Virtual Career Day
▶ KHYS Postdoc Office and fellow Helmholtz Career Centers from all over Germany invite you to the fifth Virtual Career Day on April 16, 2026!
Join panel discussions, networking opportunities and get in touch with renowned international companies from sectors like AI development, energy supply, industrial R&D, consulting, chemical industry, science management, pharma industry and many more. On top of it all you can choose one out of different workshops to best be prepared for your switch into industry!
This year's focus is going to be on Exploring Careers Beyond R&D. Since contrary to popular belief, being an academic researcher doesn’t mean your degree defines your future – it can open far more doors than traditional R&D roles.
Look forward to:
- a keynote by ▶ Dr. Lars Dittrich, editor at ▶ Maithink Media, one of Germany’s best-known science TV formats. In his talk, he will share how moving beyond academia can be a natural development rather than a break
- an engaging panel discussion with industry experts and former postdocs
- two rounds of focused subpanels with professionals from diverse sectors who will introduce their company and answer your questions
- “Ask a Career Counselor” group sessions for guidance and insights
Intrigued? Then join us for the virtual Helmholtz Career Day 2026 to explore a wide spectrum of professional paths and connect with experts who successfully transitioned out of academic research.
Our Program
09:00 | Welcome & Keynote
with our moderator ▶ Lia Lang (DESY) and speaker ▶ Lars Dittrich (Maithink Media)
09:30 | Main Panel Discussion
with ▶ Lieke van der Haar (BionTech), ▶ Anna Canning (Atrium Environmental), ▶ Christine Mieck (Helmholtz Association) and ▶ Luke Harrison (European Patent Office)
10:30 | Subpanel First Round
with representatives of international companies and former researchers
Atrium Environmental is an environmental consulting company specializing in sustainability solutions for the maritime industry. The company leverages a network of scientific experts to translate marine research into practical strategies and projects. Its services include sustainability strategy development, environmental impact analysis, and science communication, supporting collaboration between industry and research partners to advance sustainable marine practices.
MaiThink is the media company of science journalist and chemist Dr. Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim. It brings together her activities in media production and science communication (▶ MaiThink X Show on TV, ▶ YouTube channel). Based in Cologne, the company aims to make science accessible and create a fact-based foundation for social debates.
Are you searching for a company with a pioneering spirit? VON ARDENNE Group is a midsize, family-managed company headquartered in Dresden, Germany. Located as global player in Dresden’s high-tech ecosystem, we are specialized in thin-film technologies and vacuum coating systems, from lab-to-fab. VON ARDENNE is delivering sustainable solutions for e.g., photovoltaics, semiconductor technology, or aerospace, what means playing with laws of nature is our daily business. Our international team of 1,300 pioneers, with 750 based in Dresden, are mostly winning this game with knowhow, passion, and team spirit.
Metso is a frontrunner in sustainable technologies, end-to-end solutions and services for the aggregates, minerals processing and metals refining industries globally. Metso's products focus on improving energy and water efficiency while increasing productivity and reducing environmental risks. With 17,000 employees across 50 countries, the company made 4.9 billion EUR in sales in 2024 and is the market leader in its domain.
Imagine the power of more than 1,500 physicists, mathematicians and computer scientists working as part of a European company with over 20 years of service excellence focused on data science, technology and mathematical modelling. That´s d-fine.
The Helmholtz Association contributes to solving grand challenges facing society, science and industry by conducting top-rate research in the fields of Aeronautics, Space and Transport; Earth and Environment; Energy; Health; Matter; and Information. The Head Office in Berlin supports the President in the performance of his duties on behalf of the 18 major research centers.
11:20 | Subpanel Second Round
see first round
12:00 | Wrap-up & Introduction to “Ask a Career Counselor”
12:30 | Ask a Career Counselor Sessions in Breakout Rooms
Use the last 45 minutes of the event to clarify final remaining questions in open group consultation sessions on the following topics:
- Access to the hidden job market: analyse and extend your network!
with ▶ Jana Schmitt, KIT
- Upgrade your professional online profile
with ▶ Svenja Klinkenberg, FZ Jülich
- Overcoming limiting beliefs in your career development
with ▶ Janine Göttling, HZDR
- Industry applications and interviews – stand out from the crowd!
with ▶ Sabrina Lehner, DZNE
- Identifying skill sets and competencies
with ▶ Annette Leemans, DESY
- Start with your whole life, not just your job. Prioritize what matters and strategize your next career move
with ▶ Meike Rottermann & ▶ Alisa Gunzelmann, Helmholtz Munich
13:15 | Closing & Evaluation
You can find the program of every Virtual Career Day in our ▶ archive.
The Virtual Career Day is sponsored by
