What are participants asked about?

The first prof*panel survey in the summer of 2022, the focus is primarily on collecting central basic information. The range of topics includes the current professional position and career to date, research activities, but also basic sociodemographic characteristics such as gender and family situation of the participants. This makes it possible for the first time to provide a more in-depth description and analysis of the composition of the professoriate at universities in Germany. In addition, participants are asked about their research activity. This is not only an important predictor but also an important determinant of careers in science.

At the core of the next follow-up survey are questions about possible career changes. Only with the data from these follow-up surveys will it be possible to examine the diverse dynamics of professorial careers. In addition, there will be changing thematic focuses, for example, on the evaluation criteria and procedures of tenure track and junior professors. The survey instruments for the (next) follow-up surveys are still being developed. Participation in the follow-up surveys is of course voluntary.