kolleg*innen motivieren, ohne auf klassische Weisungsbefugnisse zurückgreifen zu können. Diese Form der „lateralen Führung" ist anspruchsvoll: Sie erfordert Klarheit über die eigene Rolle, kommunikatives Geschick und die Fähigkeit, Einfluss auf Augenhöhe zu nehmen.
 
Das kommt Ihnen bekannt vor? Sie möchten Ihre Handlungsmöglichkeiten in solchen Situationen erweitern? Dann ist dieses Seminar genau richtig für Sie!
 
Lernziele
Sie verstehen die Besonderheiten lateraler Führung und gestalten Ihre Rolle bewusst Sie wissen, wie Sie Vertrauen und Kooperation ohne disziplinarische Macht aufbauen Sie kennen Strategien zur Einflussnahme und moderieren unterschiedliche Interessenlagen Sie haben Werkzeuge für Kommunikation, Feedback und Entscheidungsfindung erprobt  
Inhalte
Rollenklärung und Selbstpositionierung Gesprächsführung und Kommunikation ohne Weisungsbefugnis Umgang mit Widerständen, Zielkonflikten und Arbeitsstilen Verhandeln und Überzeugen auf Augenhöhe  
Methoden und Nutzen
Kurze Inputs, interaktive Übungen und Fallbeispiele aus dem Hochschulalltag schaffen hohen Praxisbezug. Sie reflektieren eigene Erfahrungen im Austausch mit anderen, gewinnen Sicherheit im Umgang mit Ihrer Führungsrolle und gestalten anspruchsvolle Situationen künftig souveräner.
 
Die Veranstaltung richtet sich an Promovierende und Postdocs am KIT (Mitglieder des KHYS). Wenn Sie derzeit noch kein Mitglied bei KHYS sind, können Sie sich hier registrieren.
 
Die Veranstaltung findet auf Deutsch und an zwei Tagen statt, am 6. und 7. Oktober 2026, jeweils 10:00 - 17:00 Uhr.
 
Eine vollständige Anwesenheit an der Veranstaltung wird erwartet.
 
Bitte melden Sie sich frühzeitig per E-Mail ab, wenn Sie nicht an einer Veranstaltung teilnehmen können. Damit können Personen von der Warteliste nachrücken und Sie helfen uns, die Qualität des Weiterbildungsprogramms aufrecht zu erhalten. Vielen Dank!

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!

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!

The event will be held in English and run for two days, on November 5 and 6, 2026.
 
Researchers are responsible for ensuring that their own conduct complies with the standards of good research practice. The workshop will introduce basic issues of research integrity by addressing important guidelines of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and specific regulations of KIT for safeguarding good research practice – relevant for every early career researcher@KIT.
 
A) Basics of Responsible Conduct
Introduction: Research, ethical principles and professional ethos of a researcher Basic (inter-)national recommendations and regulations for safeguarding good research practice Research misconduct: Examples, elements of offense, reasons and consequences  
B) General Responsibilities
Quality management: research design, documentation/archiving Publication process, authorship and review of manuscripts GRP-Perspectives on the use of text- and picture-generative AI-applications in research Supervision: Expectations/duties/roles Organizational culture: Collaboration, communication, prevention and dealing with conflict Procedures in case of suspicion and relevant contact points  
C) Important Specific Responsibilities
Important prior to any data collection: Authorization or permission relevant research Possible topics (depending on participants’ disciplinary/research background): ‘Research on animals’, ‘Research on humans’ and/or ‘Surveys, interviews, data privacy and security issues in research’  
Throughout the various sections of the workshop the use of text- and image-generating AI will be discussed as an integral part.
 
Via dialogic inputs, discussion of case examples, single/group work and plenary discussion participants will have the opportunity to discuss and reflect their individual research practice and professional attitudes on being a researcher.
 
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 November 5 and 6, 2026.
 
Technical requirements: To participate in this event, you need a stable internet connection, a webcam and a microphone. Participants will receive further detailed information regarding the online-platform prior to the event.
 
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!

The event will be held in English and run for two days, on November 13 and 27, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each.
 
Young scientists like you often face an onslaught of daily challenges like teaching, research projects or administrative tasks. Given that academics are also often expected to be flexible and constantly available, it is only natural that you feel at times overwhelmed. Moreover, those many last-minute, short-term assignments often take precedence and can keep you distracted from more important, long-term goals and ambitions as well as your personal interests.
 
To keep your priorities in sight, you thus need a carefully thought-out time and self-management system. In this workshop, you will learn to set priorities and forge realistic plans in order to balance the demands of research and your personal life goals.
 
Workshop topics include:
Self-organization and self-motivation: increase productivity and efficiency Self-management: Defining personal goals and setting priorities, avoiding procrastination Planning: Establishing and/or optimizing daily and weekly planning; recognizing and using your individual performance curve Focus: Setting parameters for working effectively, maximizing efficiency Energy management, work-life balance, mental health.  
In the workshop, theoretical foundations and models are discussed and reflected in individual and group work. After the first day participants receive practical exercises to work on at home in case they are interested in enhancing deeper understanding of the topics and develop new personal strategies.
 
If you need guidance beyond the workshop on personal challenges or conflict situations, you can contact the following advisory offices: https://www.khys.kit.edu/english/advisory-offices.php
 
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 November 13 and 27, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each.
 
