Guide for International Researchers - Welcome to the University of Bonn! - Universität Bonn
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Guide for
International Researchers
Welcome to the University of Bonn!
3 Guide for International Researchers We should like to thank EURAXESS Germany and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) for their contribution to content.
4 5
3 University Institutions and Services 38
Content 3.1 Welcome Center 39
3.2 Family Office 40
3.3 Equal Opportunity Commissioner 41
Words of Welcome by the Rector of the University of Bonn 8 3.4 Human Resources Development & Career 44
Words of Welcome by the Mayor of Bonn 10 3.5 Research Support 45
3.6 University Computer Center 46
3.7 Language Courses 50
1 The University of Bonn 12 3.8 Libraries 51
3.9 University Museums 54
1.1 Rooted in the Rhineland – at Home in the World 13
3.10 Culture Forum 56
1.2 Research University Bonn 14
3.11 University Sports: “Keep Moving!” 59
1.3 The University of Bonn – a Global Player 16
3.12 Dining Halls and Cafes 60
1.4 We Didn’t Get Where We Are Today Overnight … 18
3.13 Offers by and for Alumni 64
1.5 Rectorate, University Council, Faculties – the Most Important University Bodies 20
2 Welcome to Bonn 22 4 A Roadmap for Your Research Visit 68
4.1 Checklists 69
2.1 University City with Flair 23
4.2 Important Documents 71
2.2 Bonn – a City with Many Facets 24
4.3 EURAXESS – the Network of European Mobility Centers 72
2.3 A Quick Tour Through History 28
2.4 Culture and Leisure Opportunities 31
2.5 Customs and Events 35
5 Entry and Residence 74
5.1 Visa and Entry 75
5.2 Registering at the Residents’ Registration Office 78
5.3 Residence Permit 79
5.4 Employment Law Regulations 81
6 7
6 Work and Research 82 10 Family 110
6.1 Employment Contract or Appointment 83 10.1 Childcare 111
6.2 Visiting Fellowships 84 10.2 Schools 112
6.3 Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights (IPR) 85 10.3 Family Benefits 114
10.4 Employment Opportunities for Partners 117
7 Housing 86
7.1 The Housing Market in German Cities 87
11 Everyday Life and Useful Information 118
7.2 Searching for Accommodation 88 11.1 Doctors and Health 119
11.2 Emergency Telephone Numbers 121
11.3 Banks and “Sparkassen” 122
8 Social Security 92 11.4 Public Libraries 123
8.1 Research Visit Based on an Employment Contract 93 11.5 Mobility and Transport 124
8.2 Research Visit Based on a Fellowship 102 11.6 Radio, Television, Telephone and Internet 127
11.7 Religion 128
11.8 Public Holidays 129
9 Taxation 104 11.9 Good to Know – A to Z of Useful Information 130
9.1 Research Visit Based on a Fellowship 105
9.2 Research Visit Based on an Employment Contract 106
12 Before you leave Germany … 132
9.3 Double Taxation Agreements 107
9.4 Tax Return 108 12.1 Checklist 133
9.5 Church Tax 109
Imprint/Photo Credits 136
8 9
Both nationally and internationally, the University I hope that you will soon feel at home in our uni-
of Bonn holds a leading position and is renowned versity community and that you will be able to
for excellent research – particularly in the clusters make excellent progress with your research. You
of excellence, Mathematics and ImmunoSensa- may certainly count on your colleagues at the
tion. But it is also a world leader in the natural institute as well as on direct contact to me and
sciences in general. Outstanding researchers work my team of Deputy Rectors. We want to create
in many other fields, as well, and top-class re- the best possible preconditions for your activities
search of this kind thrives on dedicated, curious, and work together with you to make the University
creative people from different countries and cul- of Bonn a hub for forward-looking research and
tures. We are therefore looking very much forward teaching.
to sharing ideas with you and learning about your
research results, which bring such dynamism into Bonn is not only an excellent choice in academic
our scientific dialogue and which, I hope, will also terms, however. The city and the region will cer-
inspire you to investigate new questions and ap- tainly play their part in helping you to settle down
proaches in your own personal field. quickly. The Rhineland boasts attractive country-
side and a vibrant cultural scene. The people of
At the University of Bonn, an international ap- Bonn will welcome you to our cosmopolitan city.
Welcome to the University of Bonn! proach to studying and research is a matter of Thanks to Bonn’s history as the former capital,
course: We cooperate with a host of universities the wealth of international organizations here –
and research institutions around the world, some particularly the many United Nations institutions –
I am delighted that you have decided to come to the University of Bonn for your research stay. 13 per cent of our students and 14 per cent of our and, of course, the uncomplicated, open character Professor Dr. Michael Hoch
I hope your time here will be successful from a professional point of view and enriching for you academic staff come from other countries. of the local people, you will experience a genuine Rector of the University of Bonn
personally! culture of welcome.
You will certainly discover ideal conditions here in stay. It also contains interesting information about I should thus like to wish you every success for
Bonn: The Welcome Center will be pleased to help the City of Bonn with its diverse leisure oppor- your time at the university and in the Rhineland
you and your family deal with all organizational tunities as well as the Bonn/Rhein-Sieg science with many interesting encounters both in aca-
matters relating to your stay – even before you ar- region with its many research institutions and demic and personal terms.
rive in Bonn. This Guide is designed to give you an science organizations that are closely linked to
impression of our university and to offer valuable the university. Sincerely,
advice on planning and organizing your research
10 11
In its role as the German seat of the United Na- You will find a wealth of useful information
tions, the second political center in the Federal on everyday life, events and contact details in
Republic and a major location of German devel- Bonn (including the point people at the munici-
opment cooperation, Bonn has become a pow- pal administration) on our English website www.
erhouse of sustainability – which includes a firm bonn-international.org. This is where you can also
place for the academe. Bonn hosts the Vice Rec- register for a newsletter we publish three or four
torate of the United Nations University in Europe times a year. And you can take advantage of the
that also offers a joint Master’s together with the events announced on www.bonnexpat.com and
University of Bonn. The Center for Development meet other expats. Delve into our city’s cultural
Research is the seat of the Right Livelihood Col- offerings, ranging from the Beethovenfest to the
lege, as well, and works together with Alternative ‘Museum Mile’, cabaret and open air events; enjoy
Nobel Prize winners. Students participate in Model the leisure opportunities in our beautiful area and
United Nations simulations. make friends with people in Bonn who are famous
for that special Rhineland lifestyle!
