Certificate Program: Science Management

The certificate program "Science Management" is targeted at doctoral students and scientists with a doctorate in order to

introduce them to the professional field of science management, its requirements and possible career paths,
to provide insights into the background and context of the science system,
to impart helpful skills and methods for practical application and
to offer networking opportunities and individual career planning.

The primary program language is German.

The certificate program is divided into four modules. In addition to the mandatory workshop module as a foundation, in the second module you can choose from various round tables with experts from the University of Tübingen to get to know their areas of responsibility and ask your questions. Another compulsory elective module offers you the opportunity to put together workshops that are relevant to you individually from the wide range of courses offered by the Graduate Academy. The certificate program is rounded off by optional individual coaching sessions for your career planning in science management. To earn the certificate, the following events must be attended:

All 4 workshops of the entry module (4 days).
At least 4 of 6 round tables (min. 4)
Elective workshops (min. 4 days)
The certificate program is to be completed within one year, but can be extended to two years if needed.

The application period for the certificate program 2027 is from 14.09.2026 until 8.11.2026.

Mandatory Workshops

Ways into science management

Dr. Oliver Grewe
Date 2026: 23.01.2026, 9:00 - 17:00, Online
Date 2027: tba

The introductory event presents the professional field of science management and offers you theoretical and practical insights into the requirements and career paths at the interface between research and administration. Based on concrete job postings, you can explore your individual ideas and goals and gain first impressions of working in science management. Elements of profile building, networking, and continuing education opportunities round out your introduction.

Project- and Changemanagement

Martin Maier

Dates 2027: 16.03.27, 9:00 - 13:00 + 17.03.27, 9:00 - 17:00 + 18.03.27, 9:00 - 13:00, Seminar Room 246 Lothar-Meyer-Bau

Work in research and teaching is increasingly characterized by project structures, be it third-party funded programs, collaborative research projects or complex organizational tasks of coordination and management. For this purpose, the workshop part Project Management provides you with knowledge about project structures, responsibilities, as well as process and budget planning. The in-depth course Change Management provides you with the tools to manage change processes in a targeted and efficient manner in order to be able to respond strategically and sensibly to changing conditions in a dynamic environment.

The German science system and its actors

Dr. Matthias Schwarzkopf

Date 2026: 20.10.26, 9:00 - 16:00, Online
Date 2027: tba

The German science system consists of numerous research, advisory and funding actors. These include not only universities and non-university research institutions, but also private consultancies, governmental organizations such as the Science Council, and institutional third-party funders. The half-day workshop will provide you with an overview of the tasks, activities and interaction of the respective actors, as well as their achievements in research, teaching and transfer.

Team communication in an international and intercultural context

Matthias Merkelbach

Date 2026: 16.11.2026, 9:00-17:00 Uhr, + 17.11.2026, 9:00-13:00 Uhr, Seminarraum 246, Lothar-Meyer-Bau
Date 2027: tba

When several people work toward a common goal, their success is largely determined by motivation, organization, mutual support and clear responsibilities. Direct, transparent and respectful communication among each other plays a central role in teamwork. The workshop introduces you to the core elements of communication and teamwork and supports you in reflecting on your own abilities.

Round Table Module

4 out of 6 Roundtables Elective Workshops

The roundtables are held by experts from the various fields of work in science management at the University of Tübingen and can be chosen freely. They will give you first impressions of the broad field of science management in a practical context and enable you to ask questions and get to know the professional field in its diverse facets.

This year's round tables:
- 12.11.2026 12-13 Uhr Roundtable: Wissenschaftsmanagement in der Hochschulkommunikation - Registration via Eveeno: https://eveeno.com/208775303
- 10.12.2026 11:30-12:30 Uhr Roundtable: Wissenschaftsmanagement in den Exzellenzclustern der Universität Tübingen - Registration via Eveeno: https://eveeno.com/242580289

The Dates will be added, as they are fixed. All round tables will take place online via Zoom and will be held in German. The respective round tables will be announced via our newsletters. Registration is possible via the eveeno platform.

Compulsory elective Workshops

Elective workshops

Choose workshops individually relevant to you from the areas of management communication, leadership and governance, higher education didactics and information technology.

Coaching Module

Optional individual Coaching

If needed, you can take up to 3 hours of one-on-one coaching to best reflect on your career options in science management.

Registration

Conditions of participation:
Doctoral students at the University of Tübingen in the final phase of their doctorate. Postdocs who hold a position at the University of Tübingen or an institution of the Tübingen Research Campus for the duration of the certificate programm or longer.
A short application is required to participate in the certificate programme "Science Management".
The application must include the following:

The completed application form,
a short curriculum vitae in tabular form
a letter of motivation (300-500 words) stating the motivation for participation.

Up to 12 people can be accepted into the programme per year.
Participants are selected by a selection committee.

The application period for the certificate program 2027 is from 14.09.2026 until 8.11.2026.
Please use the application form on the German website.

Your Contact Person

Dr. Marisa Köllner

Program Coordinator for Postdocs, Assistant Professors, and Junior Research Group Leaders

+49 7071 29-72500
marisa.koellner@uni-tuebingen.de