You need to find a PHD supervisor if you are seeking a PHD in Germany. It needs hardworking and luck at the same time. My suggestion is to do the following:
1 – Define specific topics
- Narrow down your area of research to three topics (Topic 1, Topic 2 and Topic 3)
- Start with only one topic
2 – Search for potential PHD supervisor
You have two ways to conduct your search
- Institute-based
- Person-based
You also have several platforms that you can use to find a PHD supervisor
- ResearchGate
- Google Scholar
- Google Search
- DAAD Website / database
Focus on one way and two or three Platforms
- For institute-based search I recommend normal google search or DAAD website.
- For person-based search use LinkedIn, ResearchGate or google scholar
3 – Make short list of potential PHD Supervisors
Define 10 – 20 Professors and find out their emails, you may get their emails from their publications
4 – Send each one of them a short email with :
- A brief description about yourself and your current situation (2-3 lines)
- Your request (clearly formulated in 1-2 sentences)
- Attach only your CV (including a list of your publications, if applicable)
- You may send more details (motivation letter, research proposal, etc.) for those who respond to your email.