BION, the Biodiversity Network Bonn, connects
biodiversity research across the disciplines – from We are looking forward to welcoming you and
the UN to federal authorities, from research in- wish you all the very best for your stay in Bonn!
stitutes to commercial enterprises as well as to
NGOs. Shaping a sustainable future – the motto
of the United Nations in Bonn – will certainly in-
fluence your activities as well. I wish you every Ashok Sridharan
possible success and hope you will also benefit
Welcome to Bonn! personally from the time spent in our city with
Mayor of Bonn
its high quality of life – a city, incidentally, that
offers very interesting professional prospects
Dear readers, for academics with an international background!
A very warm welcome to Bonn! Our international institutes as well as science policy and science
city on the Rhine is embedded in a vibrant sci- administration institutions. The Bonn region is
ence region. In addition to the University of Bonn one of the leading locations for research and in-
and other institutions of higher education, we are novation and enjoys a high volume of regional and
also home to numerous international research international networking.
12 The University of Bonn 13
1
1.1 R
ooted in the Rhineland – at Home
in the World
Globally recognized top-level research and a The University of Bonn is not only an extremely
history rich in tradition shape the image of the attractive place to do research and teach but also
University of Bonn. Founded in 1818, today it is a has a unique locational advantage in Germany.
modern research university with an internation- The international Federal City of Bonn and the
al impact. Our 35,500 students, 550 professors surrounding region are home to a large number
and some 6,500 staff benefit from studying and of scientific institutions, research funding organ-
working in the unique atmosphere of historically izations, UN agencies and other institutions that
significant buildings paired with an excellent re- operate internationally. The University of Bonn’s
search infrastructure. regional roots and networks are a gateway to the
world that sustainably strengthens the university’s
international network.
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14 The University of Bonn 15
1
In the interdisciplinary research field of immunol- In the field of detector physics, Bonn is also one Bonn’s Gallery of Scholars
ogy, Bonn researchers have also made a name for of the premier locations in Germany. In 1989, Bonn Famous people have taught and conducted
themselves with their outstanding results. Take scientist Wolfgang Paul was awarded the Nobel research at the University of Bonn:
the “ImmunoSensation” cluster of excellence, in Prize for developing the ion trap that bears his
August Wilhelm von Schlegel (1767 – 1845)
which highly-qualified specialists in immunology, name. Currently, a new detector physics research
Literature and humanities scholar
sensory systems and neurodegeneration work facility is under construction in the immediate
together closely. As a result, some 33 million vicinity of the existing laboratories and the Bonn Barthold Georg Niebuhr (1776 – 1831)
euro flow into the university coffers. Following accelerator ELSA. Archaeologist
the award of the Leibniz Prize to Gunter Hartmann August Kekulé von Stradonitz (1829 – 1896)
and Christian Kurts in 2012, the cluster could boast Economics is another priority area at the Uni- Chemist
another prize winner in 2016, Frank Bradke. versity of Bonn. With its research focus on game Heinrich Hertz (1857 – 1894)
and contract theory, monetary and international Physicist
Physics and astronomy, moreover, achieved huge macroeconomics, labor market economics, the
Felix Hausdorff (1868 – 1942)
success in the Excellence Initiative with the ap- financial economy and experimental economic re-
V– Mathematician
: Uni Bonn T proval of funding for the Bonn-Cologne Gradu- search, it is one of the leading institutes in Europe.
Insider Info 1.2 Research University Bonn Maria Gräfin von Linden (1869 – 1936)
iewing ate School of Physics and Astronomy (BCGS), a For his contributions to game theory, Reinhard
research v s collaboration between the universities of Bonn Selten is the only German to have been awarded Parasitologist and first female professor
n‘
rsity of Bon
On the Unive u ca n access and Cologne. In this structured program, physics the Nobel Prize in Economics to date. at a German university
anne l yo
YouTube ch im por- With a global reputation and a network to match, Bonn is an internationally-visible center of re- students can study for their Master’s and doctoral Josef Schumpeter (1883 – 1950)
dio clips on
video and au ed uc ation the University of Bonn is a research university with search and teaching in the full range of mathe- degrees. Political economist
in higher
tant themes te ac hi ng. The clearly defined fields of excellence in research. matics. In addition to numerous research pro- Karl Barth (1886 – 1968)
arch and
policy, rese iversity’s The success of Bonn’s researchers is evidenced jects and non-university research institutions,
is on the un Theologist
main focus h Centers by two Nobel Prizes, numerous Leibniz Prizes and Bonn hosts Germany’s only cluster of excellence
ve Researc Ernst Robert Curtius (1886 – 1956)
Collaborati e. So other academic honors as well as “third-party in mathematics, the Hausdorff Center for Mathe-
of Excellenc
From left to right: Maria Gräfin von Linden, Wolfgang Paul, Reinhard Selten, Joseph Alois Ratzinger
Philologist
and Clusters an idea of funds” amounting to approx. 154 million euro, matics, for which more than 57 million euro have
able to get
you will be pr oj ects and which are raised each year in stiff competition already been raised. Many academics with in- Wolfgang Paul (1913 – 1993)
research
the various versity with other researchers. When it comes to acquir- ternational reputation conduct their research in Physicist and Nobel Prize Winner
k at the Uni
fields of wor leave ing third-party funding for natural science, Bonn Bonn, including MPI Director Gerd Faltings, who Joseph Alois Ratzinger (geb. 1927)
before you
of Bonn even desk at actually comes in first place in Germany. is the only German holder of the Fields Medal. In Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI
of your own
the comfort 2016, Peter Scholze was awarded the Gottfried Reinhard Selten (1930–2016)
home. Wilhelm Leibniz Prize and is the youngest recipi-
bonntv Economist and Nobel Prize Winner
be.com/uni
www.youtu ent of the prize in its over 30-year history
16 The University of Bonn 17
1
1.3 The University of Bonn – a Global Player
If you speak to a member of the university in the many projects can only be tackled by researchers Amongst the fellows and award winners of the In regional terms, too, the University of Bonn The University of Bonn – Facts and
grounds behind the main building, there is a very from different countries pooling their expertise. prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Founda- makes full use of the opportunities offered by Figures:
good chance that he or she will come from North And, in addition, many visiting academics and tion, the University of Bonn has long since been its location in the ABC-region (Aachen-Bonn-
America, Asia or another European country. From leading researchers from abroad come to Bonn one of the most sought-after universities in Cologne). The three ABC-universities cooperate ■ Cooperation agreements with more than
Australia to Zimbabwe, nearly 4,500 students and to teach and conduct research every year. Germany. in many areas. And top-class non-university re- 70 partner universities worldwide
some 700 researchers from more than 140 coun- search institutions, such as the Forschungszen- ■ Just over 300 partner institutions in the
tries currently enliven the academic and social trum Jülich, workplace of the 2007 Physics Nobel European ERASMUS network
life of the city. Prize Winner, Peter Grünberg, the Life & Brain ■ More than 1,500 international research
Center on the Venusberg, or the caesar Research projects worldwide
This cosmopolitanism is not new: The University Center in Bonn complement this multi-layered
of Bonn has fostered relations with European, research landscape. All three are closely linked to
Asian and American universities for many years. the University of Bonn.
