Habilitating Researchers

The proportion of female first-year students has lain at around 50 percent (or even higher!) for years now. This ratio is rarely reflected in the professorships however. Women are still under-represented in top positions both at universities and in industry. At HHU, just a quarter of professorships are held by women.

In order to create greater gender equality and increase the proportion of women in the long run, the SelmaMeyerMentoring programme supports women on their path to a professorship. The SelmaMeyerPROF strand is designed specifically for female advanced postdoctoral researchers pursuing a professorship. If you are an early career postdoc (within your first three years) you may apply for the SelmaMeyerWISS programme.

Over the course of the 18-month programme, mentees can benefit from targeted skills workshops during which they learn how to prepare for their role as a professor and how to navigate the application procedure. The one-to-one mentoring provides an opportunity to discuss any questions they may have directly with a mentor. At the regular network meetings, they can exchange ideas among themselves and also network with other participants in the SelmaMeyerMentoring programme. Short presentations by role models give mentees a chance to discuss questions in a confidential setting. The meetings in small groups moreover allow them to reflect on their personal situation and to receive support from peers who are often in a similar situation.

We also welcome applications from women who have already completed their habilitation, junior professors and women working as a lecturer (Privatdozentin).

What do we expect of our mentees?

• devotion of sufficient time to take advantage of our many offers
• commitment and reliability
• completed doctorate
• career goal: professorship
• employed at HHU
• active involvement in shaping their mentoring process
• openness to reflecting on their career path

What can you expect of us?

• top-quality skills workshops
• support in the search for a mentor
• access to the SelmaMeyerMentoring network
• openness to your needs
• competent support for your mentoring process

You are able to register your interest in the programme in our online portal at any time of the year. We will then notify you via email as soon as the application phase begins so that you can apply.

Please do not hesitate to contact us via email at any time should you have any questions.