Current News and Events
Source: https://www.graduateacademy.uni-heidelberg.de/aktuelles/index_en.html Parent: https://www.graduateacademy.uni-heidelberg.de/index_en.html
Current News and Events
Events
HUMANITIES: hei_INNOVATION / Heidelberg City Library – Young Carer: Literary reading with scientific discussion
When? 05.03.2026, 7 p.m.
Where? Heidelberg City Library
As part of the public event “Young Carers: Children and Young People with Caregiving Responsibilities,” author Janine Adomeit will read from her novel Die erste halbe Stunde im Paradies (The First Half Hour in Paradise, 2025) and then discuss with Prof. Dr. Annette Haußmann (Faculty of Theology) the research and gaps in knowledge about minors who take on caregiving responsibilities for relatives. The Department of History at Heidelberg University, in cooperation with the Heidelberg City Library, invites you to attend the reading and subsequent academic discussion.
Admission is free.
Further information (German only)
HUMANITIES: Heidelberg University Archives – Archives Day: Old Home – New Home
When? 07.03.2026, 1:00–5:00 p.m.
Where? Heidelberg University Archives, Akademiestraße 4–8
To mark Archives Day, Heidelberg University Archives invites you to take a look behind the scenes of archival work. This year's public event will be held under the motto “Old Home – New Home” in cooperation with the Collaborative Research Center 1671 “Home(s): Phenomena, Practices, Representations.” In addition to a guided tour of the archive storage facility with insights into selected holdings, the program includes a lecture on the topic “Between Old and New Homelands – Artistic Homecoming of Psychiatric Inmates around 1900.” Prof. Dr. Maike Rotzoll, Linnéa Kluge, and Simon Stewner will use case studies from the Heidelberg University Psychiatric Clinic around 1900 to show how patients found ways to rethink home through artistic forms of expression. An accompanying poster exhibition will be on display in the foyer of the University Archives, presenting the SFB “Heimat(en)” (Home(s)), its research approaches, and subprojects.
Further information (only German)
HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES: Volkswagen Foundation – Discussion: “Culture under control? How authoritarian systems exploit art”
When? 10.03.2026, 7-9 p.m.
Where? Herrenhausen Palace, Hanover, and digital
Experts will discuss the global politicization of art and culture by authoritarian regimes on March 10, 2026, in Hanover.\ Authoritarian regimes have repeatedly attempted to control culture and art in order to exploit them for their own purposes—whether through censorship, access to the media and education system, or by promoting art that supports their own ideology. Such tendencies are still evident today in varying degrees: in Russia and China, state-controlled cultural policy focuses on narratives of superior national greatness. In parts of Europe, debates about memory culture and identity are deliberately exploited for political purposes. Even in Germany, although far from placing culture under state control, cultural institutions can come under pressure. For example, when cuts in funding appear to be influenced by the political climate. Or when artists who express themselves politically – or who do not wish to do so – are forced to justify themselves.
Prof. Friedrich Geiger (HMTM Munich), Dr. Félix Krawatzek (ZOIS Berlin), Dr. Katja Lembke (Director, Lower Saxony State Museum, Hanover), and Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Dr. h.c. Angelika Nußberger M.A. (Academy for European Human Rights Protection, Cologne) will discuss the following questions, among others, moderated by Dr. Ulrich Kühn (NDR Kultur): What strategies of authoritarian influence on art and culture can be observed worldwide? Where and how is art being politicized in a questionable manner? And how do artists and the institutions that support them manage to preserve their autonomy?
Further information (only German)
ALL DISCIPLINES: UniWiND – Lunch Session: Using generative artificial intelligence in doctoral research in compliance with GWP: current guidelines, challenges, and recommendations
When? 11.03.2026, 12-1 p.m.
Where? Digital
Since the introduction of applications such as ChatGPT, Gemini, and others three years ago, generative artificial intelligence (genAI) has become part of everyday life for many researchers. In this lunch session, existing guidelines from various science-related stakeholders (publishers, universities, and non-university research institutions) will be presented and ongoing challenges discussed. The focus will be on questions such as how the use of AI in dissertations can be disclosed transparently and appropriately, what should be considered when using generative AI from the perspective of the GWP, and what is currently considered good research practice with regard to genAI, especially in peer reviews and the use of AI-generated images.
The discussion will take place with Dr. Katrin Frisch, who works as a research assistant at the Ombuds Committee for Scientific Integrity in Germany on the topics of research data, artificial intelligence, and good scientific practice.
Further information (German only)
VARIOUS SUBJECTS: DLR Project Management Agency, NCP Law and Finance – Law and Finance in Horizon Europe: Lump Sum Projects
When? 11.03.2026, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where? Digital
In this online event, the National Contact Point (NCP) for Legal and Financial Matters will provide information on the basic Horizon Europe rules for projects with lump sum funding (lump sum projects).
In the final program years of Horizon Europe, lump sum projects are increasingly being used as a cost reimbursement model in calls for proposals. Calls for proposals with lump sum grants are intended to reduce the error rate, simplify project management (e.g., by eliminating invoicing and time sheets), and shift the focus from financial management to project content.
For calls for proposals with lump sum grants, budget planning is more detailed than for projects with reimbursement of actual costs, as cost reimbursement is based on the activities described and carried out in the work packages.
The online event will provide an overview of the special features of the application process and new features in the 2026/2027 work program, and summarize the most important aspects of project implementation.
Further information (German only)
MEDICINE: UNIFY – Lunchtalk Digital: Gender-specific sleep medicine
When? 11.03.2026, 12-1 p.m.
