There are many good reasons to come to Baden-Württemberg – to conduct research, to live, and to stay:
A broad-based higher education and research landscape:
Baden-Württemberg is home to more outstanding public universities than any other federal state in Germany. A strong scientific landscape is essential for the future of our region. That is why the state government places particular emphasis on creating a research-friendly and innovation-oriented environment. This includes reliable framework conditions such as financial planning security and the provision of modern infrastructure.
A leading location for research and innovation in Europe:
No other place in Europe invests more in research and development. Baden-Württemberg is the region with the highest technological performance in the EU. Nowhere else is the proportion of people employed in industrial high-tech-sectors higher, and in relation to the population, no other region files more patents. Globally, too, Baden-Württemberg ranks among the top innovation hubs. We are investing in cutting-edge future technologies, such as artificial intelligence: In our 19 regional AI labs or in Cyber Valley – Europe’s largest AI research collaboration – experts from a wide range of disciplines are working together on the technologies of the future.
Close ties with industry:
Through the Innovation Campus model, basic research and applied science, research institutions, universities, and companies come together. Currently, five Innovation Campuses are being established in Baden-Württemberg in strategically important areas: artificial intelligence, future mobility, health and life sciences, quantum technologies, and sustainability.
Open-minded, safe, and family-friendly:
Baden-Württemberg is one of the safest regions in Germany. People from over 190 nations live here. There is a wide range of childcare options and excellent schools. The state supports families through various information and counselling services as well as financial assistance.
High quality of life:
Baden-Württemberg offers a wide and affordable range of cultural, sporting, and other leisure activities. In addition to magnificent natural landscapes and numerous castles and monasteries, it is home to top-class opera houses, theatres, museums, and galleries, as well as around 11,300 sports clubs.
Special Programme for International Academic Freedom
In light of increasing restrictions on academic freedom worldwide, we aim to offer opportunities in Baden-Württemberg to early-career researchers whose ability to conduct research abroad is limited due to their field of study or nationality. The programme supports fellowships for postdoctoral researchers and junior research groups. Applications must be submitted through the universities.
The Baden-Württemberg Foundation has launched a call for applications under the "Special Programme for International Academic Freedom". The primary aim is to offer research opportunities in Baden-Württemberg to academics from countries where academic freedom is increasingly under threat.
The funding programme is divided into two strands:
- Fellowships for postdoctoral researchers with a funding period of up to two years. Candidates, who are to be nominated by the respective university, must be integrated into existing structures and projects at the host institution.
- Financial support for the establishment of internationally competitive junior research groups at universities across Baden-Württemberg.
We have compiled all the key information you need regarding entry formalities, employment, housing, insurance, and schooling in Baden-Württemberg.