In a nutshell: University structures for newbies

On this page we have put together some information for colleagues who are new to the University of Bremen and who experience its structures and processes as arcane and difficult to figure out. 

University structure

The University of Bremen consists of 12 faculties (Fachbereiche), additional "central scientific unites" called ZWE (Zentrale Wissenschaftliche Einheiten) and Collaborative Research Centers called SFBs (Sonderforschungsbereiche), as well as the administration and its service units. As an academic staff member, you probably work in a faculty/department, ZWE or SFB. The administrative structure (e.g. Human Resources Department, the International Office, the Bremen Early Career Researcher Development (BYRD), or the conflict mediation unit (ADE) are at your service as needed.

See the organizational chart of the University of Bremen for an overview.

Electing and participating in the employee’s bodies of representation of interest

At the University of Bremen, interest representation is regulated by law and involves the Academic Senate (AS) at the university level, the Faculty Councils (FBRs) at the faculty level, the Staff Council (PR) across faculties and status groups, and the Council of the College of Academic Employees (KRAM) at the level of mid-level faculty staff. In addition, there are the Central Women’s Representative (ZKFF) and the Representative for Employees with Disabilities. Elections are held every two years for the AS, FBR, and KRAM, and every four years for the PR. In turn, the AS elects the University President and Vice-Presidents every four years. This figure   provides an overview of the interest representations, their tasks and mode of election.

Finding your way around

The University of Bremen is a campus university, although it spans several kilometers and has been growing steadily since its founding in 1971. At the start of the 2024/25 winter semester, Faculty 06 (Law) moved to the city center into the NordLB building (Norddeutsche Landesbank, formerly Bremer Landesbank), which now goes by the name “Forum am Domshof” (UFO).

You can find a map of the university campus and its different locations here. Newly hired employees are also offered a guided tour around campus as part of the welcome event.

Qualification and career development

... is a strategic goal of the University of Bremen. The Bremen Early Career Researcher Development (BYRD) center is located in the SFG building. BYRD offers individual counseling and workshops for personal and professional development.