Concept
Independent and autonomous, interdisciplinary and free from administrative constraints – these are the research conditions that the Zukunftskolleg at the University of Konstanz provides for young talent. This unique institution offers up-and-coming scientists and scholars a creative space to pursue outstanding research and to form their own research group. The inspiring community of young researchers generates far-reaching ideas and research approaches: inventive, exciting and pointing the way to the future. The Zukunftskolleg is the distinct badge of the University of Excellence.
The origins of the Zukunftskolleg go back to the Centre for Junior Research Fellows (Zentrum für den wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchs – ZWN), which was established by a Resolution adopted by the Senate of the University of Konstanz in 2001 in order to provide the greatest possible support and flexibility for young scientists in their research. Within the scope of the Excellence Initiative, the ZWN was converted into the Zukunftskolleg, which began its operations on 1 November 2007.
The Zukunftskolleg aims for the promotion of young postdoctoral scientists and scholars from the humanities and the natural and social sciences. The funding programmes are directed towards the members of the Zukunftskolleg and – in part – also the young researchers of the University of Konstanz. Members are up to 40 fellows who belong to the Zukunftskolleg as well as to a department of the University of Konstanz. Senior fellows and associated fellows serve as further members of the Zukunftskolleg.
Promotion of young talent
 At the Zukunftskolleg young researchers can concentrate completely on their projects because appointments are provided for five years. Fellowships are awarded to postdoctoral researchers and research group builders from around the globe. Researchers in the humanities and social sciences are as welcome as natural scientists. A total of up to 40 fellows gather here in this stimulating environment, where they gain impulses from other disciplines, particularly through regular dialogue. Once a week the young researchers meet up at a Jour fixe to hear about the latest developments in one of their colleagues’ research areas and to discuss the results, each from his or her specialist perspective. This all creates a highly productive exchange: lateral thinking is the order of the day. |
TopAn interdisciplinary community
 The lively intellectual atmosphere of the Zukunftskolleg creates a close network of scientific excellence, direct communication and interdisciplinary discussion. The dialogue is also cross-generational: established guest scholars, the senior fellows, advise and accompany the up-and-coming researchers for part of the time. This benefits the senior fellows as well, because the younger generation provides them with impulses for their own research. The Zukunftskolleg inspires younger and more experienced researchers alike. |
Freedom and integration
 Despite the high level of freedom in their research, the young researchers are not left alone to float isolated in the university cosmos. Firm grounding is guaranteed: the fellows are integrated within a department, use its laboratories and facilities and in turn enrich the university with their unusual ideas and excellent achievements. In addition, they can hold lectures and seminars for the students, but are not obliged to do so. Nevertheless, teaching experience is important for a university career, as are supervising and examining students. This is why the Zukunftskolleg considers it important that the fellows obtain examination licenses during their five year membership. |
Comprehensive support
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In submitting grant proposals, fellows of the Zukunftskolleg are assisted by the Research Support Office. The team provides qualified information on funding opportunities, organises a funding colloquium in which fellows can discuss their drafts with co-fellows and colleagues and offers a critical review of the final version of the proposal.
In close cooperation with the Equal Opportunities Office of the University of Konstanz the Zukunftskolleg supports equal opportunities for female and male scientists and assists the fellows in combining science and family. |
Young scientists require not only outstanding research results but also key qualifications to communicate their achievements, form networks and position themselves within the scientific community. The Zukunftskolleg supports its fellows with training in these science-related competencies in cooperation with the University of Konstanz’s „Modell Konstanz – towards a culture of creativity“
 The Zukunftskolleg is the core of the university’s institutional strategy for its projected „Modell Konstanz – towards a culture of creativity“, which won it the University of Excellence status. In 2010 this flagship of advancement for young scholars moved into a new building on the campus with state-of-the-art facilities and pastoral views – on a clear day, as far as the Swiss Alps. All in all an exquisite address for outstanding young researchers from both Germany and abroad. |