Where? Online
Healthy sleep is a vital foundation for our health and well-being. Women and men can experience sleep problems throughout all stages of life—caused by their own behavior, life circumstances, but also by sleep disorders. From the onset of puberty, women experience poorer sleep quality than men throughout their lives – and sleep disorders in women are more often overlooked or misinterpreted. Dr. Schellenberg aims to raise awareness of this issue and educate people about “normal” and “abnormal” sleep problems.
Further information (only German)
VARIOUS SUBJECT AREAS: Inspiring Era – Turning knowledge into value: European tools and valorisation practices
When? 11.03.2026, 10-12 a.m.
Where? Online
Across Europe, researchers and research organisations are finding new ways to turn scientific knowledge, ideas and results into societal, economic and environmental benefits. This process of knowledge valorisation can take many forms, from collaboration with industry and public actors to intellectual property management, start-ups and new services.
This online INSPIRING ERA event on Wednesday 11 March at 10-12 CET offers a practical overview of knowledge valorisation using real examples and success stories from across Europe. It highlights different approaches to turning research into impact and introduces European-level tools, guidance and support structures designed to help researchers and institutions put knowledge valorisation into practice.
Participants will hear how others have approached knowledge valorisation, what has worked well in different contexts, and what EU-level support is available to help move from research to real-world impact.
VARIOUS SUBJECT AREAS: European Commission – Horizon Europe Research Infrastructures info day
When? 18.03.2026, 10 a.m.
Where? Online
This is an information event targeted at potential applicants to the 2026 calls of the Horizon Europe Research Infrastructures Work Programme 2026-2027, structured around four main destinations:
First, INFRADEV, which aims to develop, consolidate and optimise the European Research Infrastructures landscape, and maintain global leadership.
Second, INFRAEOSC, with the objective of enabling an operational, open and FAIR European Open Science Cloud ecosystem.
Third, INFRASERV, with the objective of offering services supporting transnational access to state-of-the-art facilities for researchers, relevant to a large research domain or in support of societal challenges and EU priorities.
Fourth, INFRATECH, aiming to contribute to developing the next generation of scientific instrumentation, tools, methods and advanced digital solutions of Research Infrastructures.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Young Entrepreneurs in Science – From Research to Impact: Creating Meaning and Value
When? 24.03.2026, 9 a.m.-2.30 p.m.
Where? Digital
Have you ever thought about the application potential of your own research? If not, this workshop is for you. You will reflect about user groups and the network of stakeholders that surround you and your research. How will your research benefit them? Brainstorm potential use cases and help each other to take your ideas to the next level. What impact would you like to create with your research? By looking at the golden circle framework, this workshop focuses on the WHY behind your work. With a view to the Sustainable Development Goals you will think about the potential areas of impact you can create with your own research.
You can enroll until 21.03.2026.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Young Entrepreneurs in Science – Ideation
When? 26.03.2026, 2-4.30 p.m.
Where? Digital
You have been working on your research for a while, but haven’t figured out how to translate it into a concrete business idea? Or maybe you have many ideas and cannot decide which one to follow? Based on the Design Thinking methodology, you will try out different ideation techniques. You will learn what makes a good idea and how to formulate it for testing.
You can enroll until 23.03.2026.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Volkswagen Foundation – Live Webinar on the Funding Portfolio
When? 09.04.2026, 1 - 2:30 p.m.
Where? Digital
Twice a year - at the beginning of each semester in April and October - the Volkswagen Foundation offers a free, one-hour live webinar in English on the funding portfolio. In our live webinars, employees from the funding department provide information on our general funding, current calls for proposals and the process from application to project support. There will be time for questions and answers following the approx. 20-minute presentation.
ALL DISCIPLINES: DLR Project Management Agency – RP Start: Horizon Europe for Beginners
When? Several dates: 25.02., 25.03., 12.05.2026, 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. each
Where? Digital
With all three modules of this online event series from the EU Office, you will delve deep into European research policy and learn about the framework program for research and innovation – Horizon Europe. RP Start is aimed at potential participants in Horizon Europe who have had little or no previous contact with European research policy or Horizon Europe. The three modules cover the most important basic concepts and principles, provide information about the structure and general orientation of the framework program, and give an overview of the opportunities for participation. You will also gain insight into the review process. The program is rounded off with a detailed compilation of further information sources and the NCP network.
The series of events is divided into three modules. They can be attended individually. The contents are as follows:
25.02.2026 - Module 1: The program\ This module provides an initial overview of the basics of EU research funding. This includes the objectives, structure, and budget of Horizon Europe.
25.03.2026 - Module 2: The project\ In this module, you will learn about the conditions and requirements for EU collaborative research, i.e., working in a research consortium. The funding instruments will be presented.
12.05.2026 - Module 3: The project application\ This module provides a brief overview of the application process within Pillar 2 of Horizon Europe. We focus on collaborative research in consortia. You will receive information about the Funding & Tenders Portal and how to structure a call for proposals. Practical tips on submitting applications round off the module.
Further information (German only)
ALL DISCIPLINES: European University Association, League of European Research Universities, Coimbra Group, and many more – European Doctoral Day
When? 13.05.2026
Where? Hybrd
Across Europe, where science and research are core values, May 13th is now celebrated as European Doctoral Day — a day to highlight the vital role of doctoral education and the impact of doctoral graduates as key agents of innovation. A day to recognize their role in helping society navigate a rapidly changing world and in shaping Europe’s scientific, economic, industrial, and technological future.
European Doctoral Day is designed to:\ • Inspire European and international students to pursue doctoral education,\ • Increase employers’ awareness and recognition of doctoral qualifications,\ • Showcase the diverse career paths and societal contributions of doctoral graduates.\ Event proposals can still be submitted until February 28, 2026.
