Heine Research Academies (HeRA) are a joint academic institution formed by the graduate academies of the faculties (iGRAD, medRSD and philGRAD) and the Junior Scientist and International Researcher Center (JUNO). The academies are supporting the research work by a complementary program of transferable skills and workshops. inorder to advance the career and training of early career researchers at HHU. Besides that they are providing a collection of useful information and links to contact points for doctoral researchers, postdocs and junior research group leaders as well as to supervisors.
Heine Research Academies support doctoral and postdoctoral researchers with travel grants for:
Through the Strategic Research Fund (SFF), HHU provides its own funding for high-quality research projects and new initiatives by its scientists* in order to sharpen the university's research profile and strengthen its national and international competitiveness.
The programme "Third-Party Funding Bonus for Young Researchers" is intended as an incentive for young researchers to apply for third-party funding. It is financed by the Strategic Research Fund (SFF) and applies to the non-medical faculties of HHU.
The Faculty of Medicine provides part of the state grant for research and teaching specifically to promote the faculty's own research. On behalf of the Faculty of Medicine, the Research Committee pursues the goal of promoting high-quality and internationally competitive research projects. It has the task of steering this process by allocating the subsidies. It decides on the eligibility of projects for funding according to the guidelines adopted by the Faculty Council of the Faculty of Medicine.
Legal framework for academics
In order to do justice to the framework conditions in academic education, there is a special regulation for academics* - the Act on Temporary Employment Contracts in Science (Wissenschaftszeitvertragsgesetz, WissZeitVG).
More information on Academic employment law
Further information on working conditions in science:
Representations for scientific staff:
According to the provisions of the NRW State Personnel Representation Act (LPVG), a separate staff representation body must be set up for academic staff at universities. The Staff Council for Academic Staff at Heinrich Heine University advises and represents academic staff from all faculties at the university.
Complaints Office pursuant to Art. 13 General Act on Equal Treatment
The purpose of the German General Act on Equal Treatment (Allgemeines Gleichbehandlungsgesetz – AGG), which entered into force in 2006, is to prevent or stop discrimination on the grounds of: Race or ethnic origin, Gender, Religion or belief, Disability, Age or Sexual orientation. Legislators have explicitly stipulated that employees have the right to lodge complaints.
Complaints Office at HHU
Support programmes for scientists with families:
Information on Mentoring
MyNRMN is a powerful social networking platform for students and researchers across the biomedical, behavioral, social, and clinical sciences to connect with one another for anything from general questions about research and professional development as a scientist to scheduling more formal mentorship appointments one-on-one or as a group.
→ SelmaMeyerMentoring für weibliche Wissenschaftler*innen an der HHU
Concerning conficential matters you have several contacts within and outside of university who will support you.
HHU-internal contact persons
Contacts outside of HHU
Network against Abuse of Power in Science
Counselling in the event of attacks and unobjective conflicts in scientific communication
For iGRAD members: counselling for career planning, career development, and employment applications
Which criteria are important for me in the choice of my future career? Which career paths are compatible with these criteria? What do I need to know now, if I intend to follow an academic career? Which interdisciplinary skills/qualifications are required and by whom? How can I coordinate my strategy for advanced professional education with my career choice? Where can I find relevant job vacancies and how do I read the advertisements? Where can I find useful advice and tips about applying for a position? In addition to the offers that are an integral part of its workshop program, iGRAD offers information and counselling related to many aspects of career planning, career development, and job applications to its members who are doing their doctoral research. These offers range from an evaluation (based on the “career anchor” concept) of individual needs and priorities related to career decision, through advice and tips for job applications, to planning advanced training that harmonizes with career targets (focussed competence development).
More information on the iGRAD Website.
For philGRAD members: Consulting and Coaching
The Coordination Office of the Graduate Academy philGRAD is happy to advise its members and all interested parties in all matters concerning membership and the qualification, counselling and mentoring programme that is currently being set up. We are also available as contact partners in case of conflict. More information on the philGRAD Website.
Career councelling for postdocs of all research areas
By career we mean the development in a professional activity that is in line with personal interests, values and competencies. We would like to support you in ensuring that your employment at HHU has a long-term positive influence on this development and helps you to progress personally. We offer individual career advice and support you in the development and formulation of career goals. More information is available on the JUNO Websites.