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!

The event will be held in English and run for two days on November 19, 2026, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and November 20, 2026, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
 
Writing a doctoral thesis is very challenging. But if you take a smart approach early on, you are likely to reach your objectives faster and achieve superior results. This workshop focuses on the critical elements for a successful doctoral journey: Which mindsets, tools, and processes make a real difference on the way to a PhD? We concentrate on three areas: The efficient organization of tasks and notes, the productive communication with supervisors and the research community, and the structured reading and writing of academic papers. In each area, we will reflect on effective mindsets, tools, and workflows. The goal is for each participant to take away at least three specific ideas on how to substantially improve their own approach.
 
Major topics:
-          Project management
-          Efficient time management and self-motivation
-          Managing the relationship to your supervisor
-          Tools and strategies for effective literature research & note-taking
 
If you need guidance beyond the workshop on personal challenges or conflict situations, you can contact the following advisory offices: https://www.khys.kit.edu/english/advisory-offices.php
 
Please note: In addition to this workshop, KHYS offers other project management courses with different focal points, which may overlap in terms of content:
-          Project Management for Research Projects
-          Projekt Management in der Industrie
-          Agile Project Management
-          Basics of Project Management
 
This event is open to doctoral researchers 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 November 19, 2026, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and November 20, 2026, 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
 
Technical requirements: To participate in this event, you need a stable internet connection, a webcam and a microphone. Participants will receive further detailed information regarding the online-platform prior to the event.
 
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!

Die Veranstaltung findet auf Deutsch und an zwei Tagen statt, am 25. und 26. November 2026.
 
Ganz gleich, in welcher Branche Sie sich nach Ihrer Promotion etablieren: Ohne Projektmanagement geht es in der Regel nicht. Ob als Freiberufler oder als leitende Mitarbeiterin in großen Konzernen: wesentliche Teile der Arbeit werden oftmals als Projekt geplant und durchgeführt. 
 
Mit besonderem Augenmerk auf die Bedürfnisse der Industrie führt der Workshop daher in die grundlegenden Werkzeuge und Techniken des Projektmanagements ein. Dabei wird immer wieder der Bezug zu verschiedenen Ansätzen und Standards hergestellt und auf Besonderheiten hingewiesen. Verschiedene Zertifizierungen haben daher ebenso ihren Platz im Workshop wie auch ein kurzer Blick auf agiles Projektmanagement. Auf diese Weise erhalten die Teilnehmenden einen guten Überblick und einen Rahmen, um ihr Vorwissen zu strukturieren.
 
Themen:
Definition: Was ist ein Projekt? Unterschiede des Projektmanagements in Wissenschaft und Industrie Initiierung und von Projekten und Klärung der Voraussetzungen Projektplanung: Phasen, Meilensteine, Projektstrukturplan und Gantt-Charts  Kalkulation und Controlling Ermittlung von Risiken und Zielen Standards und Zertifizierungen im Projektmanagement Aktuelle Trends und Themen  
Die Teilnehmenden werden aktiv eingebunden und arbeiten während des gesamten Workshops an verschiedenen Aufgaben mit.
 
Zielgruppe: Teilnehmer mit keinen oder geringen Kenntnissen im Projektmanagement.
 
Bitte beachten Sie: Neben diesem Workshop bietet das KHYS weitere Projektmanagementkurse mit unterschiedlichen Schwerpunkten an, dabei kann es zu inhaltlichen Überschneidungen kommen:
 
Getting Started. Managing your Dissertation Project Successfully Grundlagen des Projektmanagements Project Management for Research Projects Agile Project Management (für Fortgeschrittene mit Vorwissen)  
Die Veranstaltung richtet sich an Promovierende und Postdocs am KIT (Mitglieder des KHYS).Wenn Sie derzeit noch kein Mitglied bei KHYS sind, können Sie sich hier registrieren.
 
Die Veranstaltung findet auf Deutsch und an zwei Tagen statt, am 25. und 26. November 2026.
 
Eine vollständige Anwesenheit an der Veranstaltung wird erwartet.
 
Bitte melden Sie sich frühzeitig per E-Mail ab, wenn Sie nicht an einer Veranstaltung teilnehmen können. Damit können Personen von der Warteliste nachrücken und Sie helfen uns, die Qualität des Weiterbildungsprogramms aufrecht zu erhalten. Vielen Dank!

The event will be held in English, on December 3, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 
As part of a personal roadmap, you take the opportunity to consciously reflect on your current professional and private situation. You will look at your personal goals and wishes and derive concrete steps for your further career and skills development.
 
What have I already achieved? What skills particularly characterize me? What are my strengths? What is important to me? How do I visualize a successful future?
 
The first aim of the event is to take a closer look at the current status quo and generate an understanding of your present situation. Taking stock in this way will help you to take a focused approach to your life and career planning, create a basis for reflection for your longer-term professional and private decisions and work on your individual areas of development in a targeted manner.  
 
In this way, you can develop goals for your further career planning from a holistic perspective and derive the first specific steps.
 
Please note that a career assessment cannot provide individual career counselling. KHYS offers the following workshops for further career planning:
After the Doctorate. Career Planning for Doctoral Researchers How to Shape Your Future. Career Planning for Postdocs  
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, on December 3, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 
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!