The influence of changed career patterns for young scientists on the development of independent research programmesYoung researchers face two challenges: the scientific challenge of designing independent research programmes and the institutional challenge of gaining the necessary autonomy to implement this programme. Over the last three decades the conditions for these challenges have changed dramatically. Current career patterns of young researchers are often characterized by long sequences of postdoctoral positions and late depletion of time limits. On the other hand, more and more special jobs financed by third-party funds are being offered to support early independence. Facing these conditions how do young scientists develop and implement independent research programmes? In our project we want to investigate this question by using comparative case studies of young German scientists working in the fields of experimental physics, molecular biology and history.

More Information about Research Projects

• The influence of institutions on the content of research
• Methodology and methods of Science studies
• Methodology and qualitative methods of Sociology