Abstract

The universities are in a state of upheaval, the outcome of which cannot yet be foreseen. The reform of federalism, the upheaval in the media, the introduction of new international degree programmes and the expected "mountain of students" around the year 2011 are just a few of the key issues. This conference volume is the result of a conference on the situation of young academics, funded by the Volkswagen Foundation, at which young academics discussed current requirements with representatives of universities, research institutions, foundations and science funding institutions at the Berlin-Brandenburg Academy of Sciences and Humanities. What paths should be taken to ensure that young researchers do not become hard-to-place scientific offspring? What leads successfully to a creative career path instead of a scientific and private dead end? Professors and students are increasingly subject to regulations and requirements. Third-party funding has to be acquired, international contacts cultivated and interdisciplinary connections established - after all, we are now in fierce competition in the hotly contested market of the best universities. This volume is intended to provide suggestions for changes and improvements to ensure that young professionals will continue to be enthusiastic about researching and teaching in Germany in the future.

Authors