International academics for your faculty
How can Germany attract outstanding international academics to professorships, and what conditions do they need for a successful start? At the beginning of April, the Wübben Foundation presented its programs to the deans and those responsible for appointments at the University of Münster on the occasion of welcoming Ora Hazak, the first tenure-track professor funded by the foundation.
The focus was on the funding opportunities for international tenure-track appointments. Two programs provide universities with the opportunity to offer appealing conditions to their preferred international candidates: the Appointment Accelerator (up to €400,000) and the Tenure Track Professorship program (up to €1,200,000). Both programs address areas where public funding is often insufficient, such as onboarding, dual-career support, and initial equipment.
Targeted Promotion of Internationalization
Wübben Stiftung Wissenschaft is responding to a clear need: Despite broad support for internationalization, only 11.3% of professorships at German universities were filled internationally in 2022. At the same time, the academic system is facing a renewal of personnel due to an impending wave of retirements. The Foundation helps faculties and universities take advantage of this opportunity by offering reliable career prospects for foreign academics and flexible funding. Recently, the Advanced Professorship program was introduced for the R4 career phase for W2 or W3 professorships.
Experiences and Exchange
At the event, the programs were presented and challenges and practical issues were discussed. How do you find suitable international candidates? How can job advertisements be made more attractive and easier to understand? What are the expectations regarding language acquisition? What support is needed during onboarding?
Are you interested in hosting an event at your university?
Wübben Stiftung Wissenschaft offers informational events for interested universities. Our team will come to your university to discuss how international appointments can contribute to its sustainable success. An online event is also possible.
Participation is particularly worthwhile to
- gain a comprehensive overview of the Foundation's funding programs and application processes,
- learn about practical examples of the use of funds (professorship equipment, onboarding, dual career),
- clarify individual questions in a personal discussion with the foundation.
