About us
We are passionate about science.
Institute and mission
BERFOR gGmbH is an independent extramural research institute founded to foster science, research, and education. Our primary domain is computer science with a focus on software engineering.
BERFOR is a German non-profit organization incorporated as a gemeinnützige GmbH. All donations are fully tax-deductible and we are typically eligible for a 100% funding rate, comparable to a public university.
BERFOR as an employer
BERFOR gGmbH is an independent research institute with a flat organizational hierarchy. Most work is performed in research departments lead by a department head and their substitute (if applicable). Department heads acquire funding and employ scientific personnel to perform the research projects typically promised by way of acquiring funding. A central administrative department supports all other departments. The situation is similar to professors and their organizational units at German universities.
All employees at BERFOR gGmbH, in particular scientific personnel employed on research projects, can participate in the educational measures offered by the institute. Two main internal educational programs are noteworthy, because they run every year:
- Research methods. This course teaches rigorous scientific research methods, including research ethics and the requirements of the DFG’s guidelines for good scientific practice.
- High-tech startups. This course teaches scientific personnel how to evaluate whether their research is commercially viable and could lead to a startup after leaving BERFOR.
Furthermore, we take personal development of our employees seriously.
- Leadership development. Ph.D. students may receive professional education by way of the Softwarecampus program to further their leadership career in the software industry.
If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch.