Joint Statement of German Postdoc Networks on the Reform of the Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG)

Yesterday, together with seven other postdoc networks, the Leibniz PostDoc Network signed a response letter regarding the planned reform of the Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act (WissZeitVG) and sent it to the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR).

Why are the Postdoc Networks publishing a statement?

On May 28, the BMFTR of the CDU-SPD coalition presented a new draft bill for an amendment to the WissZeitVG. After the SPD-Greens-FDP coalition had previously failed to agree on an amendment, the CDU-SPD coalition had promised in its coalition agreement to amend the law by mid-2026.

When the previous government’s draft bill was published in 2023, we joined forces with existing postdoc networks to develop a joint position which we then presented collectively. As a result of our previous efforts, delegates from Helmholtz Association PostDoc Network, Max Planck PostdocNet and Leibniz PostDoc Network were invited to an in-person exchange to the BMFTR on the upcoming WissZeitVG reform on March 05, 2026. In anticipation of the new draft, we have published a joint statement with the Helmholtz Association PostDoc Network and the Max Planck PostdocNet on March 9, 2026. The statement highlights key structural priorities that we believe are essential for creating a sustainable, internationally competitive research environment. It also set out concrete suggestions for improving clarity, predictability and long-term career prospects for postdoctoral researchers. Following the publication of the draft reform, we were invited by the BMFTR to provide our comments on this draft in a written response.

What is the WissZeitVG?

The WissZeitVG was introduced in 2007 to clarify the conditions for hiring ‘early career’ academics. Under this law, early-career researchers can be employed for up to six years before and six years after receiving their doctorate. If the six-year period has not been fully used by the time of the doctorate, the remaining time will be added to the subsequent period. There are exceptions to how the 12 years can be extended for childcare duties or other personal circumstances. In a previous post, we explored the WissZeitVG and the last government’s draft bill.

What is in the new reform draft?

• Overall postdoc time limit: The maximum duration of 6 years for fixed-term contracts after the doctorate would stay in place. Different from current law, time not used during the dissertation period could not be carried over to the postdoc period.
• Minimum contract duration: Previously, there were no minimum contract terms specified for the six-year period. Under the new draft, however, the first postdoctoral contract must have a minimum term of two years.
• Priority for qualification-based contracts: Qualification-based contracts under the WissZeitVG would take priority over third-party funding until the 6-year qualification time limit has been reached. Until now, third-party funding could directly be used for fixed-term contracts.
• Additional care-related exceptions: In addition to childcare and disability/chronic illness, care responsibilities for dependent relatives would also lead to an extension of the permitted fixed-term period.
• Alignment of postdocs in medicine: Under the reform, postdocs in medicine would now also have a maximum total fixed-term contract duration of 6 years, instead of 9 years as was previously the case.

The reform draft was published in German language here.

What are the main points of our response letter?

“We broadly support the current draft and regard it as a substantial and constructive step forward for academic employment in Germany. In particular, the proposed measures on minimum contract durations, caregiving responsibilities and the prioritization of qualification-based employment address important concerns of early-career researchers.”

— from the Joint Statement of German Postdoc Networks on the Reform of the Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act, 16 June 2026

In our response letter, we asked the BMFTR to consider the following points when implementing the new WissZeitVG:

• Application of a minimum contract duration of three years to both doctoral and postdoctoral researchers.
• Encouragement of a binding qualification agreement between postdoc and institution at the beginning of the qualification phase and regular progress reviews.
• While the current draft reform primarily addresses the R2 phase of an academic career, we request that it be expanded to cover the R3 qualification phase. This phase should include a tenure-track option leading to a permanent position, as well as clearly defined qualification goals distinct from the R2 phase.
• The evaluation of the reform should assess how qualifications are defined and implemented across institutions, and the effect this has on contract duration, career predictability and long-term career outcomes.
• Considering that academic researchers in medicine and psychotherapy are required to undertake mandatory postgraduate clinical training, the draft reform should allow for flexibility during their R1 and R2 qualification stages.

“Sustainable career perspectives will require additional measures beyond the WissZeitVG, including the creation of more permanent positions, transparent career pathways, and institutional structures that support transition from qualification-based employment to stable long-term careers.”

— from the Joint Statement of German Postdoc Networks on the Reform of the Academic Fixed-Term Contract Act, 16 June 2026

The response letter was signed by the Postdoc Networks depicted in the cover picture of this post.

Stay tuned for updates!

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