University of Konstanz

The University of Konstanz has for many years advanced the careers of junior researchers by supporting their early independence and by offering a variety of parallel career paths. The systematic implementation of tenure-track professorships is meant to advance a cultural change: Tenure-track professorships will be established in all 13 departments, they will be increased significantly in number and they will be implemented as an attractive model for the appointment of W3 professors. Transparent evaluation criteria, the involvement of international reviewers and personal feedback on the evaluation results are elements of the quality management concept, which has already been adopted as a statute. A mentoring committee will advise tenure-track professors on subject-specific and strategic questions.

The introduction of tenure-track professorships will be accompanied by comprehensive measures regarding human resources development, equal opportunities and quality management:

• Human resources development offers comprehensive target-group-specific services for junior researchers, with a focus on individual in-house counselling. Early career decisions are supported by career reviews and support for alternative career options.
• The university ranks among the top group regarding DFG equal opportunity standards and has several times been certified as a family-friendly university. Tenure-track professors will be able to extend their tenure-track period by one year per child.
• The implementation of a quality management system for the advancement of junior researchers will accompany the further development of the personnel structure and the career paths of junior researchers at the University of Konstanz and will contribute to a sustainable improvement of career chances for present and future generations of junior researchers.