Cross-faculty cooperation agreements exist with
over 70 universities around the globe, and there
are ERASMUS agreements with no less than 300
European universities, all with the aim of exchang-
ing students.
But the University of Bonn is a global player in
research, too. Its researchers have an extensive
network of contacts all over the world, involv-
ing more than 1,500 collaborations. This kind of
partnership is essential for a research university:
18 The University of Bonn 19
1
Decline and Destruction Reconstruction and Growth Famous Bonn Alumni
1.4 W
e Didn’t Get Where We Are Today When they were students in Bonn they were
When the National Socialists came to power in The university did not remain inactive for long,
Overnight … Germany in January 1933, this marked the end of however. Indeed, the Rheinische Friedrich-Wil-
largely unknown. This was to change later, as
the following examples illustrate:
the university’s long period of prosperity. Many helms-Universität already opened its doors again
… it took us nearly two centuries. On October 18, 1818, King Friedrich Wilhelm III founded the “Rhein- professors and students were dismissed as a for the winter semester of 1945/46. In the follow- Hoffmann von Fallersleben
ische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn“. In the intervening years, the University of Bonn has had result of ‘Gleichschaltung’, the alignment of the ing years, many new buildings were erected and Philology student from 1819
its ups and downs. entire university to Nazi ideology. Irrespective of student numbers increased continually. The Uni- Heinrich Heine
their reputations and academic achievements, versity of Bonn even started to attract outstand- Law student from 1819
lecturers were forced to leave simply because ing researchers again. Today, 550 professors are
Foundation and Revolution they were Jewish or held political views that devi- involved in teaching and research at the university, Karl Marx
ated from the ideology of the party in power. Felix and there are several thousand academic, techni- Law student from 1835
Founded in the Age of Idealism, the new university A revolutionary idea: up to this time, the universi- Hausdorff, the mathematician who took his own cal and administrative staff. The university is one Prinz Albert von Sachsen-Coburg-Gotha
was imbued with the spirit of Wilhelm von Hum- ties (with a few exceptions like Göttingen, Jena and life in 1942, was one such example. Intellectual of the major employers in the region. Law student from 1837
boldt’s Prussian cultural policy: together with Ber- Halle) had had the sole task of educating future dehydration was finally followed by physical de-
lin and Breslau, Bonn was one of the three Prus- public servants, judges and the clergy. Research struction: A heavy air raid on the center of Bonn on Adolf Kolping
sian universities to introduce Humboldt’s vision of was the prerogative of academies and learned October 18, 1944, completely destroyed the main Theology student from 1842
the unity of teaching and research. Professors no societies. At the University of Bonn, we are still building of the university. Friedrich Nietzsche
longer had to restrict themselves to reading aloud committed to Humboldt’s ideal of the unity of re- Philology and Theology student from 1864
from existing textbooks. On the contrary, they search and teaching to this day. Back in the dec-
were explicitly permitted to write the contents of ades immediately following its foundation, the Luigi Pirandello
their lectures themselves. The background to this pioneering university was a motor for enormous Philology student from 1889
was the ideal of the free researcher, unchallenged growth in Bonn. Eminent academics were drawn Konrad Adenauer
by the authorities, deriving the contents of his to the town on the Rhine, followed by famous Law student from 1895
teaching from the results of his research. students. In the course of the 19th century, it also
Foundation Charter of the gained a reputation as the ‚Princes’ University‘ Robert Schuman
University of Bonn, 1818 – this was where the sons of Germany’s ruling Law student in 1904
houses came to study.20 The University of Bonn 21
1
1.5 R
ectorate, University Council, Faculties –
the Most Important University Bodies
Rectorate Senate The faculties are headed by a Dean or Dean’s
Council. They are responsible for organizing mat-
The university is managed by the “Rektorat”, a Altogether, there are 24 members of the “Sen- ters relating to studies and examinations, the
steering committee chaired by the Rector who is at”: representatives of the teaching, academic range of courses offered and evaluation. The Dean
elected for a period of six years. The Rector is the and other staff as well as students. The Senate also chairs the Faculty Council which is responsi-
official representative of the university. In addition is charged with matters such as changes in reg- ble for faculty regulations, including examination
to the Rector, the committee currently comprises ulations and monitoring the Rectorate’s annual regulations.
five Deputy Rectors and the “Kanzler”, the head of statement of accounts.
university administration. Faculty Conference
Faculties
University Council The “Fakultätskonferenz” is a committee of the
These seven faculties constitute the core of the Faculty Deans. It advises the Rectorate and the
The “Hochschulrat” is composed of three members University of Bonn: University Council on all matters relating to re-
from the university itself and seven leading per- search, teaching and studies that are of basic
■■ Faculty of Catholic Theology
sonalities from academia, politics and society. It ad- importance to the university as a whole or to its
vises the Rectorate and supervises their activities. ■■ Faculty of Protestant Theology central bodies.
