TT-Interviews

Prof. Dr. Oliver Günther, President of the University of Potsdam

From your perspective, what is the significance of the tenure-track professorship in Germany’s scientific system?
The significance of the tenure-track professorship is steadily increasing. Nevertheless, I would say that more than half of all lifelong professorships nationwide are still being filled directly, without a previous tenure-track professorship. This has to do with faculty culture and perhaps also with a resistance to change. That being said, I believe the trend in favour of the tenure track will continue.

When you consider the scientific culture at your university, would you say the introduction of the tenure-track professorship caused a cultural change?
Absolutely. It turns out – in very different subjects, for instance also in law that is considered more conservative – that this is an extremely effective way to retain young scientists earlier on. This has convinced many of the benefits of the tenure-track programme.

What influence does the introduction of the tenure-track professorship in Germany have on the international attractiveness and competitiveness of your university?
A big influence. As I said, this allows us to retain highly qualified, newly graduated doctoral students from all over the world. Just yesterday, I was on a Zoom call with a post-doc from Harvard who intends to switch to a W1 tenure-track professorship with us in Potsdam in the autumn. Open-topic positions also have a special potential to attract top-class people. We received more than 1000 applications for our four advertised open-topic positions.

What opportunities does the tenure-track professorship offer for scientists in an early career phase?
It offers very high planning certainty, independence and freedom in research, and teaching at a comparatively young age.

In your opinion, what’s important in designing the evaluation procedures? How are professors supported in preparing for that?
Transparency and advice at the right time are important. This can be realised in particular through mentoring programmes for tenure track colleagues that can identify possible undesirable developments early on.

What support is offered at your university to promote work/family balance? How does this address the needs of scientists in an early career phase?
The University of Potsdam – with multiple certifications as a family-friendly university – offers comprehensive, relevant advice. With regard to the tenure track, parents have the option of extending the probationary period due to pregnancy and parental leave.