International recruitment of foreign researchers by North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW)
On August 9, 2025, at 11:20 AM, North Rhine-Westphalia introduced a new program called Innovationsprofessuren, aimed at attracting top international researchers. This initiative, unique nationwide according to Minister of Science Ina Brandes, is a response to the situation in the US, where universities and researchers have been increasingly pressured by the government under President Donald Trump.
The program is particularly targeted at researchers from abroad, with a focus on those outside of Europe, such as the USA. While there is no specific information available about the countries from which researchers are particularly sought by the North Rhine-Westphalia research initiative, it is clear that the program is designed to bolster strategically important research fields, including quantum technology, climate protection, and security.
The state government and state bank aim to achieve this goal, as announced on Monday. The NRW Bank is providing a total of 17.5 million euros for the program, with half of this funding a professorship for up to five years. The remaining half of the funding will come from foundations or donors.
It's worth noting that this isn't the first initiative by North Rhine-Westphalia to bring back German researchers. However, the Innovationsprofessuren is a new addition to the state's efforts to enhance innovation and research capabilities. Initiatives like the "Innovation Hubs" in North Rhine-Westphalia involve collaborations with various stakeholders and international partners to further these goals.
The Innovationsprofessuren program is a testament to North Rhine-Westphalia's commitment to fostering cutting-edge research and attracting top talent from around the globe. As the program unfolds, it will be interesting to see how it contributes to the state's research landscape and its strategic priorities in quantum technology, climate protection, and security.
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