Universities of Applied Sciences (HAW) combine research with direct practical relevance and focus on application-oriented teaching. To continue fulfilling this role in the future, they need qualified professors who combine academic expertise with professional experience. However, the path to a professorship at a HAW is often not very visible and lacks structure – which deters many talented individuals from even considering it.
Science Careers at HTWK Leipzig provides targeted information about the path into applied sciences and supports interested individuals with concrete offers. The initiative makes career paths more predictable and encourages qualified individuals interested in science to pursue this direction. Individual mentoring, targeted training opportunities, and strong networks provide support on the way to a professorship – practice-oriented, reliable, and with a focus on long-term development. This creates an environment in which researchers can fully realize their potential.
We offer a wide range of measures for everyone seeking their path in academia: from mentoring programs to employer branding and further qualification, to networking formats with science and practice. All offers are designed to provide orientation, foster development, and actively pave the way for professional careers.
Our Subprojects
Pro.Motion
Pro.Motion offers you a unique opportunity: Combine your doctorate with valuable industry experience to strengthen your academic career with practical know-how. Our program shapes your path to a doctorate in a practice-oriented and future-focused way by linking the research infrastructure of HTWK Leipzig with real-world challenges from industry.
Pro.Innovation
As part of the subproject "Pro.Innovation", targeted and sustainable monitoring is promoted to support the early planning and filling of upcoming professorship vacancies. This creates a foundation for the continuous development of the talent pool and makes it possible to attract highly qualified professionals to secure innovative research and teaching areas in the long term.
Pro.Fellowship
The mentoring program Pro.Fellowship offers talents from industry and academia insights into the demanding and multifaceted everyday life at a University of Applied Sciences (HAW) and provides comprehensive support on the path to a HAW professorship. The program was launched in 2024 at the Faculty of Engineering. In 2025, it is planned to expand to the Faculty of Business and Industrial Engineering.
Welcome@HTWK
The ‘Welcome@HTWK’ sub-project aims to establish a welcoming culture at HTWK Leipzig and to facilitate the integration and networking of new professorial staff. The measures are intended to promote orientation, integration and a lasting sense of belonging. In addition, strategic HR marketing is being developed to support long-term retention and position the university as an attractive place to work.
Employer Branding
The subproject "Employer Branding" aims to position HTWK Leipzig as an attractive employer for professorial staff. Through a targeted employer branding strategy, the university's visibility is to be increased and innovative recruitment paths established. The development of a modern career page is also part of the project.
Female Scientists Network
We have set ourselves the goal of strengthening the visibility and networking of women at our university. In doing so, we aim to offer inspiring exchange, needs-based program formats, and support in your career planning. Our network provides a valuable platform for sharing experiences, mentoring, and promoting career opportunities.
