Goethe University Frankfurt, one of Germany’s largest universities, hosts more than 45,000 students, including 6,900 international students, over 3,000 PhD candidates, and 574 professors across 16 departments spanning natural sciences, humanities, and socio-economic fields. The university is committed to academic excellence, societal engagement, and innovation, benefitting from its location in a vibrant metropolitan region. Recent developments, such as modernised campuses and strengthened collaborations, have further enhanced its reputation as a leading research institution. The university is widely recognised for outstanding research across a broad range of disciplines and has a strong record of securing competitive third-party funding from national, European, and international sources. Its active participation in major collaborative projects, including significant involvement in Horizon 2020 programmes, highlights its international impact and research strength. As a global academic hub, Goethe University continues to broaden its international visibility by attracting talented researchers, expanding partnerships with renowned institutions worldwide, and fostering an inclusive, diverse campus culture. Supporting early-career researchers is a central element of the university’s strategic development. Goethe University strongly believes that highly motivated young scientists are essential for advancing excellence in research and teaching. To promote early scientific independence, the university launched the internal programme “Junior Researchers in Focus,” which provides targeted funding for project preparation, supports the establishment of junior research groups, and offers structured coaching and career development opportunities across four dedicated funding lines. Research Support (RS) serves as the central service point for postdoctoral researchers and all scholars seeking external funding. RS provides personalised guidance on research funding programmes, advice on application requirements, and tailored support throughout the proposal development process. It also organises workshops, information events, and training sessions to ensure researchers are well prepared for competitive funding opportunities and project implementation. Complementing these services, the Goethe Graduate Academy (GRADE) provides comprehensive training for all doctoral candidates and early postdocs at the university. GRADE offers a wide range of courses to strengthen key competencies such as communication, academic writing, presentation skills, and time management. Its overarching mission is to promote high-quality supervision, support interdisciplinary collaborations, and equip young researchers with the professional and transferable skills necessary for successful careers in academia, industry, and beyond. Through its strong research environment, commitment to talent development, and global perspective, Goethe University Frankfurt continues to position itself as a leading institution for cutting-edge research, training, and innovation.