Further information (German only)
VARIOUS SUBJECTS: Nature Masterclasses – Community Insights: AI in Academic Writing and Publishing
When? Several dates
Where? Online
Artificial intelligence is transforming how research is written, shared, and reviewed. This session will explore how researchers can engage with AI tools confidently and responsibly, balancing efficiency with authenticity in research communication.
This webinar offers valuable insights into:
• Understand how to discover and interpret journal AI policies\ • Evaluate opportunities and risks when considering AI tools\ • Avoid common pitfalls that can lead to ethical concerns or rejection\ • Use AI thoughtfully to enhance rather than replace your own writing skills
ALL DISCIPLINES: Campus+ – Webinar “How to present research to a wider audience for greater impact”
When? Anytime
Where? Online
In its latest webinar, Campus+ spoke to four experts from the UK and North America to discuss how to expand the reach of your research beyond your institution.
Denise Baden from the University of Southampton, Patricia Raun from Virginia Tech, Gregory Goldsmith from Chapman University and Krystina Silva from the University of Alberta talked to us about:
- How to use new media to amplify your work
- How to build a stand-out online profile
- Effective ways to discuss the impact of your research
- Innovative methods of communication
You can watch the webinar free of charge on the website of Campus+.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Heidelberg Research Service – Information and Advice on Horizon Europe 2025
Deadline: Anytime
Under Horizon Europe, the EU's current framework programme for research and innovation (2021-2027), a large part of the funding budget is distributed by means of top-down calls for research proposals on specific subjects and aimed at international consortia of Principal Investigators (PIs) from different European universities and research organisations. These calls are predefined in work programmes for the various parts of Horizon Europe published every one or two years.
Current drafts of these work programmes are available from the Heidelberg Research Service. If you are interested in these calls and would like to coordinate or participate in a consortium applying for them, we kindly invite you to get in touch with the EU Team of the Heidelberg Research Service. In individual consultations, we can share the details of the EU drafts with you and advise you regarding the next steps.
If you are interested, then please contact Dr. Moritz Vogel (moritz.vogel@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de) or Dr. Xenja Herren (xenja.herren@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de).
ALL DISCILPINES: Heidelberg University – Courses of the Scientific Software Centre
When? Multiple dates
Where? Online
The Scientific Software Center (SSC) of Heidelberg University offers a variety of courses connected to scientific software development. If you want to learn git, how to test your software and about best practices in Python, then joing the half-day courses or block courses of the software center.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Heidelberg University – IP & Transfer consultation hour of ScienceValue Heidelberg GmbH (SVH) at INF Campus
When? Multiple dates
Where? hei_INNOVATION Hub (INF 370)
Would you like to learn how to get the best possible protection for the intellectual property originating from your research results?
Then you are welcome to visit the next open IP & Transfer consultation hour of ScienceValue Heidelberg GmbH (SVH) at INF Campus Heidelberg to receive advice on all questions related to the exploitation of your intellectual property!\ SVH's open IP & Transfer consultation hours at INF Campus Heidelberg are held monthly, usually on the first Tuesday of the month. The next scheduled dates are:
If you have any questions, for example about scheduling an individual appointment, you can contact their team by sending an email to sciencevalue.heidelberg@med.uni-heidelberg.de or by visiting their website.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Jagiellonian University Krakau – PROM Programme: Short-Term Academic Exchange
Deadline: Anytime
The PROM Programme is a short-term academic exchange designed to support doctoral students in expanding their knowledge and skills. The programme enables PhD students to take part in various short-term educational activities, including courses, workshops, professional internships, study visits, conferences, and summer or winter schools organized by the Jagiellonian University.
The PROM Programme covers travel expenses, living costs, and, if applicable, conference fees or participation costs for summer and winter schools. To apply, candidates must independently identify a Jagiellonian University academic staff member willing to host and supervise the visit.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Graduate Academy – Focused Writing Group Program for Doctoral Candidates
The Graduate Academy would like to invite doctoral candidates from all faculties to participate in the Focused Writing Group Program.
The program will provide participants with a physical working space, experts on call, and a community of like-minded peers to support doctoral researchers in their academic and dissertation writing process.
Registration is now open. Visit the Graduate Academy Website for more information and the opportunity to register!
Further information and registration
ALL DISCIPLINES: Baden-Württemberg Stiftung – Empowerment Tag
In Baden-Württemberg ist rund die Hälfte aller Studierenden weiblich, doch nur wenige Professuren und Führungspositionen in der Wirtschaft sind von Frauen besetzt. Um diese Geschlechterungleichheit sichtbarer zu machen und Frauen aus der Wissenschaft zu motivieren, ihre Karriereplanung in die Hand zu nehmen, veranstaltet die Stiftung jährlich den Empowerment-Tag. Die Veranstaltung richtet sich an Nachwuchswissenschaftlerinnen, an Studentinnen, Doktorandinnen und Postdocs, die in Baden-Württemberg leben. Auf der Empowerment-Tag Webseite können Sie sich registrieren, um frühzeitig über den nächsten Empowerment-Tag informiert zu werden.
Further information and registration
ALL DISCIPLINES: eDOCation – Young researchers ("eDOCs") Further education for companies
What is eDOCation all about?
eDOCation is the first online platform where young scientists ("eDOCs") offer continuing education for companies. I launched the initiative together with my former doctoral colleague Tobias Hornig (now a data scientist at Siemens). The platform contributes to the transfer of knowledge from universities into business practice and to improving the financial situation and future prospects of doctoral students, postdocs and junior professors. Market research conducted by us has shown that our eDOCs could earn a high three-digit € amount for a two-hour research workshop in companies. At the same time, eDOCation offers companies and their employees the opportunity to benefit from state-of-the-art science in the sense of lifelong learning and to gain access to the country's brightest minds as mentors in the "war for talent". The company is currently being promoted by the Stifterverband as one of the "30 best ideas for the education, science and innovation system of tomorrow" as part of the WIRKUNG HOCH 100 initiative. More information about eDOCation is available at www.edocation.org and in the attached presentation.
