Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin

Course of the tenure-track phase

The tenure-track procedure gives outstanding young academics in their early career stages the opportunity to carry out independent research and teaching and the chance of becoming lifelong professor at the Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin.

TT_HU_grafiken_bearb_20190701_engl.pngThe fixed-term junior professorship (6 years) or W2-professorship (5 years) with tenure track shall qualify for lifelong professorships. In this period, tenure-track professors can enhance their academic profile in carrying out research projects and teaching. Furthermore, they gain experience in the academic self-administration and in the supervision of students and doctoral students. They are assisted in their academic development by way of mentoring and further training provision.


The tenure evaluation that takes place in the penultimate year assesses whether the achievements that were agreed upon together with the candidate at the time of appointment have been realised. The achievements specific to the respective professorship are defined beforehand in the course of the appointment procedure on the basis of the university-wide applicable framework

If the evaluation is positive, the tenure-track professor receives a permanent contract.