From 2 to 10 March 2026, the Ibero-Amerikanisches Institut (IAI) participated in three key information sessions on research careers and postdoctoral pathways in Germany, held in Porto Alegre, São Paulo and Montevideo. Christoph Müller, Deputy Library Director and Director of the Digital Library, served as the Institute’s representative at all three events, introducing its main research areas, its fellowship programme and the work of the Mecila (external link, opens in a new window) research consortium.
The workshops were intended for programme coordinators, university lecturers, researchers and postdoctoral scholars, offering comprehensive insights into funding structures, academic career paths and opportunities for collaboration with German institutions.
Workshops in Brazil: Porto Alegre and São Paulo
On 2 and 3 March, the IAI took part in the “Postdoc in Germany” event at the Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (external link, opens in a new window)(PUCRS) in Porto Alegre. With more than 100 participants, the workshop attracted considerable interest. Alongside the IAI, numerous German universities and research organisations presented their programmes, accompanied by discussions on funding models, career development and experiences of former scholarship holders.
A further workshop followed on 5 March at the Goethe-Institut São Paulo (external link, opens in a new window), providing —as in Porto Alegre— opportunities for individual counselling sessions with representatives of German universities and research institutes.
The events in Brazil were organised by the German Centre for Research and Innovation (DWIH) São Paulo (external link, opens in a new window) and its partner institutions. Since autumn 2025, the IAI has been an associated supporter of DWIH São Paulo, strengthening its presence and network within the Brazilian academic landscape.
Montevideo: exchange with early career researchers and institutions
On 9–10 March, the workshop “PhD and Postdoc in Germany” took place at the Universidad de la República (UdelaR) in Montevideo. The event was organized by German universities, non university research institutions, and research funding agencies, and carried out in cooperation with local partners. The IAI served as a presenting institution, introducing its specific programmes, opportunities for collaborative research, and international projects.
The workshop featured introductory lectures, thematic presentations, an open Q&A session and individual counselling. Early career researchers used the opportunity to learn more about application requirements, funding programmes, initial steps in contacting host institutions and academic career paths within the German research system.
Enhancing international visibility and cooperation
Through its participation in these events, the IAI further enhanced its international visibility, deepened existing institutional ties and initiated new avenues for cooperation. The workshops also offered direct insights into the needs and interests of early-career researchers, opening up new opportunities for future joint projects in research, culture and knowledge exchange.
