Recap of the Vienna CogSciHub 2025 Postdoc Networking and Career Development Day

The 2025 Postdoc Networking and Career Development Day kicked off with a welcome coffee at 09:30, giving attendees the chance to mingle.

At 10:00, the day’s first session explored the growing influence of Generative AI in research. Matthias Leichtfried (Department of German Studies) presented on how AI is transforming the research landscape, offering fresh insights into its applications and potential, but also highlighting limitations and pitfalls.

A “Brownbag Lunch” session at 12:00 focused on personal reflections in science with Jutta Mueller (Department of Linguistics) and Claus Lamm (Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology). They shared their experiences on growing up in science, touching on the personal and professional challenges that arise during an academic career.

The afternoon session at 13:15 delved into "Career Planning for Postdocs: Tools and Opportunities," stressing the importance of proactive career planning. Christine Hudetz (Program Manager, LBG Career Center), Lil Reif (FFG Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft), Mónica García Puerto (University of Vienna), and Madeleine Harbich (University of Vienna) led a dynamic discussion on the tools and opportunities available to postdocs at the new postdoc center at University of Vienna and beyond.

Finally, the day wrapped up with a Wellbeing Workshop at 15:00, led by Christine Hudetz. As a certified meditation and mindfulness teacher (Meditas), Christine guided attendees through science-based mindfulness practices to help foster balance, reduce stress, and enhance overall wellbeing in both personal and professional life.

Overall, the day offered valuable knowledge on career planning, AI advancements, personal growth, and wellbeing, while also offering a chance for the participants to network and share their concerns with each other.

The 2025 Postdoc Networking and Career Development Day was organzied by Olga Kepinska and Jozsef Arato.

2025 Postdoc Networking and Career Development Day

Date & Time: Friday, 31 January 2025 from 09:30

Location: Seminar Room 18, Kolingasse 14-16 (2nd floor)

Schedule

09:30: Welcome/Coffee

10:00: The use of Generative AI in research - Speakers:

• Petra Herczeg, Department of Communication
• Matthias Leichtfried, Department of German Studies
• Roland Steinacher, Teaching Affairs and Student Services

12:00: Brownbag Lunch - Growing up in Science with

• Jutta Mueller, Department of Linguistics
• Claus Lamm, Department of Cognition, Emotion, and Methods in Psychology

13:15: Career planning for Postdocs: Tools and Opportunities

Our careers play a significant role in our overall life satisfaction. So why leave them to chance? Instead, we should plan them as thoughtfully as we plan our next vacation.
As a postdoc navigating a temporary position, career planning becomes an essential part of your journey. What will your next career step look like, and what lies beyond that?
In this 90-minute session, we’ll explore the tools and opportunities available to you and share insights on taking the first steps toward a proactive, well-planned career.

Speakers:

• Christine Hudetz, Program Manager at the LBG Career Center (Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft)
• Lil Reif, Expert for European and International Programmes, FFG Österreichische  Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft mbH; EURAXESS Austria
• Mónica García Puerto, Postdoc Career Development and Circle:U proposal support, University of Vienna
• Madeleine Harbich, Project Manager Postdoc Career Development, University of Vienna

15:00: Wellbeing Workshop with

16:00: Goodbye drinks