Parties hint at temporary contracts reform

German election promises contain proposals to improve career security for postdocs

Most major parties in Germany have said they would reform the country’s Temporary Scientific Contracts Act if they win power in the upcoming elections. 

The act enables universities to employ academics on a fixed-term basis, but has been criticised for causing long-lasting job insecurity for postdoctoral researchers. The parties answered a questionnaire on science policy compiled by the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK), an outfit that represents universities.