Heidelberg University

Heidelberg University, founded in 1386, is Germany’s oldest university and one of the strongest research universities in all of Europe. The successes in both rounds of the Excellence Initiative and in internationally recognised rankings prove that in internationally recognised rankings prove that Heidelberg’s excellent reputation and leading role in the scientific community are well deserved. In terms of educating students and promoting promising early-career academics, Heidelberg relies on research-based teaching and an outstanding, well-structured training for doctoral candidates. Heidelberg University is a comprehensive university, offering the full spectrum of disciplines in the humanities, law and the social sciences alongside the natural and life sciences, including medicine. As a comprehensive university, Heidelberg aims to continue to strengthen the individual disciplines and to further interdisciplinary cooperation, as well as to carry research results over into society and industry. With its aspiration of connecting traditional academic values with future-oriented scientific concepts in research and teaching, the university is building bridges to the future – Zukunft. Seit 1386. Safeguarding of good academic practice To preserve and promote an atmosphere of openness, creativity and achievement and as a precaution against academic misconduct, a series of mission statements, guidelines and principles have been developed at Heidelberg University. Among other things, these include a Research Data Policy, an Intellectual Property Policy and an Open Access Policy. Founded in 1386, Heidelberg University, a state university of Baden-Württemberg, is Germany’s oldest university. In continuing its time-honoured tradition as a research university of international standing, Heidelberg University’s mission is guided by the following principles: Mission Statement (PDF) Safeguarding of good academic practice Firmly rooted in its history, the University is committed to expanding and disseminating our knowledge about all aspects of humanity and nature through research and education. The University upholds the principle of freedom of research and education, acknowledging its responsibility to humanity, society, and nature. According to its motto »Semper apertus« (»Always open«) Heidelberg University, in a spirit of open-mindedness and tolerance toward individuals and ideas, aspires to generate and harness knowledge and skills for the benefit of today’s and future generations. Heidelberg University’s identity as a comprehensive university has grown out of its academic history, its commitment to the present, and its role in shaping the future. The research and educational efforts of the university are devoted to pursuing the central questions confronting humanity, concentrating on fundamental research and its application, and empowering Heidelberg’s students to participate in this scientific and academic endeavour at an early stage. The disciplines taught at Heidelberg University encompass the humanities, the social sciences, law, natural sciences, engineering sciences, and the life sciences, including medicine. The tasks of a comprehensive university are to advance outstanding individual disciplines, cross-linking them and addressing issues at the highest scholarly level; to create and safeguard the conditions for comprehensive, interdisciplinary collaboration that will make possible essential contributions toward the solution of major issues facing humanity, society, and government in an increasingly changing world; to make research results available to society and encourage their utilisation in all sectors of public life. Students, researchers, teachers, technical staff, and administrative personnel form an integral part of the university. Heidelberg University is a self-governing institution committed to the principles of good academic practice. Heidelberg University connects the knowledge and expertise of its members across generations. It is dedicated to systematically advancing the careers of young scholars and scientists, offers established academics ample opportunity for independent research, and assures the continued presence of outstanding emeriti by conferring on them the rank of senior professors. This alliance of knowledge provides an excellent foundation for the identification and dedicated pursuit of new research questions. The University is thus ideally positioned to meet future challenges with an appropriate degree of flexibility. The intricate connection between research and teaching provides for an education that is academic, practical, and continuous. Heidelberg University is committed to providing equal opportunity for men and women, to ensuring the compatibility of professional work and family, and to upholding the principle of diversity and equality both within and outside the bounds of the University. Heidelberg University will strengthen and extend its cooperation with non-university research institutions. Heidelberg University intends to further cultivate its contacts with former students and graduates, friends and supporters, as well as its partners in business and industry to attract additional encouragement and support. Heidelberg University’s international orientation is a long-standing tradition. Occupying a leading position in Germany and in Europe, the University is committed to providing its global competitiveness. It will continue to increase its attractiveness for outstanding international scholars and students and to expand its international networks in order to provide both junior researchers and senior faculty with the best possible opportunities for further qualification and advancement. The Stewardship Policy brings together all the university instruments that support the members of Heidelberg University in the safe and responsible planning, administering and implementing of university tasks and processes. The foundations for this are transparent institutional conditions, rules and practices. They are designed to guarantee that the university’s three essential areas of activity – research, teaching and transfer – can be carried out appropriately, without any threat to academic integrity and institutional autonomy. Heidelberg University has adopted the following guidelines: 1. Responsibility in research, teaching and transfer The university subscribes to a responsible handling of freedom of research and teaching and the related risks. Research, teaching and transfer activities at the university satisfy and respect fundamental ethical principles. Senate Commission for Responsibility in Science 2. Good academic practice In order to meet its responsibility in the three areas of research, teaching and transfer, the university takes steps to establish a culture of good academic practice. A university culture based on partnership and fair competition forms the basis for successful work in research, teaching and transfer and is at the same time an important factor for the prevention of academic misconduct. Part of this culture is the cooperative, supportive behaviour of the administration towards the requirements of research, teaching and transfer. Rules for safeguarding good academic practice and handling academic misconduct 3. acting in partnership The university ensures that the cooperation between its members and associates at all operating levels is equitable and respectful. It promotes an environment of intact relationships and an enabling work climate. The university’s declared goal is to guarantee an atmosphere of openness, creativity and orientation to excellent academic achievement. This also includes commitment to the diversity and equality of its members, regardless of gender, age, beliefs or origin. Senate guideline on fair conduct 4. Support for early-career researchers In order to guarantee a high level of research competence, innovative ability and academic training, the university has adopted programmes, opportunities and recommendations for action to support early-career researchers. The university evaluates the impact of its actions at appropriate intervals. Support for early-career researchers 5. Open Access policy The university lives out its commitment to give comprehensive access to its knowledge about humankind and the world, generated by research and teaching, and to pass it on to the upcoming generations. Open Access policy 6. Responsibility in cooperation agreements The university maintains international cooperation agreements, respecting their values and principles. It is characterised by an outward-looking approach. Collaboration is based on mutual respect and trust, as well as valuing the diversity of both individual perspectives and excellent disciplinary methods and infrastructures. It works on central issues for shaping the future through cooperation across disciplines, countries and cultures. In that way, the university assumes responsibility for society. International Relations Division 7. Compliance The university attributes central importance to compliance with regulatory framework conditions, maintaining high scholarly standards, and supportive and transparent administrative processes. The university takes action to ensure that its tasks are performed in conformity with the law and aligned with its goals, and likewise that its members and associates conduct themselves according to these requirements. Guidelines and principles for corruption prevention 8. Export control Basic research cannot exclude situations where its findings also lead to the development of dual-use technologies, i.e. allowing for both civilian and military applications. External trade restrictions apply and have to be respected to protect national and global security concerns – going beyond already accessible knowledge and basic research. In their respective areas of responsibility for research and the academic community, the university as an institution and its members check on whether activities require approval or are prohibited under export control law. Staff Unit Export Control 9. Sustainability The university assumes its responsibility to society and contributes to sustainable behaviour and to a peaceful and democratic world. Here it takes guidance from the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. ...view more