Focus 01
New Perspectives
Get to know different paths in careers, research, and self-employment.
ECM Contact
Meet people. Share experiences. Take the next step.
ECM Contact is the flagship event of ECM e.V.—a meeting point for students, apprentices, young professionals, researchers, founders, and partners. Through discussions, workshops, and personal encounters, we bring together people who want to share their experiences and those seeking orientation.
Our Vision: We want talent to turn into opportunity: people gaining the self-confidence, knowledge, and contacts to progress, and then passing on what they've learned to others. ECM Contact gives special space to African experiences and perspectives in Germany while welcoming everyone who wants to learn, contribute, and connect.
Discover Edition
Discover Edition: 2026 — Current Edition
Select an edition to view its program or highlights.
- Flagship Event
- 2 Days
- Host City
- Erlangen
- Expected Attendees
- ~250
- Event Languages
- DE / EN
Current Edition 2026
ECM Contact 2026
ECM Contact 2026
What fits your next step? Discover different career paths, gain practical insights, and exchange ideas about careers, research, and entrepreneurship.
- October 30–31, 2026
- Sieboldstraße 3, 91052 Erlangen
Workshops · Panels · Networking · ECM Awards
How does your potential turn into direction—and your direction into action? ECM Contact 2026 combines practical career orientation, insights into research and entrepreneurship, and discussions about leadership, tech, and finance. Meet people who show you new possibilities and think through your next steps with you.
What You Can Take Away
Focus 02
Practical Insights
Take away ideas for job applications, career decisions, and managing money.
Focus 03
Personal Encounters
Ask questions, exchange experiences, and meet people outside your usual environment.
Focus 04
Inspiring Role Models
Look behind professional journeys and honor special achievements at the ECM Awards.
Program
The Program at a Glance
Over two days, ECM Contact combines workshops, panels, interviews, keynotes, and the ECM Awards with time for networking, questions, and sharing experiences.
Day 1
Friday, October 30
Career, Leadership & Finance
Job applications and professional development, a personal path to leadership, and the basics of finance. In the evening: the optional ECM Show.
Day 2
Saturday, October 31
Career Paths, Research & Entrepreneurship
Various career paths, AI, research, and funding—complemented by first aid, the ECM Awards, and insights into entrepreneurship.
Find all times, sessions, and speakers in the full program.
View Full ProgramContributors & Panel
The People Behind the Talks
Get to know the speakers of each session and learn what experiences they bring to the discussion.
Speaker profiles will be published here once confirmed.
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Contact us →Practical Info
Plan Your Visit
- When
- October 30–31, 2026
- Where
- Sieboldstraße 3, 91052 Erlangen View on Map
- For Whom
- Students, apprentices, researchers, professionals, founders, and anyone who wants to share experiences and discover new perspectives.
- Tickets
- Secure your spot via the booking page. Book your spot
- Questions
- Do you have questions about attending? Contact us. Contact Us
Reserve Your Spot
Join Us at ECM Contact 2026
Bring your questions, your experience, and your curiosity. Come to Erlangen—for two days of learning and connecting.
Past Editions
A look back at the talks, experiences, and encounters of past editions.
Past Edition 2025
ECM Contact 2025 — Highlights & Photos
Paths into research, professional ambitions, and experiences worth sharing.
Research: Understanding Paths and Finding Your Place
- What research is and how its different environments work.
- Why do research—beyond just a title or degree?
- Finding research opportunities in Germany and preparing for them.
Career Planning: Turning Potential into Action
- Recognizing your potential and having the courage to seize opportunities.
- Being ambitious from the start and turning ambition into a plan.
- Finding mentors and remaining open to advice.
2024
View Edition ECM Contact 2024
ECM Contact 2024
The highlights of ECM Contact 2024 will be added here. Until then, discover the 2025 edition or ECM Contact 2026.
2023
View Edition ECM Contact 2023
ECM Contact 2023
The highlights of ECM Contact 2023 will be added here. Until then, discover the 2025 edition or ECM Contact 2026.