Quality Assurance – Leibniz University Hannover

Quality assurance in evaluation processes

In the first step of the tenure-track process, particular attention is paid to selecting the right creative academics and developing academic potential further. Academic evaluation to international standards is an integral element of quality management. Tenure is only grantedexclusively based on performance and the processes are governed by mandatory and transparent regulations. The evaluation processes reflect both facultative assessments and performance evaluations as well as independent assessments by external experts.

Tenure track regulations

The tenure-track process is governed by the "Regulations on the Process for Granting a Life-Tenured professorship at Leibniz University Hannover". The principles of transparency and equal opportunities are to be borne in mind in the process. These regulations are legally binding.
Establishing transparent and mandatory evaluation criteria throughout the university

The evaluation criteria comply with international standards and reflect the characteristics of the various subject cultures. Expected performance is clearly defined between faculties and university management and determined together with the tenure-track professor in a transparent, fair and binding manner.
Granting tenure based on performance

A tenure-track professor is appointed regardless of vacancies and solely based on performance. For each tenure-track professorship, a tenured position has already been reserved from the moment a tenure-track professorship is advertised.
Transparent, two-stage evaluation processes for tenure-track professorships

Granting tenure depends on a positive interim evaluation halfway through the probationary period and a positive tenure evaluation at the end of the fixed-term phase of employment. The interim evaluation scheduled towards the end of the third year of employment for tenure-track professorships with W1 pay grades, or the status interview for tenure-track professorships with W2 pay grades, is to identify and counteract possible undesirable developmentsany problems in time and to further develop the candidate’s potential. The tenure-track professor is told about the results of the interim and tenure evaluation and associated recommendations personally and offered individual support if required.
External and international panel of experts

The decision to grant or refuse tenure is based on the results of the faculties’ evaluation of research and teaching, as well as on an independent international panel of experts, the Leibniz Tenure Board. The board consists of six external academics (two from each of the "Engineering", "Natural Sciences" and "Humanities and Social Sciences"). To assess research performance, the Leibniz Tenure Board commissions at least two, structured, written expert reviews from external experts renowned in their field.

Leibniz Tenure Board