Ist die Habilitation in den Ingenieurwissenschaften noch zeitgemäß?

This article examines whether the habilitation in engineering sciences is still relevant today. First the concept of habilitation is introduced, followed by a brief overview of its history. Based on the habilitation regulations of 1816 and 1838 at the University of Berlin (Humboldt University Berlin), it shows why habilitation was introduced at that time as a second academic examination procedure. Until the beginning of this century, it was considered a mandatory requirement for obtaining a professorship. Next, the new opportunities created in the last 20 years for junior professorships, quality professorships, young scientists, and so-called habilitation-equivalent achievements are presented, and a comparison is made between the habilitation and the new opportunities. After a brief description of the current framework conditions at universities, the advantages and disadvantages of a habilitation are summarized. The article concludes with a brief summary.