For researchers who already meet all the requirements for appointment to a permanent professorship, the German Research Foundation (DFG) offers the Heisenberg Programme.
The programme is primarily aimed at researchers who have gained tenure through the Emmy Noether Programme (or comparable group leadership positions), DFG project posts, research work in the private sector, or positions in the academic mid-level faculty. The target group also includes junior lecturers who have received a positive interim evaluation, those who have completed their habilitation, as well as researchers returning from abroad or foreign researchers who wish to work in Germany, are suitably qualified and are not yet employed as ‘full professors’ at their current institution. Eligibility to apply may also be obtained through achievements equivalent to a habilitation.
Professors in domestic tenure-track programmes are not eligible to apply nor are those holding a permanent position comparable to a W2/W3 post. Other permanent positions (e.g. as an Academic Councillor) do not preclude eligibility to apply.