■■ Faculty of Law and Economics
■■ Faculty of Medicine
■■ Faculty of Arts
■■ Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences
■■ Faculty of Agriculture22 Welcome to Bonn 23
2
2.1 University City with Flair
Welcome Alexander von Humboldt, we are told, who is re-
nowned for having seen and experienced so much
of the world on his travels, once stood at the “Alter
Zoll”, one of the surviving parts of the old Bonn
However, Bonn is also a prospering business
center and the heart of a pulsating science re-
gion with a number of high-profile non-university
research institutions – something many of you
to Bonn
fortifications, enjoying the view over the Rhine will probably be able to turn to your advantage
to the “Seven Mountains” on the other side and during your stay here. Many of the companies and
declaring it to be one of the most beautiful pan- institutions located here not only have job oppor-
oramas in the world. Even if this incident never tunities for partners but also cooperate with the
actually took place, and we have nothing to prove University of Bonn itself in many fields. We have
it did, it certainly could be true, as anyone who has put together everything else you need to know
stood on the same spot and let their eyes roam about this university city on the following pages.
over the Rhinescape will tell you. We may not have included absolutely everything,
but we certainly hope it will help you get off to a
When you start looking around your new home good start in Bonn.
you will soon realize that “the northernmost town
in Italy” as it is known has a lot more to offer than
just beautiful surroundings criss-crossed by cycle City of Bonn
routes and footpaths. Bonn has a vibrant theater www.bonn.de
and cinema scene, for example, not to mention a
whole host of museums. And, last but not least, it
has international flair that is not only a result of
the many UN institutions located here.24 Welcome to Bonn 25
2
Bonn – Some Statistics Bonn – Some Statistics
Geographical Location: Population:
50°44‘2“ north; 7°6‘8“ east 320,820 inhabitants, of whom some 89,000
(point of reference: university main building); have moved to Bonn from 175 countries
196.85 feet above sea-level. across the world; 36% of the Bonn population
are Catholics, 20% Protestants.
Area:
87.73 square miles, three-quarters of which Health:
are on the left bank of the Rhine; 24.48 According to a study carried out by the Han-
square miles are wooded. There are 47 nover Medical School, Bonn is a particularly
streams in Bonn, most of which flow into the healthy place to live: in their “Health Atlas”
Rhine. Bonn came fourth amongst the 81 largest
towns in Germany. The researchers based
Climate: their study on the figures for healthcare, air
With an average annual mean temperature of quality, green areas, sports facilities and
10.3 °C Bonn is one of the warmest regions in crèche availability.
Germany. In summer the temperature may go
up to 30°C; in winter it may even drop below
zero.
2.2 Bonn – a City with Many Facets (as of October 2016)
Federal City
Tallest Buildings: Bonn is one of Germany’s growth regions and, means typical for a medium-sized city. When the Bonn is a ‘Bundesstadt’, or Federal City: Although Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)’ also has its
The radio mast on the Venusberg (180 m), despite the fact that more than 15 years have parliament moved away, Bonn saw no reason to the members of parliament, nearly all the diplo- headquarters in Bonn. It‘s not surprising afterall
the Post Tower (at 162,5 m, the highest office now elapsed since the parliament and much of bury its head in the sand. On the contrary, Bonn mats and representatives of the Federal States that about 150 international or internationally op-
building in North Rhine-Westfalia and 5 m the government moved to Berlin, it is more in- has continued to pursue its goal of becoming an have long since made their way to Berlin together erating organizations have settled in Bonn, many
higher than Cologne Cathedral), the “Langer ternational than ever. Bonn started to make its international hub for research and sustainable with most of the lobbyists, all the ministries still of which focusing on development policy and/or
Eugen” (115 m, former House of Representa- mark on the international stage right back in the development with as much dedication as ever. And maintain a presence in Bonn, indeed six of them humanitarian aid. Moreover, as nearly 50 federal
tives, now center of the UN Campus). 1950s when it was the capital of Germany, and its with no small success as the facts prove. have their first official residence here. One focus agencies like the Federal Court of Auditors or the
top-class museums and concert halls are by no of Bonn‘s activities as a seat of government is Federal Cartel Office are also located here, the
development policy. In addition to the Federal old city on the Rhine still plays an important role
Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Devel- in politics to this day.
