General Assembly of the Leibniz PhD Network
On November 9th and 10th the Leibniz PhD Network will hold its 11th General Assembly. We will meet in Mannheim at GESIS, the Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences (Square B6, 4-5 68159 Mannheim). We will present a report of the previous year and conduct the election of the steering committee for the next year 2026/2027. Further info will follow!
Registration
Costs
The General Assembly is free of charge! Your traveling costs should be covered by you Institute. If the costs should become at any point a discussion, please get in contact with us, so that we can support you. Reach out to spokesperson@leibniz-phd.net !
About the Event
What is the Leibniz PhD Network?
The Leibniz PhD Network is a network for promoting exchange between doctoral researchers from different Leibniz Institutes. The network and its representatives (the Steering Committee) aim to represent the interests of doctoral researchers within Leibniz to the various institutions within the Leibniz Association. Working groups within the Leibniz PhD Network act at the operational level.
What is the purpose of the General Assembly?
The purpose of the General Assembly is to bring its members together, exchange information, elect the 2026/27 Steering Committee, and conduct any other necessary votes on the working groups and policy of the network.
What are the benefits of joining the General Assembly?
The benefits of participating include extensive interaction with other PhD (representatives), through which you can also learn from your peers about the richness and diversity of the Leibniz research community. By voting, you can help establish a democratically legitimate Steering Committee that will represent your interests within the Leibniz Association.
Who can join the General Assembly?
The Leibniz General Assembly is a gathering of representatives of the doctoral researchers at the Leibniz Institutes. However, PhD representatives may also select delegates to send to the General Assembly. In addition, all doctoral researchers who wish to get involved within the Leibniz PhD Network – whether as part of a working group or by holding a position on the Steering Committee 2026/27 – are invited to attend. About 65 participants joined the 10th General Assembly last year.
In case of too many registrations, we will prioritize aiming to ensure representation from as many different Leibniz Institutes as possible.
Which elections take place?
On the General Assembly, the Steering Committee 2026/27 is going to be elected. It consists of two general Spokespersons, one Spokesperson for each Leibniz section, and a treasurer. If you want, you can also run for a position.
What are the sections within Leibniz?
The Leibniz Association comprises research institutes from a wide range of disciplines. These are organized into sections that bring together related disciplines. Here you will find an overview of the institutes within the sections. An interactive map that shows all Leibniz Institutes shows you where the institutes are located throughout Germany.
Preliminary Agenda
Monday, November 9th, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 12:00-13:00 | On-site arrival, registration, and light lunch |
| 13:00-13:15 | Welcome Note |
| 13:15-13:30 | Get-to-know each other games |
| 13:30-15:00 | Exchange about PhD related-topics, including: supervision and working conditions topics that concern PhDs |
| 15:00-15:45 | Coffee Break & Group Photo |
| 15:45-16:30 | About the Leibniz PhD Network |
| 16:30-17:30 | Open Discussion: How can participating in scientific networks help us advance? Special Atendees TBD. (Former SC Members, update follows) |
| 18:30 (Reservation from 18:00 on) | Self-paid dinner |
| 20:30 – 21:30 | Discovering the Diversity of Mannheim: Night-City-Tour |
Tuesday, November 10th, 2026
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 9:00 – 10:30 | Introduction of candidates and voting |
| 10:30 – 11:00 | Coffee break |
| 11:00 – 12:00 | Presentation of Working groups |
| 12:00 – 12:45 | Lunch Break |
| 12:45 – 13:00 | Closing Discussion & Remarks |
| 13:45 – 15:15 | Optional: Guided tour: Technoseum (To be confirmed!) |
| Open End | Optional: Individual Stay at Technoseum |
Travel and Accommodation
Overview of Addresses:
GESIS – Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences
Square B6, 4-5
68159 Mannheim
Recommendation for Hotels
Motel One Paradeplatz, Paradeplatz, O2 1-10, 68161 Mannheim