The current round started in October 2023. The application procedure has been completed.

Female doctoral candidates who are about to complete their doctoral degree procedure and female postdocs who are still at an early stage often have not yet made a final decision about where their academic appointment should take them or do not know exactly what steps are necessary to achieve their desired goal. Discussing with colleagues in a similar situation and with experienced people who have taken similar paths and hold attractive positions is a particularly good way to clarify questions about your own career orientation.

The programme "Potentials. Career orientation and planning for female academics" programme is aimed in particular at highly qualified women who would like to continue their successful career either in academia or in a non-academic field, but are still looking for the right perspective for them. Participation in the mentoring programme can help with orientation. Female academics who were the first in their family to study are expressly encouraged to apply.

The one-to-one mentoring relationship during the twelve months of the programme is the core and driving force behind the development. It is carefully prepared and orientated entirely towards the needs of the mentees. For example, if desired, mentoring can also address the experiences of people who were the first in their family to go to university. For this reason, the mentees themselves select the people who are suitable for them. They are supported by the Vice President and the Coordinator in making contact.

This core is supplemented by a framework programme that enables the mentees to reflect on their individual mentoring relationship and personal development with their peers and a professional trainer. The framework programme includes a preparatory, a mid-term and a final workshop as well as the opportunity to take advantage of individual coaching sessions with the trainer.

In addition, workshops, discussion evenings or lectures, which are organised according to the mentees' wishes, offer the opportunity to acquire additional interdisciplinary knowledge and to network with each other.

Both mentees and mentors receive a certificate at the end of the mentoring programme.

The programme coordinator is available to answer questions and provide advice to interested mentees and mentors.

* In the following, all persons who define themselves as female scientists are addressed. The term "female* scientists" used here also explicitly includes trans*, inter* and non-binary people who define themselves as women. Female* researchers with a chronic illness or other impairment are given preferential consideration in the selection procedures. The terms "mentor" and "mentored" also refer to all people who would like to take on this role, regardless of their gender identity.