Focus on the Future of Professorships

Professor Christian Facchi spoke about the changes in the doctoral system and the growing importance of universities of applied sciences (UAS) from the perspective of the German Council of Science and Humanities. ‘UAS are an important part of the German academic landscape. The task now is to create sustainable structures for young academics,’ emphasised Facchi. THI junior professor Richard Polzer discussed career paths to a professorship in a panel discussion. THI also presented its innovative Professional Tenure Track programme, which combines teaching and practice or a doctorate as part of a junior professorship.

The conference brought together academics and politicians to discuss the different career paths, funding, the role of UASs, and the right to award doctorates. The high level of participation demonstrated the relevance of these topics. Since 2021, THI has been focusing on innovative ways of recruiting professors. The Professional Tenure Track Programme combines a 50:50 split between the university and practice partners, doctoral projects with reduced teaching commitments, and comprehensive support services. The success speaks for itself: 13 junior professorship positions, nine of which are in the practice track and four in the doctoral track. In addition to exciting presentations, the conference offered valuable networking opportunities. The THI remains committed to further developing the promotion of young talent at UAS.