From Frenc-German partnership to European scope

The agreement signed with the Franco-German University (FGU) in March 2008 paved the way for the first cross-border initiatives. 

The Franco-German University (FGU), whose main mission is to foster, evaluate, and co-fund French-German study programs in ùany disciplines, offers ABG a key entry point into the research and employment landscapes of both countries. The aim is to support (future) PhD candidates and PhD holders in their mobility plans and to assist universities, research organisations, and companies wishing to strengthen their visibility and recruit at the international level.

examples of actions

• Professional development center : this gives participants practice in a recruitment process commonly used ain different sectors all across Europe.
  See the Development Center training summary
• « ApéroDoc » – Franco-German get-together : an informal networking session for PhD-holders who have chosen a career path outside the academic world.
  See the French-German PhD cocktail party training summary
• Franco-German AvanThèse Workshop: This event discusses the pros and cons of a doctoral programme. It is intended to help participants to analyse their motives, abilities, expectations and goals before making a final decision.
  See the “Pre-Thesis Workshop” summary
• Franco-German Young Researchers' Day : As major players in the European research landscape, Germany and France offer young researchers many opportunities. A career information day for young researchers is held every year by Association Bernard Gregory, in partnership with the Franco-German University, the Institut français d’Allemagne and the French Embassy in Berlin.
  See the artcile on Franco-German Young Researchers' Day
• International workshop for PhD candidates and post-docs: This three to four day workshop allows young researchers from France, Germany and Luxembourg to take stock of their skills and their professional goals, to consider new career perspectives and to learn to communicate effectively with international recruiters.
  See the artcile on Cross-border seminar for post-docs and PhD candidates

The pursuit of these initiatives and the similar issues encountered across the European research area (such as the limited number of permanent contracts in academia, the need for career development support for PhD-holders and the desire to attract international talents) have made it more important than ever for European bodies to work with ABG . Accordingly, we have expanded our scope to include Germany, Belgium, Spain, Italy and Luxembourg.

Universities and research institutes:
If you would like to prepare your (future) doctoral candidates for professional and/or international mobility...

You are welcome to contact us!

Kristina Berkut, PhD
International Cooperation Manager 
Tel. +33 (0) 6 83 99 69 96
E-mail: kristina.berkut@abg.asso.fr