About us
The Heidelberg Biosciences International Graduate School (HBIGS) is a Central Research Institution of Heidelberg University, as defined by the University Law of the State of Baden-Württemberg. HBIGS is fully integrated into the organizational structure of the University and closely cooperates with the Faculty of Biosciences.
Structure & Governance
HBIGS has adopted a management structure with flat hierarchies and the democratic participation of all parties involved. The bodies of the Graduate School are:
- The HBIGS Faculty of Principal Investigators ("HBIGS Faculty"): All academic members of HBIGS constitute the General Assembly of the Graduate School. It makes recommendations regarding future developments and all other affairs of the Graduate School.
- The Executive Board: The HBIGS Executive Board is the highest decision-making body of HBIGS. It consists of six elected members, including one or two speaker(s). All matters regarding composition of the Graduate School, finances and curricular activities are decided by the Executive Board.
- The Doctoral Students Faculty: All HBIGS PhD students constitute the Faculty of Doctoral Students. The Student Assembly elects the speaker and the vice speakers. The speaker is a visiting guest of the Executive Board meetings.
- The Administrative Office is first contact point for (prospective) PhD students and principal investigators. The office staff manages the day-to-day affairs of HBIGS.
Anchoring of HBIGS in the structures of Heidelberg University
HBIGS has given itself statutes that define the purpose and tasks, the governing bodies, membership requirements, the training and tutoring concept, the family support concept and funding modalities. These statutes have been ratified by the Senate of Heidelberg University.
HBIGS is a “Central Research Institution” of Heidelberg University. It is funded by and directly reports to the Rectorate. HBIGS research topics constitute one of the four „Fields of Focus“ (FoF), Heidelberg University´s Research Council has defined.
HBIGS and the Faculty of Biosciences have defined their roles in doctoral training in a memorandum of understanding. HBIGS serves as the official graduate school of this faculty and maintains responsibility for the recruitment, assessment, training and vocational preparation of doctoral researchers. The contract stipulates that the Faculty of Biosciences awards the doctoral degree and is solely responsible for all legal and administrative matters pertaining to the doctorate itself. The agreement further stipulates that the Dean and Vice-Dean of the Faculty of Biosciences are ex officio members of the HBIGS Executive Board with full voting rights.
On the institutional level, HBIGS closely collaborates with the Graduate Academy, the central coordinating body of support services for all doctoral candidates at Heidelberg University, in various aspects of doctoral training and supervision. The strong affiliation with the non-university research centers further strengthens the overall research potential and capacity of life sciences at the Heidelberg University, creating a unique environment of excellence and proficiency.
