“More than ever, we are dependent on the talent in our country in order to successfully rise to the challenges of tomorrow. One of our central tasks is the ongoing recruitment of young scientists from all over the world to carry out scientific research in Germany,” Federal Minister Annette Schavan stated on the 27th February in Berlin. The report describes and analyses the position of young scientists in Germany whilst at the same time acting as a basis for more targeted support measures in the future.

The Government already invests in young scientists through a number of measures such as the Higher Education Pact and the Excellence Initiative, which offers targeted support to graduate students. The report suggests further initiatives for different areas of reform; for example in regard to the expansion of what is known as the tenure-track professorship at universities in order to offer excellent young scientists career prospectives at an early stage. There is also need for action in the advancement of equal opportunities and targeted support of young disabled scientists.

The Government report is based on the results of a study carried out by the Institute for Higher Education Research (HoF) at the Martin Luther University in Halle/Wittenberg. A communication and information system for young scientists (Kommunikations- und Informationssystem "Wissenschaftlicher Nachwuchs" – KISSWiN) will be set up to coincide with the publication of the report (see link at the top right-hand corner). An Internet portal, together with a consulting service for young scientists, will be one of the most important features of the communication system.

Source: BMBF - 27.02.2008