Forum HAW Promotion 2026

On July 2nd, our Forum HAW Promotion took place – here we would like to share some impressions once again.
The event provided doctoral students and those interested in pursuing a doctorate with a comprehensive insight into the current pathways to a doctorate at the universities of applied sciences in Baden-Württemberg. From 9:00 to 17:30, we exchanged ideas, networked, and reflected together at the TechCampus on how academic careers can be supported.
We are particularly pleased that we were able to integrate two new formats for the first time:
- Parenthood & Academia – This format focused on balancing family planning and doctoral life with children. Dr. Anne Löchte and her discussion participants shared valuable personal experiences that inspired further exchange.
- Doing a PhD in Germany – Dr. Daniele Nuccetelli and Melanie Müller-Mugele explained the characteristics of the German academic system for those interested in pursuing a doctorate – an important contribution to the international opening of our doctoral landscape.
The bottom line: A successful day filled with lively discussions, plenty of networking opportunities, and a strong signal for the future of doctoral studies at the universities of applied sciences in Baden-Württemberg.
Interested in pursuing a doctorate at HHN? We’re happy to answer any questions you may have—please feel free to contact us: Request an initial consultation.










Impressions of the Event
The Program
Welcome and Opening of the Event
from 9:30 AM in the DigiLab (hybrid)
by Prof. Dr. Oliver Lenzen

Pathways to a Doctorate in Baden-Württemberg
10:15-11:00 AM in the DigiLab (hybrid)
Doctoral Consortium
(in German)

Doctoral Success Teams
Peer Coaching in the Context of Dissertation Writing
11:30 AM-12:50 PM (online)
Kristina Epple (HHN)
(in German)

Doing a PhD in Germany (in English)
Characteristics of the German academic system
11:30 AM-12:50 PM in the DigiLab (hybrid)
Dr. Daniele Nuccetelli (HHN)
Melanie Müller-Mugele (HHN)
(in English)

Research Proposal Writing Workshop
Strategies for refining your research idea
11:30 AM-5:30 PM (online)
Dr. Nina Fischer (Writing Competence Center)
(in German)

DFG Grant Application Skills
Criteria, strategies, practical knowledge
1:50-3:20 PM (online)
Astrid Schmitz (Sz-Coaching)
(in German)

Parenthood & Academia
Family planning and doctoral life with children
2:00-3:30 PM in the DigiLab (hybrid)
Dr. Anne Löchte (Coaching & Career Counseling)
(in German)
Directions
Information on directions and campus map can be found here:
https://www.hs-heilbronn.de/de/kontakt

Past Events
Thank you for a successful event!
On April 10 and 11, 2024, the FORUM HAW Promotion took place. This two-day information event on doctoral studies inspired around 60 participants and provided space for information sharing, discussion, and networking. Participants learned everything about the new pathways to a doctorate. In the diverse sessions on topics such as "New Pathways to a Doctorate," "Career Opportunities in Academia," "Research Proposal Writing Workshop," and "Industrial-Academic Doctoral Collaboration," information was provided about academic career paths at HHN and how the right to award doctoral degrees for Universities of Applied Sciences in Baden-Württemberg is being implemented.
The program attracted not only doctoral students and those interested in pursuing a doctorate, but also professors and cooperation partners to HHN. The forum opened with a welcome address by Professor Oliver Lenzen and greetings from Regina Rapp, Managing Director of the Doctoral Consortium.








