Heidelberg University

Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University is the oldest university in today’s Germany and one of Europe’s most research-intensive institutions. Its successes in the Excellence Competitions of the German federal and state governments, and in internationally recognised rankings, prove Heidelberg University’s excellent reputation and leading role in the scientific community. In educating students and supporting outstanding early-career researchers, the university relies on research-based teaching and well-structured support for doctoral candidates and postdocs. Heidelberg University is a comprehensive research university. Its broad subject spectrum in thirteen faculties includes the humanities and social sciences, law, the natural and engineering sciences, and the life sciences, as well as medicine. As a comprehensive university, Heidelberg is committed to advancing exceptional individual disciplines, promoting dialogue beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries, and turning research findings to good use for society and the economy. In this endeavour, it also relies on strong partners outside the university. Around 30,000 students are currently enrolled at Heidelberg University. With more than 180 study programmes, Heidelberg offers a spectrum of subject combinations virtually unparalleled in Germany. This unique range creates an optimal setting for an individualised and interdisciplinary education. Heidelberg University’s transdisciplinary qualification and advanced training offers for students at all stages of their education are coordinated by the heiSKILLS Competence and Language Centre. Besides teaching foreign language skills and other key competences to enhance the students’ profile, heiSKILLS also provides guidance for a successful start in working life. Supporting young researchers is an essential strategic field of action for Heidelberg University. The goal is to attract the best talents from all over the world and offer them optimal conditions for a successful career within the university and beyond. As an integrated quality programme for doctoral training, heiDOCS aims to continuously enhance and optimise the overall conditions for doctoral candidates at Heidelberg University. The Graduate Academy coordinates all related counselling, advanced training and funding offers. heiTRACKS is the framework for a wide range of support measures aimed at young researchers who have completed their doctorate. Heidelberg University is tied into a worldwide network of research and teaching collaborations. Exchange programmes have been established with roughly 480 universities worldwide. Heidelberg’s strong global presence is evidenced by its 27 institutional partnerships with universities around the world and its membership in networks such as the 4EU+ European University Alliance, the League of European Research Universities and the Coimbra Group. The university has four centres abroad in Latin America, North America, Southeast Asia and East Asia. Together with their related institutes in Heidelberg, they are the institutional bridges connecting the university to its strategic focus regions. The university is the key player in the middle of a unique research and development network in the city of Heidelberg and in the region. It cooperates closely with a large number of local research institutions and industrial partners. Research, teaching, transfer as well as the support of early-career researchers are the university’s main areas of activity in its collaboration endeavours. Heidelberg University is a core member of the Health + Life Science Alliance Heidelberg Mannheim, which aims to develop the Rhine-Neckar region into an internationally leading bio-medical-technological cluster for life sciences, the health economy and medical technology. Heidelberg’s cosmopolitan and student-friendly atmosphere is one of the city’s distinguishing features. Situated in a region with a high quality of life, the university offers a varied programme of sports and leisure activities alongside work and studies. Theatres, renowned film and music festivals and a large number of museums create a sophisticated and diverse cultural atmosphere. Popular local tourist destinations include the world-famous Heidelberg Castle, the historic streets and alleys in the old town and the Philosophers’ Walk, one of the most spectacular hillside promenades in Europe.