Tenure Track Professorship

Wübben Stiftung Wissenschaft’s Tenure Track Professorship program supports German universities in appointing and onboarding scholars in the R3 career stage from around the globe. It addresses a gap in the funding landscape and enhances the competitiveness of German universities in their quest for the best. The program offers international scholars not only the opportunity to carry out innovative research projects in an attractive working environment, but also provides reliable career perspectives in the German academic system.

Wübben Stiftung Wissenschaft finances 50% of a Tenure Track Professorship. Universities can apply for up to €1 million in case of a 5-year tenure track period or up to €1.2 million in case of a 6-year tenure track period. The amount supplied by the Foundation must be matched by the university. The Foundation's funds are to be spent in the first half of the tenure track period, the university finances the second half. 10% of the funds must be made available to the professor as discretionary means for his or her research project.

Funding can be used for personnel, material expenses and investments as well as onboarding and dual career measures tailored to the candidate. 

All German universities are eligible to apply if they have made an appointment offer for a tenure track professorship to an outstanding international scholar. Applications can be submitted for candidates who hold a doctorate and have been living and working abroad for at least three years. 

Candidates should be promising academics who are ranked as leading early career researchers in their respective field and whose original approaches have the potential to innovate their research area. They have gathered substantial independent research experience, have relevant publications or awards to underline their expertise, and have the leadership skills to head a research team.

Applications for 2024 can be submitted via our application portal until October 1, 2024. For 2025, applications are again expected to be due on October 1, 2025.