We invite outstanding young researchers from all over the world to apply for the Heidelberg Future Leaders in Sciences and Humanities Forum, which will take place 7 – 8 October 2025 in Heidelberg, Germany.

We are searching for bold, innovative thinkers who are ready to push boundaries and share the vision of contributing to shaping the world of tomorrow. We would be particularly interested in hearing from you, if your research addresses

• transformation towards inclusive climate action
• mutual adaptation between human cognition and artificial intelligence
• the impact of and to family models as we know them today

Upon successful application, you will be invited to present your research and to discuss your groundbreaking ideas with the Forum participants and with Heidelberg University’s vibrant research community, and we will cover your travel and accommodation expenses.

You will have the opportunity to network with top researchers working in Heidelberg who could become your future academic mentors and/or colleagues. Moreover, the Heidelberg Research Service offers workshops on how to apply for prestigious postdoctoral and group leader funding programs like the Emmy Noether Program, ERC Starting Grants, and more. 

With such a grant, Heidelberg University could become your next research home — a place where you will find world-class resources, cutting-edge facilities, a comprehensive academic support infrastructure for your students and doctoral researchers, and a dynamic, collaborative community that helps you thrive. We are committed to equal opportunities and run support programs that help researchers from underrepresented groups to succeed in academia.

Interested? What do you need to do:

Please send us your application including:

• your CV 
• publication list
• a letter of intent about your research project (max one page)

To: futureleaders@uni-heidelberg.de by 31 May 2025

The application process

Application Phase: 1 April – 31 May 2025
Feedback until: End June 2025
Digital Kick-Off: July 2025
Symposium: 7 – 8 October 2025

Lead, Innovate, and Grow — With Us

As a future research group leader at Heidelberg University, you will not just be joining our scientific community — you will become an essential part of it. We will back you up with our career development program heiTRACKS, helping you grow as a leader and drive research excellence forward. 

Your ideas matter. Your voice matters. The future of sciences and humanities needs you — are you in?