opment (BMZ), the ‘Deutsche Gesellschaft für26 Welcome to Bonn 27
2
Employment in Bonn: Science and Research Institutions in
For years, Bonn has had one of the lowest Bonn:
unemployment rates in North Rhine-
Westphalia. Every day, some 80,000 people Institutes in the Fraunhofer Society
travel to Bonn to work. www.izb.fraunhofer.de
www.fhr.fraunhofer.de
German Aerospace Center (DLR)
www.dlr.de
UN City their headquarters in Bonn when they were pri- other important institutes like the Center of Ad- Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of
vatized. These listed service giants are of eminent vanced European Studies and Research (caesar) Germany, the Bonn Museum of Modern Art , the Center of Advanced European Studies
Today, the political and administrative center Bonn importance to the city and the region – symbolized which focuses on user-oriented basic research in House of the History of the Federal Republic of and Research (caesar)
also enjoys international significance as a base by the Post Tower, one of the landmarks of the the neurosciences. Other outstanding establish- Germany, the Deutsches Museum Bonn (museum www.caesar.de
of the United Nations. Some 19 UN organizations 2,000-year-old city on the Rhine. Post and Tele- ments include the Life & Brain Research Center of post-1945 research and technology in Germa- Max Planck Institutes
have now established their seat in Bonn so that kom not only mean thousands of workplaces for and the German Center for Neurodegenerative ny), the LVR-LandesMuseum (museum of cultural www.mpg.de
around the German UN Headquarters in the for- highly-qualified personnel; they also draw their Diseases (DZNE). And in addition to all this, you history of the Rhineland) and the Alexander Koenig
mer House of Representatives (“Langer Eugen”) a own suppliers, sub-contractors and service pro- do not need to go far to find the most important Research Museum (natural history museum and Life & Brain Research Center
continually growing UN Campus has established viders to the business center. There are, of course, research funding organizations: The German zoological research institution). So there is plenty www.lifeandbrain.com
itself. Directly next door is the new World Con- other companies apart from Post and Telekom – Research Foundation (DFG), the Alexander von to do apart from working. German Center for Neurodegenerative
ference Center Bonn (WCCB) which hosts many such as SolarWorld, a company dedicated to the Humboldt Foundation and the German Academ- Diseases in the Helmholtz Association
national and international conferences. manufacture of photovoltaic products, and the ic Exchange Service (DAAD) are all located in What Else? www.dzne.de
global sweets manufacturer Haribo. Bonn. German Research Foundation (DFG)
Business Center Bonn is a green city in an attractive location at the www.dfg.de
Center of Research and Learning Cultural Center entrance to the romantic middle section of the
ospects Even if the city used to be a bit too self-satisfied Rhine (UNESCO World Heritage). Here you can live German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
to brilliant pr
When it comes be en given an with its role as capital of Germany, it has long Without a doubt, Bonn is one of the leading Culturally, the Beethoven city Bonn has a lot to of- extremely well and you can find many appealing www.daad.de
, Bonn ha s
for the future cording since recognized the significance of the business centers of research and learning in Germany. fer, too, and not just in connection with its famous leisure opportunities. Whether you seek recrea-
of approval: Ac Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
“official” seal ings, which factor. Bonn is a dynamic and growing business Apart from the University of Bonn and the four son who is appropriately honored with the Bee- tion, nature adventures or family activities - the
nk‘s city rank www.avh.de
to the DeKaBa ence, growth location. It was, of course, a real stroke of luck universities of applied science in the region, there thoven House and the annual Beethoven Festival. opportunities are most diverse and accessible
ors like afflu
compare fact nn actually for the city that some of today’s global players are a whole host of research institutes belonging Bonn has an opera house and theater, a symphony by public transit. Wine tasting in the Ahr valley? The Bonn Region – A Base for Science
education, Bo
potential and gst the German like Deutsche Post DHL and Deutsche Telekom, to the Fraunhofer Society, the German Aerospace orchestra and countless fringe venues. There is a Hiking in the Eifel National Park or a relaxing Rhine and Technology
ace amon
came in first pl al importance
.
together with their subsidiaries, decided to make Center (DLR), the Max Planck Society and many plethora of distinguished museums including the cruise? There is a lot to discover! www.wissenschaftsregion-bonn.de
nal and region
cities of natio28 Welcome to Bonn 29
2
Bonn the Capital
Let’s quickly skip over the imperial years, the We- Initially, people in Bonn were less than happy
imar Republic, the Nazi regime and both world about losing their role as capital of Germany.
wars to 1949. This was the year in which the Fed- But the people of Bonn are also the people of the
eral Republic was founded, and it was a very spe- Rhineland, and so they soon reminded themselves
cial year for Bonn: on November 3, 1949, the Ger- of the paragraphs in the “Basic Law of the Rhine-
man “Bundestag” (Federal Parliament) narrowly land” which state: “Et es, wie et es” (Things are
decided to approve the recommendation made by what they are.) and “Watt fott es, es fott” (What’s
the Parliamentary Council (which had drafted the gone, is gone.). This may smack of resignation, but
Basic Law) to make Bonn, and not Frankfurt, the it is actually the extraordinary ability of people
provisional capital of the Federation. In 1991, nine in the Rhineland to adapt quickly to new circum-
months after the reunification of the two German stances. After all, they know “Et hätt noch emmer
2.3 A Quick Tour Through History states, the “Bundestag” decided – once again by jot jejange” (It’ll all come out in the wash.).
a narrow margin – to move itself and parts of the
The fate of this city, which celebrated its bi-mille- were of particular importance for Bonn (and its government to Berlin. This took place in 1999.
nium in 1989 (after Trier but before Cologne), has university). Fed up with the continual in-fighting
always been determined by the River Rhine, and with the confident citizens of their own town, in Bonn can look back with genuine pride on the 50
continues to do so to this day. On the left bank the 1601, they decided without further ado to transfer years dividing these two decisions. It was from the
Romans erected their castra bonnensia, a mighty their residence to Bonn where the citizens were “Small Town in Germany” of John Le Carré fame
fort on the border to the lands of the Barbarians apparently less obstreperous. Here they set them- that the economic miracle of the post-war years
on the other side of the Rhine. Even soldiers need selves up as befitted their station with a palace in was launched; it was in the “Bundesdorf” (“federal
provisions, so tradespeople and craftsmen, farm- town (today’s university main building), “Schloss village”), as the seat of government was mock-
ers and innkeepers, servants and riffraff of all Clemensruhe” (today’s “Poppelsdorfer Schloss” ingly known, that by way of the European Coal
kinds gravitated towards the camp. The town of which belongs to the university) and the “Jagd- and Steel Community (ECSC) and the European
Bonn was born, even if it only received its formal schloss Herzogsfreude”, a hunting lodge in the Economic Community (EEC), many of the seminal
charter much later in the Middle Ages. “Kottenforst” forest near Bonn which no longer decisions were taken that have created Europe
exists today. This continued until Napoleon oc- as we know it today: a continent (almost) without
Let’s take a quick tour through Bonn’s history: cupied the Rhineland, which was then allotted to borders, with (almost) identical aims and ideals.
The Romans were followed by the Franks, Roman the Prussians at the Congress of Vienna. Friedrich In retrospect, the major achievement of the “Bonn
gods by Christianity; then came the secular and Wilhelm, King of Prussia, founded the University Republic” was to ensure its citizens peace and
religious rulers of the Middle Ages, the kings, em- of Bonn in 1818, gave it his name and threw in the prosperity.
perors and prince electors of Cologne. The latter palaces to become places of learning.30 Welcome to Bonn 31
2
The People of the Rhineland
Apropos the people of the Rhineland or “Rhein-
länder”: Who and what is a “Rheinländer”? This
brings us back to the river that gives its name to
the people, the main traffic route of ancient times.
