The W Salary Scale for Professors
W2 and W3 professorships (depending on qualifications) can be funded within the framework of Research Units and Clinical Research Units. This enables differences between these salary groups and the old average C3/C4 remuneration groups to be compensated for. The Heisenberg Programme currently funds W2 professorships. In all these programmes, the DFG can make available funds exceeding the basic salary up to a maximum overall amount of 81,600 euros for W2-West; 94,800 euros for W3-West; 76,800 euros for W2-East; and 90,000 euros for W3-East.
The additional remuneration is based on the provisions set out in § 33 Para. 1 No. 2 of the Bundesbesoldungsgesetz (BbesG, German Federal Salary Law). According to these, professors in salary groups W 2 and W 3 can be awarded variable performance bonuses for particular achievements in research, teaching, art, advanced training and the promotion of young researchers. The details of the award procedures, including responsibilities, requirements and performance criteria, are regulated by the applicable state laws and, on the basis of these, by the higher education institution itself using applicable salary guidelines. Once a decision to award a bonus for “extraordinary achievement” has been made on the basis of the aforementioned regulations, it is recognised in principle by the DFG as part of the funded position and the performance bonus is awarded. According to the provisions of § 35 BbesG, however, bonuses may not be paid. These provisions permit the awarding of bonuses only within the framework of research or teaching projects funded privately by third parties – not in cases of publicly funded DFG projects. Additional allowances may be awarded from intramural funds.
