Getting started at TAM —
PhD in Frankfurt
Your guide to the most relevant services at Goethe University Frankfurt and across TAM — organised by when you need them.
This page brings together the most relevant services and contact points at Goethe University Frankfurt for PhD researchers at TAM. It is designed to help you navigate the initial phase efficiently — pointing you to the right units, courses and support structures at the right time. Not sure where to start? Contact the TAM TrainingHub Coordinator — see below.
Start Here
First 4 weeks — administrative setup, orientation, first contacts
| Service | What you get | When | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Graduate School GRADE Starter Kit Visit GRADE ↗ |
Your first port of call at Goethe University — an overview of all GRADE offers and services to get started and informed as a new doctoral researcher | Immediately on arrival | Core |
|
Social Integration GRADE Social Welcoming Events Visit GRADE ↗ |
Group trips to historical locations and other team activities — an accessible way to meet peers and settle into Frankfurt from the start | First weeks | High |
|
Mental Health GRADE Mental Health Support Visit GRADE ↗ |
Support for stress, burnout, depression, or crisis situations — confidential help and referrals for doctoral researchers at Goethe University | As needed | Core |
Build Your Profile
Months 2–6 — structured training, TAC setup, career exploration
| Service | What you get | When | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Career GRADE Career Tools Visit GRADE ↗ |
Career planning resources, application tips, and workshops to help you think strategically about your next steps — in academia or beyond | From month 3 | Core |
|
Coaching GRADE Individual Coaching Visit GRADE ↗ |
One-to-one coaching and career advice tailored to your personal skills, strengths, and goals — a focused space to reflect and plan your trajectory | From month 3 | High |
Expand & Connect
Ongoing — networking, funding applications, career positioning
| Service | What you get | When | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Networking GRADE Events & Community Visit GRADE ↗ |
Regular events, colloquia, and community activities for doctoral researchers across Goethe University — interdisciplinary exchange and peer networking throughout your PhD | From month 1, ongoing | Core |
TAM Cluster-Wide Offers for PhDs
These opportunities are available to all TAM PhD researchers regardless of location. Use them to complement your local university support — for interdisciplinary exposure, international visibility, and funding.
| Service | What you get | When | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Career Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC) |
Two supervisors from TAM institutions + one external — regular meetings every 3 months with progress reports and CDP review | Start of PhD | Core |
|
Career Career Development Plan (CDP) |
Individualised plan developed and adjusted with your TAC — scientific goals, training needs, next career steps | From month 1 | Core |
|
Funding Treasure Box — Intramural Funding |
Up to €5,000 for interdisciplinary collaborative research projects within TAM — annual call, open to all PhD researchers | From year 1 | Core |
|
Exchange Visits & Exchange Programme |
Research secondments at leading labs worldwide — up to 6 months, travel and living costs covered | From year 1 | Core |
|
Skills Complementary Skills Training |
Ethics, grant writing, leadership, science communication, open science, EDI, work-life balance — in coordination with GRADE | Ongoing | Core |
|
Community Bi-weekly Colloquia |
World-leading scientists hosted by ECRs — streamed and posted online, occasional online-only sessions | Ongoing | Core |
|
Community YoungPro Events |
ECR-organised, ECR-only networking events — peer connections across all TAM sites, €20K/p.a. dedicated budget | Ongoing | Core |
|
Training Visual Neuroscience Summer School |
Intensive 2-week international summer school — open to top talent worldwide, travel stipends available for LMIC researchers | Every 2 years | Optional |
How to combine local and TAM offers
Use GRADE for structured training, individual coaching, career tools, and day-to-day support specific to Goethe University Frankfurt.
Use TAM TrainingHub offers for interdisciplinary exposure, international exchange, and funding opportunities beyond your local institution.
The combination gives you depth locally and breadth across TAM — a balanced PhD profile that opens doors in academia and beyond.
Unsure where to start or how to prioritise? Rebekka Volmer at the TAM TrainingHub serves as a central orientation point across TAM and helps you identify the right services at the right time.
Contact the TrainingHub →