Everyone arrived by river: Celts and Romans,
Franks and Goths, Vikings and Frisians and, later
on, Bavarians, Swiss, Dutch, French, Prussians and
many others – some as peaceful traders, others
as hostile invaders. And many of them stayed on
indefinitely. So, as the German author Carl Zuck-
mayer put it, they are a bit of everything. And this
is even truer of the Bonn population today: when
Bonn was the capital, people were recruited from 2.4 Culture and Leisure Opportunities Culture and Leisure Opportunities
in Bonn:
every single Federal State to work at the ministries
and supreme federal authorities, and they have www.bonn.de
now become “locals”. At some stage, they got the Da da da daaa. Got it? Correct: Beethoven, Ludwig The city on the Rhine is to Beethoven a bit what > Tourism & Culture, Sport & Leisure
bug, too, infected by the charm of the town with van, 1770 to 1827, one of the greatest composers Bayreuth is to Wagner and Salzburg to Mozart: a www.bonn-region.de
its almost Mediterranean flair, its elegant avenues of all time and Bonn’s greatest son. If you are tal- festival city. There have been festivals of various
like the “Poppelsdorfer Allee”, spacious parks like king about Bonn as a cultural center, you will not kinds in Bonn since 1845, and with varying degrees
the “Rheinaue”, dense forests like the “Kotten- get round Beethoven: the “Beethoven-Haus” (his of success. Today, the annual Beethoven Festival Beethoven Jubilee:
forst”, panoramic views from the “Drachenfels” or birthplace), the “Beethovenhalle” (concert hall), has become jours fixes in the diaries of classical www.bthvn2020.de
the “Petersberg” and the hiking trails in the “Eifel” “Beethoven-Kammermusiksaal” (chamber concert music fans. Every year in autumn, a four-week fes-
and “Ahr” regions. And they were also infected by hall), Beethoven Archives, Beethoven Orchestra, tival takes place in Bonn featuring world-famous
the overwhelmingly happy-go-luck inhabitants Beethoven Foundation, Beethoven Statue, Beet- performers and highly talented young musicians.
of this region themselves who tend to be more hoven Competition, Beethoven Ring (awarded to And in time for the anniversary year in 2020, the
tolerant than opinionated, more hedonistic than outstanding young musicians)‚ “Bürger für Beet- city‘s largest concert venue, the Beethovenhalle,
spartan, art lovers rather than philistines. hoven“ (friends of the International Beethoven will reopen after major refurbishment.
Festival), Beethoven Guided Tour, “Beethoven-
straße” (street name) – and in the very near future,
the celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of
Beethoven‘s birth.32 Welcome to Bonn 33
2
It goes without saying that the Beethoven Or- From the Rheinaue it is just a short distance to Another highlight of Bonn’s museum landscape is A word should be said about the contribution Museum Mile
chestra does not only play Beethoven, and apart the famous Museum Mile. Here you will find the the “LVR-LandesMuseum”, a recently renovated, made by the University of Bonn to the city’s mu- www.museumsmeilebonn.de
from Eroica and Elise, there are plenty of other Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic state of the art museum dedicated to the cultural seum landscape. Although primarily intended for
Kunst!Rasen Bonn
opportunities to enjoy the arts in Bonn. Bonn’s of Germany. Inhabitants and visitors alike have history of the Rhineland. Here you can trace the study and research purposes, the university’s
www.kunstrasen-bonn.de
Opera House has a very good reputation, as does been able to visit excellent exhibitions here, from history of the area – from the Neanderthals of the museums and collections are also open to the
the Theater in Bad Godesberg. Experimental per- “Tutankhamun” and “Guggenheim” via the “Gold Stone Age via the Romans and the Middle Ages public. Every so often, the university museums Beethoven Orchestra Bonn
formances can be seen at the “Werkstattbühne” of the Incas” to “MoMa New York”, to name but to modern times. Another feature of this diverse and collections even hit the headlines around the www.beethoven-orchester.de
or the “Halle Beuel”. There is also a private theater a few. And every year, hundreds of thousands landscape is the Women’s Museum, once the globe as is the case when the largest flower in the
Theater Bonn
and concert scene serving all tastes from comedy of people from far and near wander through the very first of its kind in the world, focussing, as the world is in bloom in the Botanical Gardens. A visit
www.theater-bonn.de
to political cabaret, from Blues to Rock. Venues permanent and special exhibitions in the House name implies, on the work of female artists. And to the university museums is also guaranteed to
include: the Contra Kreis Theater, Kleines Theater of the History of the Federal Republic of Germa- finally there is the Beethoven House, the compos- be an exciting, entertaining and instructive outing. Beethoven House
Bad Godesberg, Euro Theater Central, Brotfabrik, ny (‘Haus der Geschichte’) marvelling at Konrad er’s birthplace, containing treasures like original Give it a try! www.beethoven-haus-bonn.de
Pantheon, Haus der Springmaus, Junges Theat- Adenauer’s official car, an original 1950s ice cream scores and musical instruments from the period,
LVR LandesMuseum Bonn
er Bonn, Theater im Ballsaal, Pathologie, Theat- parlor and the other 6,000 or so exhibits from the some of which belonged to the maestro himself.
www.landesmuseum-bonn.lvr.de
er im Keller, Harmonie, Anno Tubac and many, post-1945 period on show at the 43,000 square
many more. One venue deserves special mention: foot exhibition center.
