Key features of the postdoc college
Interdisciplinarity
TEIFUN brings together outstanding scientists at postdoctoral level and encourages them to find points of contact for their research beyond the boundaries of their own discipline and to contribute their expertise to the interdisciplinary discourse and their interdisciplinary research work in TEIFUN. Cohort 1 includes (computer) linguistics, computer science, cognitive science, mathematics, physics, linguistics, literature, history and education. Ideally, fellows from different profiles cooperate with each other and also work on joint interdisciplinary projects and research results.
Autonomy
The fellows are not assigned to a specific project (only to one of the defined research fields), which gives them a high degree of autonomy. The host working group benefits from the fellows as strong research and teaching personalities and creates space for both individual and collegial development. The fellows are responsible for adhering to their habilitation timetable and seek support if necessary.
Partial structuring
Since a cohort is designed to last six years, there are several recurring appointments and events as well as support options over the course of this time. We also emphasise the autonomy of the cohort members. During the six years in the programme, they should be able to structure themselves individually and respond to opportunities in their respective field of research.
work-life balance
The students are in different life situations. The TEIFUN network recognises the importance of a good work-life balance and enables location-independent working and trust-based working hours by arrangement.
networking
The six fellows in a cohort are based at two locations and it is important to us that a sense of togetherness is created within the college. A cohort is an interdisciplinary team that cooperates in appropriate places and forms sub-groups at suitable locations. Networking with relevant players from innovative teacher education, school and teaching research with a didactic or innovative-technological focus is also desired beyond the college.
Theoretical reference and research methods
The work produced during the program must be both theoretically well-founded and innovative in terms of research methods and must be in line with national and international discourse in the respective field of research.
acquisition of third-party funding and applications
Suitable applications should be submitted as part of the realised habilitation project or alongside it. The successful submission of applications to competitive funding organisations is one of the most important goals of TEIFUN. In the first year, an intramural application should initially be submitted for the necessary pilot projects (a maximum of €10,000 per fellow is available for this), followed by an official application to the BMBF, DFG or foundations. Successful applications can extend beyond the duration of the research training group and then be taken to the new location.
innovative teacher education
The core concern of TEIFUN is the practical relevance of the resulting research work on teacher education, schools and teaching. Teachers should benefit from the findings and tools developed and be able to use them in the classroom or for school development. The participating universities integrate findings and materials resulting from TEIFUN into their teacher education courses.
Publication activities
The findings are to be published with a wide reach in the publication formats relevant to the respective subjects.
social relevance
The research results and materials produced during the work in TEIFUN should also be publicised to a broad public beyond the academic sphere. Teachers and schools are particularly important target groups here, as they are key players in the transfer of research findings. The third mission of the universities is an explicit field of action for the students and their working groups. The structures and facilities available at the locations, for example for science communication or PR, should be actively utilised.
internationalisation
The fellows specifically open up international perspectives and networks and orientate themselves towards the international standards of their community. This includes, in particular, the planning of international networks and, where appropriate, a stay abroad. They plan international publications in a targeted and long-term manner.