Heidelberg University and ZEW agree to joint appointment of assistant professors ("Juniorprofessoren")

For years, Heidelberg University and the Centre for European Economic Research (ZEW) in Mannheim have worked closely together in the realm of economic research. Now these two institutions have signed an agreement for the joint appointment of assistant professors ("Juniorprofessoren"). By means of this agreement, the collaboration between ZEW and Heidelberg University will deepen and the relation based on partnership between these institutions will be strengthened, explained professor Bernhard Eitel, Rector of Heidelberg University.

For the President of ZEW, professor Wolfgang Franz, the advantages of joint assistant professorships are evident. ZEW will strengthen its existing good connections with the university environment by the additional capacity for academic credentialing. In turn, Heidelberg University will improve its range of course offerings through the flexible instrument of the assistant professorship ("Juniorprofessoren), and, like ZEW, will be better able to attract young scholars.

The joint model envisages a closer integration of personnel, as the jointly appointed assistant professors ("Juniorprofessoren) will be placed on sabbatical following their appointment by the Rector of Heidelberg University in order to take on an employment contract with ZEW. At ZEW, they will pursue research and perfect their skills so as to further their growth as researchers and academics. Parallel to their activity at ZEW, the assistant professors ("Juniorprofessoren") will play a part in teaching at the University and take appropriate examinations, as well as providing mentoring for doctoral candidates and supervise college students in writing their final thesis.

ZEW and Heidelberg University have collaborated for years on joint research projects. In addition, Heidelberg University students have worked at ZEW as student assistants and interns. With the newly signed agreement for joint appointments of assistant professors ("Juniorprofessoren"), the bond between the University and ZEW will become even stronger.

For further information please contact

Gunter Grittmann, Phone: +49/621/1235-132, E-mail: grittmann@zew.de