“KUNST!RASEN”. On this plot in the Rheinaue park,
open-air concerts take place throughout the sum- Just a stone’s throw away from the “Haus der
mer. Many thousand people can come here to Geschichte” you can find the Alexander Koenig
listen to international names from the pop, rock, Research Museum. This natural history museum
blues and folk circuits. also has a place on Bonn’s Museum Mile as does
the Bonn Museum of Modern Art which, together
with the Art and Exhibition Hall, is housed in a
unique architectural ensemble. The Art Museum
focuses on the work of the “Rhenish Expression-
ists”. Much smaller and slightly off the main track,
but a gem in its own right, is Bonn’s “Deutsches
Museum”, little brother of the Munich “Deutsches
Museum”, showcasing masterpieces of science
and technology.34 Welcome to Bonn 35
2
2.5 Customs and Events
Bonn and leisure – this means a quiet glass of “In Bonn ist was los!” (There’s loads happening in And this is how it came about: in the 19th century,
beer in a beer garden, a cup of cappuccino at the Bonn). This slogan that was originally the motto of Beuel was a laundry servicing center. The women
“Kaiserplatz”, or “Rievkoche” (“Reibekuchen” – like a municipal summer program for children is actu- did their employers’ washing in the Rhine and their
hash browns) at the Christmas Market. There is no ally true all year round. Any excuse is better than husbands took it back to the owners, as far away as
shortage of eateries in Bonn – from fast food to none to have a celebration in the Rhineland. And, nearby Cologne. At carnival time, the men particu-
haute cuisine, from one end of the culinary world if there is no excuse, you simply devise “events”. larly enjoyed their work, staying on for several days
to the other. Both in terms of price and atmosphe- in the cathedral city and only returning home when
re a lot of restaurants cater for a largely student One event that did not need devising is the fa- their purses were empty. At some stage, the wom-
clientele. Be it in the multicultural “Altstadt”, in mous, indeed infamous, traditional “Rheinischer en got really fed up with their husbands’ escapades
“Poppelsdorf” or in the cultural hotspot “Ende- Karneval”. The carnival season officially opens at and used their absence to celebrate their own car-
nich”, you will not need to go far to find something 11 minutes past 11 o’clock on 11 November every nival. When the men came home they were duly
to please your palate. year and lasts until the beginning of Lent, usually ashamed and ate humble pie, but to no avail: they
in February or March. It culminates in a street were excluded from the proceedings and continue
And what could be nicer on a balmy summer eve- carnival that lasts from “Weiberfastnacht”, which to be so to this very day. And that is the reason why
Silent Film Festival Another highlight not to be overlooked is the In- ning than fleeing the lab or lecture hall in favor is the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, until the the Thursday before “Rosenmontag” is the highest
www.film-ist-kultur.de ternational Silent Film Festival in Bonn that draws of a seat in a beer garden on the Rhine – with a end of “Karnevalsdienstag” (Mardi Gras). Under point of the carnival season on the right bank of the
cinema lovers from far and wide to the inner cour- direct view of the river and the Seven Mountains the motto “jeck simmer all”, “jeck” being a pun Rhine. On this day, the “Wiewer” (women) storm
tyard of the university main building every sum- in the background meaning that everyone is crazy/a carnival reveller, Beuel Town Hall and, every year, the men posted to
mer. For 11 days, Germany’s largest festival of its people in the Rhineland don costumes and launch defend it experience the most monumental defeat.
kind shows famous and less famous movies from themselves into the merry-making, be it at indoor
the early days of cinema – exactly as they were events known as “Sitzungen” or at the equally
shown at the time: in some cases, hand-colored, in popular street carnival which reaches its climax
the original picture format and at the right speed. with parades on “Rosenmontag” (Carnival Mon- al?
hen is carniv
The whole event is a feast for the ears, too: some day). Bonn, or more precisely the part of town on Insider Info: W
et carnival is
te of the stre
of the best and most renowned silent film pianists the right bank called Beuel, played a special role The precise da ster: Ash
the date of Ea
in the world provide the appropriate musical ac- in the history of carnival in the Rhineland. It was determined by ival and the
e end of carn
companiment. here that “Weiberfastnacht” (Women’s Carnival Wednesday, th fast, Lent, is
Day) was born. the Christian
beginning of st er Sunday.
ys before Ea
always 46 da36 Welcome to Bonn 37
2
employers do expect people to work off the time Music Festivals “Pützchens Markt”
beforehand or afterwards). Invoking the right of
custom and practice, some of the public servants People in Bonn love music and the open air. So, Every year, on the second Friday in September,
who had to move from Bonn to Berlin in the 1990s every year in the summer three open-air festi- it is time for a big happening, and one that lots
even tried to get “Rosenmontag” recognized as vals take place in Bonn: Rockaue, the Green Juice of people in Bonn look forward to for weeks be-
an official public holiday in Berlin; but they failed. Festival and Panama Open Air. Famous and less forehand: “Pützchens Markt”. Pützchen, part of
Incidentally, the battle cry of the Bonn carnival well-known artists from all over the world guar- Beuel, becomes a place of pilgrimage for young
revellers is “Alaaf!”, as it is in Aachen and Cologne. antee top entertainment and atmospheric sum- and old alike, as it has been for the last 640 years
On no account should you shout “Helau” or “Ahoi” mer evenings. The City Garden Concerts at the – because what actually used to be a place of
– these exclamations are used by the revellers in “Alter Zoll” are also very popular - they are free of pilgrimage is now the venue for Germany’s fifth
Düsseldorf or Mainz, and when it comes to carni- charge and take place right next to the university largest annual fair, attracting up to 1.5 million visi-
val, local patriotism has it all down the line. main building. tors. Hundreds of fairground rides – from Loop-O-
Planes to Chair-O-Planes – lottery booths, snack
“Rhine in Flames” stalls, beer tents and wine bars all haul in the
crowds. And, to cap it all, there is a “Plundermarkt”,
One of the most spectacular events of the year stalls selling every kind of bric-à-brac you can
takes place on the first Saturday in May, the mega imagine. It is a gaudy, strident, noisy world of ad-
firework display: “Rhine in Flames”. People con- venture in which the children are not the only ones
gregate in their thousands between Linz and to gape in open-mouthed astonishment.
Bonn to experience the kaleidoscope of lights.