You want to get to know us?
The eDOCation Powerbank regularly offers free and non-binding workshops that can support you in research & teaching as well as personal growth. The following events are planned for the semester break (including links to Eventbrite)
\ Would you like to give talks in companies and be one of our eDOCs?\ Send us your application including the following documents
- CV [or link to LinkedIn profile],
- High resolution picture,
- research topic/s,
- training offer for companies (e.g. lectures, seminars, workshops),
- declaration that we may use your data,
please send your application to edoc@edocation.org. More information, such as selection criteria or forms of continuing education, can be found here. You can view the profiles of our current eDOCs here.
How else can you support us?
If you find the idea of eDOCation exciting, we would be happy if you would personally recommend it to friends and acquaintances in academia and industry. You can also help us to expand our network and keep up to date with the latest news by following us on LinkedIn.
ALL DISCIPLINES: IP consultation hours of the patent and start-up management
Have you ever considered in the context of your dissertation – be it in the humanities, life sciences, natural sciences or social sciences – whether your research work can be protected and commercialized?
As part of the exclusive service offer for all employees of the university, you can now use the IP consultation hours of the patent and start-up management.
In a confidential and non-binding conversation you will have the opportunity to inform yourself about the following topics:
- Inventions and invention disclosures (Is my idea new? If so, what can I do?)
- Property rights (How can inventions be protected? What has to be taken into account?)
- Patent applications (How does the process from the invention to the patent proceed at the University of Heidelberg?)
- Copyright (How can I use the copyright for myself?)
- Business strategies (What business possibilities do I have? What do I have to watch out for?)
Further Information (in German)
LIFE SCIENCES: Veranstaltungsreihe "Überlebensstrategien"
Überlebensstrategien ist ein gemeinsames Projekt der lebenswissenschaftlichen Sonderforschungsbereiche der Universität Heidelberg und der Rhein-Neckar-Zeitung (RNZ). Die Redakteure der Stadtredaktion Heidelberg begleiten jeweils eine Veranstaltung mit ihren persönlichen Fragen zu den vorgestellten Forschungsthemen, den beteiligten Wissenschaftlern und den Methoden.
Dieses Format der Moderation soll eine lebendige Brücke zum Publikum bilden, das in den Dialog einbezogen wird. In zwanglosem Rahmen im Karlstorbahnhof und mit musikalischer Begleitung durch Mitglieder des Collegium Musicum stellen die Sonderforschungsbereiche ihre Fragestellungen und langfristigen Ziele vor.
Further Information (in German)
ALL DISCIPLINES: StuRa free legal counsel for students
The free legal council ("unentgeltliche und unabhängige Rechtsberatung") offers students legal advice from specialized lawyers. We will schedule you an appointment, if you write an E-Mail to rechtsberatung@stura.uni-heidelberg.de stating your situation. To the appointment you will need to bring you student-ID card.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Veranstaltungsprogramm des Career Service "Vom Studium in den Beruf"
Der Career Service der Universität Heidelberg unterstützt Doktorandinnen und Doktoranden, Studierende und Young Professionals beim Übergang von der Universität in außeruniversitäre Arbeitsbereiche, damit Sie von Anfang an erfolgreich in Ihre Karriere starten bzw. fortführen können. Als Doktorandinnen und Doktoranden profitieren Sie von einem breit gefächerten Veranstaltungs- und Beratungsangebot in den Bereichen „Berufliches Know-how“ und „Professionell Bewerben“. Sie haben die Möglichkeit, Ihr Profil zu schärfen, Kenntnisse zu erfolgreichem Bewerbungsmanagement und wichtige Schlüsselkompetenzen zu erwerben. Darüber hinaus erhalten Sie Informationen zu Unternehmen, Berufsfeldern und Arbeitsmarktperspektiven. Die Kurse, Einzelberatungen und Veranstaltungen werden sowohl von erfahrenen Mitarbeiterinnen des Career Service als auch von Experten/innen aus der Wirtschaft durchgeführt.
Further Information (in German)
ALL DISCIPLINES: Online seminars aimed at young researchers offered by academics
This spring, academics GmbH is offering a new round of online seminars aimed at doctoral candidates and postdocs. The seminars will deal with topics such as: "Are doctoral studies right for me?", "Looking for and applying for jobs", "Which jobs am I suited for?" (all in German) and "Applying for doctoral and postdoc positions at German universities" (in English). It is necessary to be registered for the acadmics job newsletter in order to participate in the seminars.
Fellowships
MULTIPLE DISCIPLINES: BMFTR - Call for proposals: Scientific accompanying project for the framework announcement Sustainable Finance in Global Change (Future Finance)
Internal deadline: 06.03.2026
The overarching goal is to improve the research basis for a sustainable financial sector for global change and to generate research findings to improve the sustainable orientation of financial flows, particularly in line with international climate protection and adaptation goals and the protection of ecosystems.
The call for proposals aims to fund a scientific support project that coordinates the research projects of the framework announcement, networks them internally and externally, provides scientific support, and is responsible for processing and communicating the results. In particular, scientific findings are to be synthesized and the application and practical relevance as well as science communication and knowledge transfer are to be strengthened and intensified – for example, by developing suitable target group-specific core messages and narratives.
The application procedure is a single-stage process. To obtain a legally binding signature, applications must be submitted to the Heidelberg Research Service (christian.schulz@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de) by March 6, 2026, at the latest (internal deadline). The external deadline for submitting formal funding applications is March 14, 2026.
