Future Professors Week invites doctoral researchers from EUonAIR partner universities to HTW Berlin. The four-day programme offers insights into academic careers at German Universities of Applied Sciences.

Participants explore applied research, transfer, teaching and international cooperation. They meet professors and researchers, visit classes and labs, develop project ideas and connect with doctoral researchers from across Europe.

Future Professors Week helps participants understand how professorships at German Universities of Applied Sciences work. The programme combines practical insights, academic exchange and international networking.

Participants will:

• learn more about academic career paths in Germany
• gain insights into applied research and transfer
• explore teaching and learning at a University of Applied Sciences
• develop ideas for European cooperation projects
• expand their academic network at HTW Berlin and beyond

Future Professors Week is part of the TIEs project. The project supports HTW Berlin in attracting prospective professors and strengthens cooperation within a developing Eastern European university network.

The programme is designed for doctoral researchers who are interested in an academic career at a German University of Applied Sciences. It focuses on applied research, transfer, teaching, international cooperation and European project development.

• Workshops on academic careers, proposal writing and higher education
• Insights into the German University of Applied Sciences system
• Exchange with researchers and professors at HTW Berlin
• Class visits and lab tours
• Participation in the HTW Berlin Research Forum
• Networking with doctoral researchers from across Europe
• Cultural programme in Berlin

German higher education is shaped by academic self-governance, collegial decision-making and committee structures. This workshop introduces key structures in German academia and shows how strategic networking can support academic career development.

Participants discuss communication and networking strategies. In practical exercises, they practise presenting their research profile in professional settings.

European Proposal Writing: Strategic Partnerships

Strong partnerships and clear project structures are key to successful European research proposals. In this workshop, participants develop ideas for collaborative projects and explore how partners from different European regions can contribute complementary expertise.

The workshop also introduces funding programmes, proposal development and applied research at HTW Berlin.

The programme is aimed at individuals pursuing or holding a doctoral degree from Eastern European universities who are interested in an academic career in Germany.

You can apply if you:

• are close to completing your doctorate within the next one to two years, or
• completed your doctorate no more than five years ago, and
• work in a subject area represented in the HTW Berlin curriculum.

German language skills at A2/B1 level and first professional experience outside higher education are beneficial.

Participation is free of charge. HTW Berlin covers:

• four nights in a hotel in Berlin, from Monday to Friday
• travel to Berlin and local transport
• meals
• workshops
• the full programme

Please apply by 7 August 2026 using the application form.

As part of the application, you will need to submit:

• a current CV
• a short motivational statement outlining your research interests
• answers to some administrative questions

HTW Berlin will review submissions after the deadline and notify selected participants by the beginning of August 2026 at the latest.

We look forward to receiving your application.