On the left bank of the Rhine, however, it is A mighty convoy of illuminated ships sails down Well, that was it, although it was, of course, by no
“Rosenmontag” that brings the revellers onto the the river, passing the banks and vineyards bathed means everything. The Easter Fair in Beuel, the
streets in their thousands. When “de Zoch kütt”, i.e. in Bengal fire. Rockets shoot up and explode in Museum Mile Festival, Bonnfest, Deutsche Post
the parade passes by, they line the streets sway- the night sky, raining down millions of colored Marathon, the Bonn Triathlon, United Nations Day,
ing in time to the music, cheering the floats and stars. The whole event ends with a magnificent Open Monument Day, Family Play Day, the Bonn
participants on foot and shouting for “Kamelle” pyrotechnical display in the “Rheinaue”, the park Beer Festival, marksmen’s festivals and, on every
(sweets) and other items being thrown from the along the bank of the Rhine, which is the venue third Saturday in the month, the enormous flea
floats. Although “Rosenmontag” is not an official for a huge party lasting the whole day. It is an market in the “Rheinaue” – you could keep adding
public holiday, everything from ministries to cor- absolute must see, especially as it is completely to the list indefinitely. But now it is your turn to get
ner shops shuts down on this day (although some free of charge. out and discover Bonn yourself. It will not take you
long to decide on your own favorites.38 University Institutions and Services 39
3
3.1 Welcome Center
Service and Advice for International Researchers
The Welcome Center is the University of Bonn’s Our services at a glance:
central service and advisory point for international ■■ Online portal in German and English
researchers. ■■ Assistance in finding accommodation
■■ Checklists for preparing your stay and manag-
We offer wide-ranging advice and practical sup- ing the first few days after arrival
port when you are planning your research stay ■■ Advice on formalities (visa, residence permit,
as well as once you have arrived. We will provide health insurance, pension schemes etc.) Welcome Center
you with information and tailored help on all the ■■ Support in your dealings with the authorities Poppelsdorfer Allee 102
aspects that are important for your research stay ■■ Help in finding a kindergarten or school for 53115 Bonn
in Bonn. We aim to make it as easy as possible for your children
0228 / 734823 or 734040
you to relocate to the University of Bonn and find ■■ Excursions and events
your feet here. We also run regular information ■■ German courses 0228 / 735891
University Institutions
sessions and excursions which we hope will play welcome@uni-bonn.de
a major role in ensuring your research stay is both www.welcome-center.uni-bonn.de
successful and pleasant.
and Services
On our website you will find regularly updated information and links, which should help you to organize
your stay and manage everyday life, as well as information on current events and offers. Please do
not hesitate to turn to the team at the Welcome Center if you have any questions, problems, wishes or
suggestions. You can reach us by e-mail, phone or just drop by – we are here to help you!40 University Institutions and Services 41
3
3.2 Family Office
Family Office Service and Advice for Families Come to the office and speak to us personally. Equal Opportunity Commissioner
Konviktstraße 4 We will be pleased to help find solutions that fit at the University of Bonn
53113 Bonn The University of Bonn actively promotes the your particular needs. If you wish, these advisory Konviktstraße 4
reconciliation of work and family life. As part of sessions can be held in English. 53113 Bonn
0228 / 736565
our central services, we therefore have a Family
familienbuero@uni-bonn.de 0228 / 736573 or 737490
Office which will give you advice and help on the Family-Friendly University
www.familienbuero.uni-bonn.de following issues: gleichstellung@uni-bonn.de
■■ Maternity leave, parental leave Since December 2011, the University of Bonn has www.gleichstellung.uni-bonn.de
■■ Parental allowance held an “audit” certificate for family-friendly uni-
■■ Childcare versities. To obtain this certificate the university
■■ Care of dependents pledges to build a family-friendly infrastructure
and to continue developing regulations and offers
You will encounter a lot of information, rules and that help members of the university to reconcile
offerings on the topic of reconciling work and childcare and other care-related responsibilities
family life. We will help you to find the right infor- with their professional obligations. The “re-audit”
mation and contacts to suit your own personal that was conducted in March of 2015 confirmed
situation. that the University of Bonn has proved successful
in this area. 3.3 Equal Opportunity Commissioner
Make our online portal your first port of call: Here
you will find a raft of important information and
advice which will help you to acquire an overview The main contact person for all women working, agement in implementing gender equality policy.
of the main topics and discover the many offers. studying, teaching or researching at the University She campaigns to ensure that university structures
of Bonn is the “Gleichstellungsbeauftragte” (Equal observe gender equality, that any disadvantages
Opportunity Commissioner). Her tasks, rights and relating to women are removed and that the gen-
duties are legally defined. The Equal Opportunity eral conditions for women entering academia are
Commissioner is chosen by a women’s electoral improved.
body. She advises and supports university man-42 University Institutions and Services 43
3
Mentoring and Training Program
MeTra
www.metra.uni-bonn.de
Maria von Linden Program
The University of Bonn has elaborated a number finding mentors who help female scientists and
of measures to recruit more women for science, to scholars to plan their careers.
The Equal Opportunity Commissioner’s main tasks include: motivate them to continue their academic careers
and to support them on their path in science and Furthermore, the Maria von Linden Program of-
■■ Developing and implementing measures to ■■ Enhancing awareness of gender-relevant is- research. These measures are part of the Maria fers a comprehensive raft of measures tailored
increase the percentage of women in profes- sues and gender equality von Linden Program, named for the first titular to the needs of each individual qualification level.
sorial or managerial positions ■■ Advising in cases of sexual harassment and female professor at the University of Bonn. These include fellowships, for example, or finan-
■■ Accompanying and monitoring professorial discrimination in university life, at the work- cial and personal support for the various phases
and other appointment procedures place and in connection with applications The mentoring and training program “MeTra” for of academic qualification. Not least with an eye Maria Countess von Linden
■■ Developing measures to promote female junior ■■ Promoting the institutionalization and dissem- female doctoral candidates, post-docs and junior to how the figures for the number of women at Parasitologist at the University of Bonn and
researchers ination of gender research professors is a permanent constituent of the pro- the various qualification stages develops, these first female professor at a German university
■■ Improving the reconciliation of science, studies, gram. It features a framework program of training measures are regularly evaluated and adjusted.
job and family seminars and networking meetings as well as
We are here to help you whether you need information on gender equality or require concrete assis-
tance in problem situations.You can also read