Further information (German only)
VARIOUS SUBJECTS: BMFTR – Biological, social, and environmental factors affecting brain health across the lifespan in the field of neurodegeneration within the European Partnership for Brain Health (EP BrainHealth)
Deadline: 10.03.2026
The aim of this BMFTR measure is to identify and better understand biological, social, lifestyle, and environmental factors related to neurodegenerative diseases. The findings should, for example, provide approaches for potential mechanisms of action and improved diagnostics or prevention in order to improve brain health and the quality of life of patients. To this end, multinational and multidisciplinary collaborative projects are being funded.
The research approaches must relate to at least two of the three types of factors that affect the development of brain health in relation to neurodegenerative diseases: biological factors; lifestyle and social factors; environmental factors. In addition, projects must investigate at least two of the three aspects related to the identified factors: mechanisms of action; early detection and diagnosis; prevention, treatment, and technological development.
Consortia can generally receive funding for a period of up to three years. At least three relevantly qualified partners must cooperate in a consortium within the framework of the projects. These three partners must be eligible to apply to the aforementioned funding organizations. In addition, these three partners must come from three different countries. At least two research partners in a consortium must come from an EU member state or a partner country associated with Horizon Europe.
The application process is a three-stage process. In the first stage of the procedure, project outlines in English must be submitted in electronic form by March 10, 2026 (2 p.m. CET) at the latest. When submitting an outline, the Research Department requests that a short notification be sent to the Heidelberg Research Service: christian.schulz@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de.
Further information (German only)
ALL DISCIPLINES: European Personnel Selection Office – Application for the Graduate administrators competition (AD5)
Deadline: 10.03.2026
The European Union is looking for talented graduates across all fields of study to join its civil service. The European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) is launching an open competition to draw up a reserve list from which the institutions, bodies, and agencies of the European Union can recruit new members of the civil service as administrators (grade AD5).
The general role of administrators is to support decision-makers in fulfilling the mission of their institution or body, contributing to policies and programmes that impact millions of people across Europe.
Successful candidates typically work in one of the following areas as part of a multicultural team:\ • policy development and formulation\ • policy implementation and operational delivery\ • resource management
VARIOUS SUBJECTS: BMFTR – Strengthening the resilience of the population in crisis and disaster situations as part of the program “Research for Civil Security - Working Together for a Safe Life in a Resilient Society”
Deadline: 11.03.2026
The projects funded under this BMFTR measure are intended to support needs-based and user-oriented information and communication, increased awareness and sensitization of the population to risks, dangers, crises, and disasters, and to strengthen self-help capabilities with knowledge of the purpose and tasks of civil protection and disaster control. The funding is for joint projects and a scientific accompanying project.
Needs are seen in the following areas, for example:\ • Risk awareness (awareness raising)\ • Improvement of self-help skills\ • Community resilience
The joint projects are scheduled to run for a period of three to four years.
The application process is a two-stage process. In the first stage, project outlines must be submitted in electronic form by March 11, 2026, at the latest. When submitting an outline, the Research Department requests that a short notification be sent to the Heidelberg Research Service: christian.schulz@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de
Further information (German only)
VARIOUS SUBJECTS: DAAD – Hilde Domin-programme 2027
Deadline: 15.03. and 15.09.2026
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) administers the scholarship programme “Hilde Domin Programme” with funds from the Federal Foreign Office (AA). The programme serves to support students and doctoral candidates from across the globe, who are at risk of being formally or de facto denied educational or other rights in their country of origin, and to provide these students and doctoral candidates with an opportunity to begin or complete a study or research degree at a higher education institution in Germany.
Students and doctoral candidates funded under the programme will receive a scholarship for a degree course of personal choice and according to individual qualifications. The scholarship is sufficient to cover the necessary costs incurred during their study or research stay.
Potential candidates cannot themselves apply for participation in the Hilde Domin Programme but are nominated by the management (presidiums/rectorates) of an institution or organisation which is a legal entity domiciled in Germany and which carries out an activity in the field of science, research and teaching and/or the protection of human rights, the promotion of peace and democracy or the rule of law.
VARIOUS SUBJECTS: Joachim Herz Stiftung – Add-on Fellowships for Interdisciplinary Science and Transfer
Deadline: 22.03.2026
Up to 80 scientists from the fields of engineering, economics, and life sciences who are working on innovative, interdisciplinary research projects and are motivated to further develop the transfer potential of their research will receive funding.
The focus is on the topic of “Resources of the Future,” and interdisciplinary approaches that contribute to making economic and technological resources more sustainable and efficient are particularly supported. This may include, for example, research into economic processes or new materials. It is important that the projects already show transfer potential, even if concrete transfer goals are not yet defined or are only vaguely defined.
The funding is aimed at excellent scientists in the early stages of their careers, including doctoral students, postdocs, and junior professors. In addition, researchers must be employed at a university or non-profit research institution in Germany at the time of application, or their research must be funded there in some other way.
The fellows receive funding of up to €15,000 for two years. The funding can be used flexibly. Successful applicants can apply for additional funding of up to €3,000 for equal opportunities. This is intended to make it easier to combine science and family life, for example when caring for children or relatives. Other special needs, for example due to a disability, can also be taken into account based on the DFG criteria.
STEM-SUBEJCTS: BMFTR - Powerful and energy-efficient AI processor systems (Kolibri)
Deadline: 23.03.2026
The aim of the BMFTR initiative is to develop high-performance, energy-efficient, and trustworthy processor systems for AI applications in Germany. The focus is on demanding edge applications in key German and European industries such as automotive, industrial automation, robotics, medical technology, and defense, in order to enable rapid transfer into application. In addition, as many parts of the respective ecosystems as possible for the development and application of the processor systems are to be taken into account and strengthened. This includes hardware and software components as well as tools for developer and user support. In addition, technology and design competencies for More Moore and Beyond Moore technologies are to be expanded. Only joint projects between industry and science will be funded. The projects must be application-driven. The processor solution should enable rapid application transfer.
