Doctoral Researchers' Day

Here you will find an overview of the programme for the Doctoral Researchers Day on July 8, 2026.

09:45 - 11:00 | Welcome & Keynote: "Writing a dissertation in the age of AI"

09:45 a.m. | H16
Arrival & Check-in

10:00 a.m. - 10:15 a.m. | H16
Welcome & Opening Remarks: In between: Doing a PhD in changing environments (EN)
Prof. Dr. Angelika Epple, Rector

10:15 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. | H16
Keynote (EN)
Prof. Dr. Benjamin Paaßen

Writing a dissertation in the age of AI
It may appear that the academic system is overwhelmed by large language models (better known as 'AI'): power users announce ever more complex workflows on LinkedIn, seemingly outcompeting all other academics in terms of productivity, dozens of guidelines are released by scientific institutions with more or less connection to reality, and ardent critics recognize (not without reason) the signs of emerging fascism, brainrot, and slop in the AI hype bubble. How to navigate this situation as a PhD student? How to write a dissertation in the age of AI? The talk aims to provide some orientation: what are LLMs, actually? What can actually be achieved in research with such systems? To which degree is healthy distrust recommended? And what could a responsible (non-)use look like, in line with good scientific practice?

Benjamin Paaßen is Junior Professor for Knowledge Representation and Machine Learning at the Faculty of Technology. Their research focuses on domain-informed, explainable, and interpretable machine learning, most importantly for education. Recently, they co-founded the research network on AI and digital autonomy in research and education (AIDARE) and, as part of the project KI-Akademie OWL, engaged in science communication about the limitations of AI.
 

11:00 - 11:30 | PhD Networking: Getting to know each other across disciplines

11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Student Service Center (UHG A0/B0)
PhD Networking: Getting to know each other across disciplines (EN & DE)

11:45 - 01:15 | Parallel Info Sessions | Part I

1. A PhD – the right thing for me? (EN)

The doctoral phase varies greatly depending on the field of study, personal circumstances, the people involved, and the relevant regulations. This info session provides an initial overview of the necessary first steps, decision options and possible pathways of the PhD process at Bielefeld University.
Pia Ortwein | GrACe | Graduate Centre

2. Using generative AI tools in your PhD – possibilities, limits & legal framework (EN)

The first part of this joint presentation gives a general introduction to generative AI in an academic context, also discussing common misconceptions and structural limitations of AI systems. The second part explores the legal framework governing the use of AI in doctoral research, focusing on the limits of categorizing AI use as academic misconduct, the role of the specific research project and supervisors, and good scientific practice.
David Timothy Barber | Dezernat Studium und Lehre & Dr. Benjamin Angerer | ZLL
 

3. Promotion barrierefrei gestalten – forschen, lehren, teilhaben (DE) | hybride Session
Die Veranstaltung richtet sich an alle, die eine Promotion planen oder bereits promovieren und sich für Fragen von Behinderung, chronischer oder psychischer Erkrankung und Barrierefreiheit im Hochschulkontext interessieren. Vorgestellt werden Unterstützungsangebote, Fördermöglichkeiten, rechtliche Rahmenbedingungen und Impulse für eine barrierefreie Lehre. Die Veranstaltung findet hybrid statt und steht auch Interessierten außerhalb der Universität Bielefeld offen.
Michael Johannfunke & Janina Theismann | Zentrale Anlaufstelle Barrierefrei 
 

4. Should I Stay or Should I Go? – Making an Informed Career Choice for PhD Researchers (EN)
In this interactive workshop we examine the key criteria for a successful decision making process regarding an academic career—or against it. You will develop a personalized decision framework that takes your personal values, skills, and needs into account and highlights concrete next steps.
Dr. Julia Koppmann &  Eva Osterloff | Career Service (ZLL)
 

01:00 - 02:30 | Lunch break with an info fair featuring doctoral programmes and science-supporting services

01:00 p.m. – 02:30 p.m. | Student Service Center (UHG A0/B0)

Lunch break with an info fair featuring doctoral programmes and science-supporting services (EN & DE)

Science-supporting services:

• Accessibility Services (ZAB)
• Bielefeld Young Researchers' Fund (BNF)
• BITS SPACE
• Career Service (ZLL)
• Competence Center for Research Data
• Family service
• GrACe | Graduate Centre
• Health Management
• International Office
• Language Centre
• Mentoring programme movement
• Neolaia
• Personnel Development Programme for Reseachers and Teachers (PEP)
• The Writing Centre (ZLL)
• University didactics & teaching development (ZLL)
• University Library

 

Doctoral programmes

• Bielefeld Graduate School in History and Sociology (BGHS)
• Bielefeld Graduate School of Economics and Management (BiGSEM)
• Bielefeld School of Education (BiSEd)/ BiSEd-GraduiertenNetzwerk
• Doctoral Office Medical School OWL
• Research Training Group "Coping with Uncertainty in Dynamic Economies" (CUDE)
• Promotionsprogramm Psychologie / Structured Doctoral Programme in Psychology

02:30 - 04:00 | Parallel Info Sessions | Part II

1. How to make a living while pursuing a PhD (EN)

In this information session, prospective doctoral students will receive an overview of options for financing their living expenses during their doctoral studies. From traditional research assistant positions to full scholarships.
Pia Ortwein | GrACe | Graduate Centre

 

2. Mental Health in Doctoral Life: Let’s talk about it (EN)

The path to a PhD is shaped not only by progress and achievement, but also often by pressure, self-doubt, setbacks, and challenges to mental health. These experiences often remain invisible, even though many doctoral researchers share them.This session offers space to reflect on the realities of doctoral life from different perspectives, with a particular focus on mental health and academic culture. Alongside brief inputs and insights from the Bielefeld Questionnaire on Working/Study Conditions and Mental Health, the main focus will be on exchange, connection, and shared reflection among doctoral researchers. Relevant support services and contact points at the university will also be highlighted.
Zita Deptolla & Mats Huwendiek | Health Management

 

3. How to get funding for your academic career after your PhD (EN)

Research and research positions (i.e. jobs after your Phd) are usually paid for by third party funding agencies such as the DFG or ministries. We’ll briefly introduce ways to find funding options, then look at the main elements of grant applications and the mistakes you really don’t need to make when writing them.   
Dr. Martina Pauli | GrACe | Centre for Advanced Researchers

04:00 - 05:00 | Closing session with table topics, drinks & networking

04:00 p.m. – 05:00 p.m. | Student Service Center (UHG A0/B0)
Closing session with table topics, drinks & networking (EN & DE)