High Potentials Program: Kick-off With 13 Outstanding Postdocs

The postdoc phase is a critical ­phase within scientists’ careers: While they are still expanding and improving their scientific research skills, they also have to prepare for their next career steps. In the short time of a postdoc, it is very beneficial to pick up new skills in areas such as project- and people management, third-party funding, building a collaborative network and many more. Helmholtz Munich developed an intensive internal program: the High Potentials Program (HPP) to support and prepare talented postdocs already working at the center for their next career steps. 

13 fellows have now been selected for the first HPP round. While they all share a common passion for science and are highly motivated to advance science, their background could not be more diverse. Their fields of study range from informatics and physics to medicine and biochemistry, and they have obtained their doctorate at centers all around the world. Every one of them has already gathered a wealth of experience working in several research institutions.

After an initial kick-off in March, the program was fully launched in April 2023 with a two-day-workshop on how to align career aspirations with long-term research goals, conducted by a certified business trainer and coach. The fellows could learn more about the German research and innovation system, planning a coherent research strategy, funding opportunities and much more.

In the future, a selected group of postdocs will start with the HPP every year beginning in spring. The application phase will open in autumn of the year before. Postdocs and doctoral researchers who are about to finish can apply, supported by their respective Principal Investigators (PI). Together this makes the HPP crucial for Helmholtz Munich as a program to train future leaders and to strengthen postdocs in one of their most vital career steps.