Research &
Excellent research and economic growth characterize the region OWL, making it an established business and research location in Germany. Research in the field of high-tech, the promotion of start-ups and an outstanding cooperation with regional, national and international industry contribute to the status of OWL as one of the strongest economic regions in Germany.
Research Focus Areas
The research activities by the Campus OWL universities range from groundbreaking basic research to applied research in cooperation with partners in industry. One of the focus areas are intelligent technical systems involving researchers from all disciplines as well as an emphasis on the impact of intelligent technical systems on all relevant societal domains. Campus OWL universities have each a distinct research profile and you can learn here more about their research focus.
Bielefeld University
Bielefeld University conducts top-level research in four strategic research areas which share common methodological grounds via three cross-cutting topics. These areas are interdisciplinary by nature, each involving several faculties and central academic institutes. Although the strategic research areas mainly focus on cutting-edge basic research, they also reach out into applications and society, true to Bielefeld University’s motto of „Transcending Boundaries“.
Paderborn University
Research at Paderborn University is focused on five interdisciplinary and faculty spanning key research areas. These are characterized by cutting-edge research infrastructure, highly distinguished, expert researchers and a productive research environment exemplified by multiple, coordinated research projects.
Hochschule Bielefeld – University of Applied Sciences and Arts
Research at HSBI is guided by the global social challenges of the future, concentrating in particular on the compelling issues of climate and energy, health, mobility and communication. It amalgamates its research activities in institutes and in key research and development areas. Young scientists are qualified in postgraduate courses and in doctorate programs in collaboration with other universities.
OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts
OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts conducts joint research projects with companies, thus strengthening the innovative profile of our partners and in the region. In their research areas Industry 4.0, Life Science, Space and Culture and Environment and Resources, scientists from different disciplines work together to pool their competences. This becomes visible on the Innovation Campus in Lemgo, the Creative Campus in Detmold and the Sustainable Campus in Höxter.
Detmold University of Music
At a university that focuses on practicing, disseminating, and teaching music, scholarly research serves as a means to an end. Musicians spend a large portion of their time rehearsing and performing and they are exposed to various physical and psychological influences which can compromise their health as well as their performance. Research in various departments of the university increase knowledge about how these problems are caused and how to minimize them.
Opportunities for Young Researchers
Campus OWL universities offer excellent conditions and opportunities for young researchers, including service centers that offer career advice and funding support as well as information on career paths inside and outside of academia. Dual career advice and family services are provided as well. Information on how to obtain a doctoral degree at one of the OWL universities can be found at our Degree Programs for Doctoral Studies.
Below you can find more information on opportunities and support for postdoctoral researchers.
Pursuing a University Professorship
A university professorship offers outstanding scientists and scholars the opportunity to independently conduct research and teaching activities, assume supervisory responsibility for a team and for junior researchers in the relevant area. Outstanding scientific, academic or artistic achievements as well as the pedagogical aptitude for teaching at a university are prerequisites for an appointment to a professorship. Learn more about vacancies by clicking on the universities below.
Professorship at Universities of
Applied Sciences
Another career opportunity for postdoctoral or senior researchers is a professorship at a university of applied sciences. This position places special emphasis on practice-oriented teaching. To become eligible for a professorship, candidates generally require a doctoral degree and five years of practice-oriented activity in the relevant discipline (three years of which must be completed outside the university). Teaching activities make up a considerable part of professorships, which is why teaching experience and didactics are of great importance. Practical work experience gained outside the university is also required because of the importance of applied research and its practical relevance.
You can find more information on vacancies at Hochschule Bielefeld – University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and OWL University of Applied Sciences and Arts.
Transfer & Start-ups
Many new start-ups and start-up initiatives have emerged in OWL in the past years, and existing companies and institutions are actively promoting innovative business models. The Campus OWL universities collaborate to offer new founders an ideal support network. This dynamic ecosystem enables exchange and networking among all the local founders and drivers of innovation.
While each Campus OWL university has developed a transfer strategy and a unique transfer environment, there are also joint projects supporting spin offs and start-ups at the universities. InnovationsLabor is a joint Campus OWL network providing training programs and coaches for new start-ups in OWL.
Thus, a campus OWL-wide startup ecosystem has been created that encourages multi-disciplinary collaboration, enables innovation, and cultivates the next generation of startup leaders.
In addition, there are many other important stakeholders with regard to entrepreneurship in OWL – from the cluster it’s OWL, to incubators such as garage33 in Paderborn, the Founders Foundation, Hinterland of Things offering targeted programs, events and coworking spaces. The Startup Region_OWL is the regional network for startups and connects them with each other and with other players in the region. This unique entrepreneurial ecosystem helps inspire, educate and connect entrepreneurs from across OWL.
It’s OWL
The universities also collaborate with it’s owl, one of the leading-edge clusters by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research in OstWestfalenLippe, which is considered to be one of the largest Industry 4.0 initiatives for SMEs. More than 200 companies, research institutes and organizations develop solutions for intelligent products and production processes. With support of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, projects worth EUR 100 million will be implemented between 2018 and 2023. The focus topics are artificial intelligence, digital platforms, digital twins and work 4.0. Named as one of the Leading-Edge Clusters by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, it’s owl is considered to be one of the largest Industry 4.0 initiatives for SMEs. Over the last years, it’s owl has established itself as a driver for competitiveness of the manufacturing industry in OstWestfalenLippe.
