Non-university research

Non-university research institutions offer postdocs excellent research conditions, often in international teams and without teaching obligations. The non-university institutes can score points with extremely attractive conditions in the field of scientific research and also enjoy a high reputation, both nationally and internationally.

The most important non-university research institutions in Germany have joined together under the following umbrella organisations:

• Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft
• Helmholtz Association
• Leibniz Association
• Max Planck Society
• Union of the German Academies of Sciences and Humanities

A complete overview of all non-university research institutions as well as the state research institutions in Germany can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF).

Non-university research institutes often set up their own junior research groups at their institutes - these are sometimes funded through competitive procedures.

Professors at universities can simultaneously hold a management position at a non-university research institute ("Joint Appointment").