About Us

The (Post-)Graduate Academy of Goethe University

GRADE is Goethe University's central institution for the interdisciplinary qualification, advice and support of academics in the early career phase. We support scientists in the doctoral and postdoc phase as well as R3 scientists (Early Career Researchers) individually according to their needs.

Doctoral candidates, postdocs and R3 researchers at Goethe University have access to our comprehensive service, which focuses on research, career and personal development. We also offer various services for supervisors.

As part of the Alliance of Rhine-Main Universities (RMU), selected workshops in our program are also open to early career researchers from TU Darmstadt, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz and Offenbach University of Art and Design.
Qualification programs

GRADE offers doctoral candidates, postdocs and R3 researchers at Goethe University (and selected cooperation partners) a comprehensive qualification program and supports them in structuring their doctoral phase.

Fit for your career

GRADE prepares you for your career within or outside academia and gives you insights into different professional fields. At GRADE you build your network for the future.

Individual advice

Are you thinking about doing a doctorate?Are you already doing a doctorate and having difficulties? GRADE advises you in the decision-making process after your studies or in case of problems during your doctorate.

Mission and Vision

We support Early Career Researchers

GRADE is the central (Post-)Graduate Academy of the Goethe University and offers multi-disciplinary qualification programs, guidance, and support to researchers during the early stages of their careers. 

It was established to create a high-standard environment for PhD candidates, Postdocs and R3 researchers of all disciplines. Within GRADE, they are prepared for their professional careers in research, business and society.

GRADE offers a comprehensive set of services in order to:

Attend workshops from our extensive Training Program.

Meet experts from scientific and non-government organisations during our Career Talks.

Join with colleagues to set up your own GRADE Initiative (doctoral/postdoctoral working group) and take advantage of our financial as well as non-material support.

Discover the cultural side of Frankfurt, Hesse and Germany together with other early career researchers during our Social Events

Develop and maintain your own Network during our events - we bring early career researchers from all disciplines together.

Get advice on personal and research-related topics through individual coaching


Opportunity for individual career advice

Take advantage of our integration program for international doctoral candidates to support their start at the Goethe-University.

Learn German or English or improve your language skills together with other doctoral students with ours language courses.

Have your manuscripts checked for correct English by our language service .