The basic plan is to fund projects with a total duration of up to five years.
The application process consists of two stages. In the first stage, project outlines must be submitted in electronic form by March 23, 2026, at the latest. When submitting an outline, the Research Department requests that you send a brief notification to Heidelberg Research Service: christian.schulz@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de
Further information (only German)
VARIOUS SUBJECT AREAS: BMFTR - AI-based climate-neutral mobility systems in model regions
Deadline: 27.03.2026
The aim of the BMFTR measure is to use AI and the development and use of low-emission mobility technologies to make regional mobility systems climate-friendly, thereby contributing to technology transfer and the German government's climate targets. The development of new mobility systems such as autonomous cable and elevated rail systems and their integration into existing mobility systems may also be the subject of research projects. To this end, funding is provided for projects that address technological innovations in connection with social issues and innovations in climate-neutral mobility in model regions. Practical experimental spaces are being set up in real-world laboratories for this purpose.
Each research consortium is required to address the following topics:\ 1. Innovative technological solutions for a climate-neutral mobility system\ 2. Compatible governance arrangements for dealing with new technologies in mobility systems\ 3. Innovative transformation paths for model regions towards climate-neutral mobility\ 4. Interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research as well as AI-supported participation formats\ 5. Impact evaluation
The prerequisite for funding is project-related cooperation between three or more independent applicant partners in a consortium.\ The application process is a two-stage process. In the first stage, project outlines must be submitted in electronic form by March 27, 2026, at the latest. When submitting an outline, the Research Department requests that a brief notification be sent to the Heidelberg Research Service: christian.schulz@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de.
Further information (German only)
VARIOUS DISCIPLINES: DFG – Funding Opportunity for British-German Basic Research Projects in the Engineering and Physical Sciences
Deadline: Anytime
British-German research teams are invited to submit their joint research proposals within the scope of all themes within EPSRC, through the responsive mode standard grant funding route, and all corresponding subject areas of the DFG. Applicants should demonstrate how bringing together researchers based in Germany and the UK will add value and advance research. It is expected that each partner substantially contributes to the joint project.
Note: joint proposals submitted under this opportunity should have a maximum duration of 3 years.
VARIOUS DISCIPLINES: German Cancer Aid – Short Term Fellowship-Programm
Deadline: Anytime
The program allows funding of short-term (2 weeks to 4 months) national and international research stays at institutions in Germany and abroad, for knowledge exchange and learning of experimental techniques.
In addition, applications can be submitted to support active participation in workshops, 'summer schools' and scientific courses. Applications can be submitted at any time.
Further Information (only German)
VARIOUS DISCIPLINES: EFR – Future Fellowships "Green Hydrogen"
Deadline: Anytime
With this scholarship program, the DAAD supports master's students, doctoral candidates and postdocs from various disciplines who are working in the field of "green hydrogen". Funding is provided for research projects and self-organized internships in the extended European Research Area (ERA).
Funding is also available for a stay in other non-European countries (e.g. Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, Japan). PhD students and PostDocs can submit their application at any time.
Further Information (in German)
LIFE SCIENCES: EMBO – Maria Leptin Science Journalism Fellowship
Deadline: Anytime
The fellowship are intended for life scientists who wish to pursue a career in science journalism and journalists who wish to deepen and broaden their knowledge of the latest research fields and technologies.
Fellows will receive stipends for a duration of three to twelve months to fund stays in media outlets of any type, editorial offices or research institutions of their choice to help advance their careers.
Life scientists applying must have a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or higher, and must have published samples of any kind of their work in science journalism on topics related to basic biological research. Applicants must reside in one of the 31 EMBC Member States.
Applications can be submitted throughout the year, with three selection rounds per year. All complete applications received by 1 February, 1 June or 1 October will be considered. All applicants will be notified no later than four weeks after the respective selection deadline.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Vector Foundation – Emergency aid for Ukrainian refugee scientists
Deadline: Anytime
In view of the dramatic situation in Ukraine, the Vector Foundation would like to offer low-threshold support to refugee scientists quickly and unbureaucratically. To this end, the Vector Foundation provides funding to universities and research institutions in Baden-Württemberg to temporarily employ fled Ukrainian researchers in existing working groups and projects.
Universities, colleges and research institutions in Baden-Württemberg can apply for the funding together with the guest researcher. The funding will be paid out in the form of a fixed sum of 25,000 € per funded person. This call is open to all subject areas.
Applications for funding can now be submitted online via the Foundation's application portal.
Further Information (in German)
ALL DISCIPLINES: Förderprogramme – Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Deadline: Various Dates
Die Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) bietet u.a. folgende Stipendien für Doktorandinnen und Doktoranden und Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler von deutschen Hochschulen an:
- JSPS Summer Program, für Doktoranden und Postdoktoranden:\ Dauer: 2 Monate, Mitte Juni bis Mitte August
- JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (short-term), für Doktoranden und Postdoktoranden:\ Dauer: 1 bis 12 Monate\ Postdocs mit Aufenthalt von über mehr als 6 Monate
- JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (standard), für Postdoktoranden: Dauer: 12-24 Monate, Stipendienantritt zwischen 01. Dezember und 31. März nicht möglich
- JSPS Invitation Fellowship (short-term), Abschluss der Promotion vor mind. 6 Jahren: Dauer: 14 bis 60 Tage
Further Information (in German)
HEIDELBERG UNIVERSITY: Open Access Publishing Fund
Heidelberg University supports researchers who are willing to publish articles in open access journals with a publishing fund to cover article processing charges. One of the prerequisites for funding is that you are a researcher at Heidelberg University as well as the submitting or corresponding author of the article, who is responsible for the payment of the publication fee.
