Young Investigator Network (YIN)

The aim of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) is to attract “high potentials” from all over the world, especially from the scientific and technical field, and to provide them attractive working conditions at the institute. Several junior researchers, who have already proven their excellence through outstanding research results, could be attracted to work at KIT.

Established in spring 2008, the Young Investigator Network (YIN) offers a platform and a democratic representation of interests for the junior research leaders at KIT. The main tasks of YIN are:

•    representation of interests and networking of its members
•    advancing leadership skills and personal qualifications.

The network is self-governing. Until now, it is unique in this form in Germany.  YIN is a key element in the Concept for the Future of KIT. Financial support is provided through funds of the Excellence Initiative and Administrative Assistance by the Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS) and the KIT Research Office.

The YIN-movie was created by Marcel Wehn (director) with support from Film-Accademy Baden-Württemberg.

Network members are responsible for their independent research projects in various scientific fields which are funded by third parties and they bear personnel responsibility as leaders of their own independent Junior Research Groups.  Moreover, YIN members contribute significantly towards research and teaching at the KIT.

A wide-ranging advanced training program is offered to network members to assist them in their further qualifications as leaders in research and teaching or in the industry. This includes tailor-made leadership workshops and didactic courses as well as an extensive coaching and mentoring program that have been developed especially for the YIN members in cooperation with the Scientific Further Education Department (kww) at the KIT.