November 8, 2022: How to become a Professor?

11:00 a.m. | Online via ZOOM | Language: German and English - Simultaneous translation


 

Talks and Panel Discussion with

Moderation: Dr. Sara Binay

For many scientists, a professorship is an attractive career goal. The debates about the "Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz" (Academix Fixed-Term Contract Act), #IAmHanna and the increasing shortage of specialists in many fields show the brisance and also the ambivalence of this topic. While in some areas professorships can hardly be filled due to a lack of suitable applicants, there are also fields in which there are many interested candidates for only few available professorships.

It is worth taking a closer look, because a professorship at a university of applied sciences differs in some aspects from a university professorship, and both paths have their very specific advantages.

The panelists discussed the differences between universities and universities of applied sciences, the importance of regional anchoring of the professorship in Saxony-Anhalt, and the often praised "work-life-balance" with about 50 participants. International networking, stays abroad and cooperation with international colleagues on site are formative experiences that help to broaden the view and open up completely new paths. At the same time, the local anchoring and responsibility for the further development of the region became noticeable. The strong networking between the universities and universities of applied sciences was clearly confirmed, and increasing permeability between the types of universities is expected in the future. Funding for research projects at HAWs is already being increasingly tendered, so that, according to the forecast, the differences will become blurred in X? years.

There were also some very practical tips for those aspiring to a professorship:

  • Focus your applications on calls that best fit your profile. What added value do you bring to the new university?
  • Monitor the calls for applications on the usual channels (academics) and social media (research gate), also at the relevant scientific associations.
  • Participate in the life of your "scientific community", e.g. via conferences and workshops.
  • Be aware of the impact of your own actions on social life.
  • Follow your own path and dare to swim against the tide.



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