Awards
LAW / ECONOMICS: Foundation Heidelberg University – Fritz-Grunebaum-Award
Deadline: 10.03.2026
The Fritz Grunebaum Prize is awarded for outstanding work in the field of law or economics. It is intended for publishable academic debut works, primarily dissertations. The Fritz Grunebaum Prize is endowed with 3,000 euros.
The faculties of Heidelberg University may nominate up to two outstanding works that have been accepted or completed by the time of this call for applications. Works completed after the end of the last call for applications (February 2025) may also be submitted. The documents, which must be submitted by email (nicole.hoffmann@rektorat.uni-heidelberg.de) or via Heibox, consist of a copy of the scientific work, the reviews, and the author's CV. In addition, a brief statement is requested explaining the process by which the respective faculty arrived at its nominations.
ALL DISCIPLINES: hei_INNOVATION – Ideas Competition 2026
Deadline: 15.03.2026
The hei_INNOVATION Ideas Competition offers members of Heidelberg University the opportunity to submit and further develop innovative ideas and research results with commercialization or transformation potential. The focus is on the potential of the idea to generate societal impact and contribute to solutions for economic, ecological, and social challenges. Evaluation is conducted by hei_INNOVATION together with an interdisciplinary panel of experts from business, culture, and research. The best ideas will be presented and awarded during the IMPACT DAY 2026 at Heidelberg University.
There are two categories:\ Health and Future Technologies targets transformative technologies in the medical and technological fields. The spectrum ranges from innovations in diagnostics, artificial intelligence, and robotics to telemedicine, materials science, and quantum computing. Projects that translate scientific excellence into practical solutions addressing global medical and societal challenges are encouraged.\ Impact Innovation is aimed at ideas from the humanities, social sciences, and related disciplines that combine social justice, ecological sustainability, and technological progress. Economically viable approaches that make measurable contributions to societal and environmental challenges are sought – from education and inclusion to circular economy and sustainable mobility. Regardless of technological maturity, the focus is always on the human dimension.
Participation in the competition offers:\ • Prize money per category\ • Qualified feedback from hei_INNOVATION and an external jury\ • Optional consulting from the hei_INNOVATION team on further commercialization of the idea\ • Professional pitch training for finalists\ • Presentation during the IMPACT DAY 2026, providing visibility within and beyond the university
All members of Heidelberg University, including the Medical Faculties in Heidelberg and Mannheim, are eligible. Participation is possible both individually and in teams, provided that at least one team member belongs to the university community.
NATURAL SCIENCES: Fulbright Germany – Fulbright-Cottrell Award
Deadline: 31.03.2026
With the Fulbright-Cottrell Award, Fulbright Germany recognizes excellent research in the fields of chemistry, physics, and astronomy (including biological systems) in conjunction with outstanding teaching.
The award supports young German scientists with teaching responsibilities (junior group leaders, junior professors, junior lecturers, private lecturers) at universities or non-university research institutions.
The award comprises €63,000 and travel expenses for the transatlantic exchange. It is awarded for a period of three years to selected young scientists who implement integrated teaching and research projects at their German university or scientific institution. \ The award gives recipients access to an international network of teacher-scholars and supports the establishment of transatlantic cooperation with the American Research Corporation for Science Advancement.
In the event of a nomination/application, the Research Department requests a brief notification by email to Dr. Günther R. Mittler: guenther.mittler@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de
ECONOMICS: Joachim Herz Foundation – Joachim Herz Award
Deadline: 31.03.2026
The research award, endowed with €500,000, honors outstanding scientists who wish to further advance their research or facilitate the transfer of their research projects into practical applications. The Joachim Herz Award is presented annually, alternating between the natural sciences and economics and business administration. In 2026, the award will focus on the thematic priority “Smarter use of water.” The Joachim Herz Award honors promising scientists who show outstanding potential in their field of research and whose interdisciplinary research proposal offers solutions to major societal challenges such as the smart use of water. Funded projects are economic research initiatives that cross disciplinary boundaries and creatively incorporate approaches from other fields to develop groundbreaking solutions for the smart use of water. In addition to addressing the topic of water, the contribution should outline, based on the scientific research project, a transfer project that promotes implementation in business, society, or politics.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Heidelberg University – Klaus-Georg and Sigrid Hengstberger Award
Deadline: 01.04.2026
As long as the foundation is financial able, three Klaus-Georg and Sigrid Hengstberger awards will be bestowed annually upon young scientists and researchers of the Ruprecht-Karls-Universität Heidelberg. The awards are intended to enable the awardees organize a scientific symposium “The Ruperto Carola Symposium at the IWH: A Sponsorship Award for Young Scientists.” As of 2026, a sum of 15.000 Euros will be awarded to each of the three selected projects.
The award is aimed at scientists, researchers or scholars working in any academic discipline, be it natural sciences and medicine or humanities and social sciences. The award ceremony for the Klaus-Georg and Sigrid Hengstberger Award takes place during the anniversary celebrations ('Jahresfeier’) of the Ruprecht-Karls University.
Information for Postdocs
Events
ALL DISCIPLINES: Heidelberg University Postdoc Network – Kick-Off with Networking and PubQuiz Night
When? 05.03.2026, 5 – 9 p.m.
