The Heidelberg Graduate School for Physics (HGSFP) is the central graduate school for all doctoral researchers in physics and astronomy at Heidelberg University. With more than 400 doctoral candidates, it forms a vibrant and diverse academic community at one of Europe’s leading research institutions.
Whether you are a current doctoral researcher, a prospective applicant from Germany or abroad, or a supervising faculty member, the HGSFP provides the academic framework, organizational structure, and supportive environment for doctoral education in physics and astronomy.
Founded in 2007 within the German Excellence Initiative, the HGSFP stands for structured doctoral training at the highest academic level. Doctoral registration with the HGSFP is mandatory for all doctoral researchers in physics and astronomy at Heidelberg University, ensuring transparent procedures, clear standards, and a shared academic culture.
From registration to final examination, the HGSFP guides you through every formal step of the doctoral process. Transparent procedures and defined milestones provide reliability and clarity throughout your doctorate.
Doctoral research at Heidelberg combines scientific excellence with structured training. In addition to your research project, you benefit from professional skills courses, teaching opportunities, and formats that strengthen your development as an independent researcher.
Thesis committees ensure continuous academic guidance and regular feedback. Structured supervision supports both scientific progress and long-term career development.
Heidelberg represents the full breadth of physics and astronomy and is closely connected to medicine, engineering sciences, biology, chemistry, and mathematics. This environment enables collaboration across disciplines and opens perspectives beyond traditional boundaries.
With more than 400 doctoral researchers, the HGSFP forms a strong and international academic community. We promote networking, provide orientation in administrative matters, and offer support in challenging situations.
The HGSFP Central Office is your first point of contact for administrative matters. We are here to support you — from the first steps of registration to the completion of your doctorate.
Opening hours:
Monday–Friday, 9 am – 12 pm, and by appointment.
Location: INF 226, room 2.303/304
General enquiries: office@hgsfp.uni-heidelberg.de
Staff:
Gesine Heinzelmann
Phone: +49 6221 54-19635
gesine.heinzelmann@hgsfp.uni-heidelberg.de
Bianca Böhmer
Phone: +49 6221 54-19635
bianca.boehmer@hgsfp.uni-heidelberg.de
Karina Schönfeld
Phone: +49 6221 54-19637
karina.schoenfeld@hgsfp.uni-heidelberg.de
Spokesperson of the Graduate School
Prof. Dr. Werner Aeschbach
Institute of Environmental Physics
Im Neuenheimer Feld 229
69120 Heidelberg
Phone: +49 6221 54 6331
Email: werner.aeschbach@iup.uni-heidelberg.de
Further Members of the Directorate
Prof. Dr. Arthur Hebecker
Prof. Dr. Ulrich Uwer
Prof. Dr. Joachim Wambsganß
Nadine Nussbaumer
Louis Jussios
Administrative Director
Dr. Johanna Schwarz
Im Neuenheimer Feld 226
69120 Heidelberg
Phone: +49 6221 54 19636
Email: johanna.schwarz@uni-heidelberg.de
The Directorate defines the academic strategy and ensures the quality and development of the graduate school.
Louis Jussios
Nadine Nussbaumer
Email: studentreps@gsfp.uni-heidelberg.de
The student representatives act as a bridge between doctoral researchers and the HGSFP governance. They represent doctoral interests, support community initiatives, and are available as confidential contact persons.
The Doctoral Committee oversees admission and examination procedures and ensures compliance with the doctoral regulations of the Department of Physics and Astronomy. It guarantees transparency, fairness, and academic standards throughout the doctoral process.
