M3 Cooperative Junior Research Groups

Cooperative Junior Research Groups work at the interfaces between the University and extra-mural research institutes. These groups are independent units led by an outstanding young researcher.

As a third measure alongside New Governance and Bridge Professorships, Cooperative Junior Research Groups strengthen the innovative capacity of the University through cooperation with non-university research partners. At the same time they present an unusual and challenging opportunity for excellent young researchers.

Cooperative Junior Research Groups are set up by the University of Bremen in cooperation with neighboring extra-mural institutes. The selection procedure and funding of resources are along the lines of the Emmy Noether Junior Research Groups supported by the DFG. The extra-mural partners bear part of the costs. Junior Research Groups are able to use the equipment and infrastructure of both institutions involved.

As opposed to Junior Research Groups, the Bremen Cooperative Junior Research Group offers young researchers attractive career opportunities through being simultaneously integrated in two different research institutions. This may even result in the group leader later being offered the option of leading a unit in the extramural institute. In Bremen, the leaders of Junior Research Group can receive the title of Professor with all accordant rights. The position of leader of a Junior Research Group systematically complements the so-called “Bremen Perspective” of Junior Professorship: Coming with a reduced teaching load and leadership of one’s own research group, these positions are highly suitable as launch pads for a full professorship.

Funding for resources and equipment is available for eleven Junior Research Groups, together with the leadership position and 2.5 staff positions.