WE-Heraeus Senior Professorships

The Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation supports public and private educational institutions nationwide with the WE-Heraeus Senior Professorships in establishing innovative teaching and training concepts in the field of physics. This funding instrument is aimed at specialists who, after a successful university career, wish to develop exciting teaching projects over three years (with a one-time extension option of two years). The focus is on the sustainable improvement of higher education through creative approaches, ranging from the reform of target group-specific lectures to novel practical formats. Applications are accepted continuously at the respective foundation meetings and provide a non-repayable grant to cover personnel and institutional expenses. This enables highly qualified scientists to specifically contribute their teaching expertise to academic instruction while simultaneously enhancing their reputation within their faculty and university.

Interested candidates must have completed a career as a physicist and provide evidence of a concrete work program with extensive teaching experience. A binding letter of support from the department or faculty is required. Evaluation criteria particularly include professional reputation, the innovative strength of the training concept, and institutional backing within the candidate’s environment. Application documents must include a detailed project plan, a current curriculum vitae, and the faculty letter. The selection committee decides on the award based on transparent criteria to promote the best concepts for modernizing physics education. The continuous application opportunity offers experienced scientists the chance to make a significant contribution to teaching immediately after leaving active service.