Quality of Life
Recognized Science Mentors
Foto: UR/B. K?nig Established researchers nurture academic talent and mentor young scholars as they develop their careers.
Among them is Professor Burkhard K?nig (external link, opens in a new window), Chair of Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy at the University of Regensburg. In addition to his primary research endeavors, he is contributing to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation's Henriette Herz Scouting Programme (external link, opens in a new window) as a scout, thereby showcasing his commitment to diverse academic pursuits.
Sabrina Viehauser talked to him about recruiting scientific talents for a research stay in Germany.
What are your tasks as a scout in the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation's Henriette Herz Scouting Program?
"The Henriette Herz Scouting Program complements the regular postdoc program of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, in which you apply for a scholarship yourself and go through a competitive selection process. In the Henriette Herz Program, scholarships are awarded directly after a recommendation from the scouts. The goal of the program is to inspire and attract young talents to a postdoc position and thus to academic research, who may not have considered this due to their career planning or life circumstances."
Why are international research stays important for the development in an academic career?
"Research is inherently international. Groundbreaking basic research that has the potential to transform our world and address pressing challenges cannot be strictly planned—it thrives on serendipitous discoveries, sudden insights, and creative thinking. Successful researchers maintain strong international networks because innovation flourishes through global collaboration and the exchange of ideas."
Why is the University of Regensburg in your opinion particularly attractive for international PhD candidates and postdocs?
"Beyond a passion for your research topic, two key factors contribute to an ideal doctorate or postdoc experience. First, a dynamic research group engaged in cutting-edge topics, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, and driven by enthusiasm. At our Regensburg campus, you’ll find many such groups, where interdisciplinary collaboration thrives—helped by the campus’s compact layout and the informal connections made over coffee or lunch.
The second crucial factor is the environment because creativity flourishes with the right balance of focus and inspiration. Whether you unwind and party in Regensburg’s historic old town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) with its vibrant social scene or embrace outdoor activities in the stunning natural surroundings, here, you’ll be working where others come to vacation."
Foto: UR / Julia Dragan Information and Support
Center for Graduate & Postgraduate Researchers
The Center for Graduate & Postgraduate Researchers WIN (external link, opens in a new window) is a cross-faculty facility for supporting and advancing early career scientists and scholars at the University of Regensburg.
The UR Welcome Center for International Researchers
The UR Welcome Center for International Researchers (external link, opens in a new window) is a part of the International Office. This is your central contact for non-academic questions if you are an international guest coming to Regensburg as a:
- Guest Professor
- Post-Doc
- PhD candidate
- Academic/Scientific Staff
They offer comprehensive guidance in the following areas:
- Looking for an apartment
- Immigration: Visa and Residence Permit issues
- Bureaucratic formalities and life in Regensburg
- Enrollment as a student at the Registrar?s Office
- German classes for you and your partner
- Cultural events
Coming with Family
The Welcome Center can offer you help and advice to make the move for you and your family as smooth as possible. The Welcome Center is the direct contact for international researchers in advance of your arrival to support you in organizing childcare and schooling for your children. We work in close coordination with the University of Regensburg's Family Services.
Equal Opportunities
As an educational and research institution with responsibility for society as a whole (external link, opens in a new window), the University of Regensburg works towards an environment in which equal opportunities across all dimensions of diversity are lived with the aim of equal participation, appreciation and promotion of all members.
Sports and Health
The University of Regensburg offers a wide range of sports activities and courses (external link, opens in a new window) to suit all tastes and fitness levels. From classic sports like volleyball and yoga to fitness classes and more exotic activities like underwater rugby or flag football, the program is diverse and varied.
Funding Programs
The University Administration's Department IV/5 is the contact point for funding programs and third-party funding (external link, opens in a new window).