Promising return
Gerrit Rössler, head of the GAIN initiative, on interest in Germany as a place for doing research
Dr. Roessler, does the German Academic International Network (GAIN) in North America see a trend toward German researchers returning home?
Yes. Young researchers are increasingly heading directly to Germany. This is also because the much-discussed tenure-track positions have become much rarer in the US and Canada in recent years and are being replaced by temporary positions. Many researchers are hoping they will be able to have a stable career in Germany.
What does Germany have to offer?
Policymakers in Germany are doing a lot to attract highly-qualified scientists. Expenditures on research and development are approximately 3% of GDP – that should not be taken for granted. And in addition to the top-tier universities, many smaller institutions are also engaged in cutting-edge research.
Are people seeing Germany in a new light?
For a long time, the German research system was considered too hierarchical and static and people felt becoming a professor was too difficult. At GAIN we’re organizing events and publishing information to overcome prejudices like that. We also want to show there are excellent opportunities for researchers in Germany’s business sector. ▪
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