KIT Presents Career Paths for International Talents in the U.S.

At the GAIN conference, KIT presented itself to international early-career researchers as a leading research institution and highlighted academic career paths within the German science system
Oliver Kraft giving a presentation with a microphone and clicker at the GAIN conference. Sabine Prall, FZJ
At the GAIN conference, Professor Oliver Kraft presented career paths at KIT to early-career researchers.

From August 21 to 23, 2026, the German Academic International Network (GAIN) brought together early-career researchers with representatives from Germany’s scientific, business, and political communities in San Francisco. The GAIN conference is considered the most important platform outside of Europe for research careers in Germany. KIT was represented with several activities.

Discover Career Paths at KIT

Through workshops and advisory services, KIT presented itself as an attractive research institution. The event also highlighted KIT’s integration into the research landscape of Baden-Württemberg and the Helmholtz Association. Attendees were, among others, Petra Olschowski, Minister of Science for Baden-Württemberg, and Professor Martin Keller, President of the Helmholtz Association.

Professor Oliver Kraft, KIT’s Vice President for Research, Teaching, and Academic Affairs, informed international postdocs about career paths at KIT, ranging from heading an junior research group to obtaining a professorship. “At KIT, we conduct excellent research and teaching, and Germany offers as a whole outstanding conditions for an academic career,” said Kraft. “It is important that talented researchers outside Europe also learn about this and consider KIT for their future careers. GAIN is a great forum for this.”

In addition, KIT organized a workshop in collaboration the Helmholtz Office and several centers, on the successfully shaping transatlantic career paths for international researchers.

Iha, August 24, 2026