The next generation of scientific researchersis an important component for meeting the future demand for highly qualified employees in the modern knowledge society - ten years after completing their doctorate, about 80 percent of doctoral graduates work outside academia. Doctoral graduates often earn higher incomes than non-doctoral graduates, hold leadership positions and pursue demanding jobs that match their qualifications. Young scientists thus contribute in a decisive way to societal prosperity, knowledge gain and innovation.

"The report also provides valuable information for universities and non-university research institutions on the promotion and qualification of young scientists. I will work to ensure that it also provides a good decision-making basis for opening up attractive career paths within research institutions for young scientists - also in order to strengthen Germany as a science location," says new Advisory Council member Ilka Wolter.

At the latest since the career of the hashtag #IchBinHanna, the working conditions and career prospects of the so-called "academic mid-level staff" have been the subject of public controversy. The BuWiN also provides an important basis for the discussion and further development of the political and legal framework for Junior Researchers. It provides statistical data and current research findings on academic qualification in the doctoral and postdoctoral phase as well as on career paths, employment conditions and professional prospects. The report also touches on issues of higher education development, higher education governance and education policy up to the EU level, as well as providing important orientation knowledge for young researchers themselves and individual career decisions. In focus chapters, BuWiN regularly addresses topics such as the compatibility of family and career or equal opportunities for women in the science system.

The report on the status quo of young researchers in Germany is produced every four years by an independent scientific consortium. This consortium is advised by a scientific advisory board, whose constituent meeting took place on 29 March 2022. The reports are funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), with the Institute for Innovation and Technology (iit) in charge.

More on the National report: https://www.buwin.de/