Where? Room 005, Centre for Organismal Studies (COS, INF230)
The Heidelberg University Postdoc Network invites you to a Pub Quiz Night on Thursday, March 5, at 5 p.m. This kick-off event for the year 2026 combines networking with the fun of solving puzzles together.
The event will take place on Thursday, March 5, at 5 p.m. in Room 005 at the Centre for Organismal Studies (COS, INF230).\ This is a great opportunity to network with other postdocs at the university, test your knowledge, compete for a prize, and enjoy pizza and drinks!
You can come with a team (maximum 6 people per team) or be assigned to a team on site.
To ensure that there is enough food and drink, please register in advance.
ALL SUBJECT AREAS: DFG – Prospects: Online Talk Series on DFG Funding Opportunities for Research Careers
When? Several dates
Where? Online
Germany’s largest independent research funding organisation offers funding opportunities for all career stages between doctorate and professorship. Join our online talk and get to know the DFG and its funding portfolio for postdocs.
We offer an overview of all funding instruments for the time after your PhD as well as specific focus talks on the Walter Benjamin Programme, the Emmy Noether Programme and the Heisenberg Programme. We will also provide advice on how to prepare your proposal for the review process and answer your questions. PhD candidates and postdocs of all disciplines are welcome to join!
The Webex link for each info talk will be published on this page shortly before the respective dates. No prior registration is required.
Upcoming talks in the Prospects Series
10 February 2026, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. CET – The Emmy Noether Programme\ 11 March 2026, 10:30 a.m. - noon CET – DFG-Förderangebote für Postdocs (in German)\ 14 April 2026, 2:30 - 4:00 p.m. CET – Das Walter Benjamin-Programm (in German)\ 20 May 2026, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. CET – DFG funding Opportunities for Postdocs\ 25 June 2026, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m. CET – The Emmy Noether Programme
ALL DISCIPLINES: Heidelberg Research Service – Information and Advice on Horizon Europe 2025
Deadline: Anytime
Under Horizon Europe, the EU's current framework programme for research and innovation (2021-2027), a large part of the funding budget is distributed by means of top-down calls for research proposals on specific subjects and aimed at international consortia of Principal Investigators (PIs) from different European universities and research organisations. These calls are predefined in work programmes for the various parts of Horizon Europe published every one or two years.
Current drafts of these work programmes are available from the Heidelberg Research Service. If you are interested in these calls and would like to coordinate or participate in a consortium applying for them, we kindly invite you to get in touch with the EU Team of the Heidelberg Research Service. In individual consultations, we can share the details of the EU drafts with you and advise you regarding the next steps.
If you are interested, then please contact Dr. Moritz Vogel (moritz.vogel@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de) or Dr. Xenja Herren (xenja.herren@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de).
ALL DISCIPLINES: heiTRACKS – Leadership Coaching for Junior Research Group Leaders
When? Anytime
Where? Online
The leadership coaching offers you temporary support in consciously and professionally shaping your leadership role as a junior group leader at Heidelberg University.
The offer is ongoing and can be taken up at any time. If you have any further questions, please contact Ms. Susanne Scheer: susanne.scheer@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de
ALL DISCILPINES: Heidelberg University – Courses of the Scientific Software Centre
When? Multiple dates
Where? Online
The Scientific Software Center (SSC) of Heidelberg University offers a variety of courses connected to scientific software development. If you want to learn git, how to test your software and about best practices in Python, then joing the half-day courses or block courses of the software center.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Heidelberg University – IP & Transfer consultation hour of ScienceValue Heidelberg GmbH (SVH) at INF Campus
When? Multiple dates
Where? hei_INNOVATION Hub (INF 370)
Would you like to learn how to get the best possible protection for the intellectual property originating from your research results?
Then you are welcome to visit the next open IP & Transfer consultation hour of ScienceValue Heidelberg GmbH (SVH) at INF Campus Heidelberg to receive advice on all questions related to the exploitation of your intellectual property!\ SVH's open IP & Transfer consultation hours at INF Campus Heidelberg are held monthly, usually on the first Tuesday of the month.
If you have any questions, for example about scheduling an individual appointment, you can contact their team by sending an email to sciencevalue.heidelberg@med.uni-heidelberg.de or by visiting their website.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Jagiellonian University Krakau – PROM Programme: Short-Term Academic Exchange
Deadline: Anytime
The PROM Programme is a short-term academic exchange designed to support doctoral students in expanding their knowledge and skills. The programme enables PhD students to take part in various short-term educational activities, including courses, workshops, professional internships, study visits, conferences, and summer or winter schools organized by the Jagiellonian University.
The PROM Programme covers travel expenses, living costs, and, if applicable, conference fees or participation costs for summer and winter schools. To apply, candidates must independently identify a Jagiellonian University academic staff member willing to host and supervise the visit.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Psychological University Ambulance – prEVENTion Heidelberg
When? Multiple dates
Where? Psychological Institute of Heidelberg University
The best prevention against depression, anxiety and mental stress is contact with other people. Therefore, the basic idea of prEVENTion is to prevent mental stress through joint positive activities. prEVENTion is an association in which students regularly organize and hold various activities (e.g. handicrafts, cooking, reading, sports) without any obligation.
Especially people who have experienced depression or who come from a family in which one or both parents were ill with depression should feel addressed, since there is an increased risk of illness here. Furthermore the offer is directed at people who do not (or no longer) have sufficient access to their social network (e.g. due to relocation, separation, change of life situation), or who are currently going through a difficult phase in life.
ALL DISCILPINES: Heidelberg University – Courses of the Scientific Software Centre
When? Multiple dates
Where? Online
The Scientific Software Center (SSC) of Heidelberg University offers a variety of courses connected to scientific software development. If you want to learn Git, how to test your software and about best practices in Python, then join the half-day courses or block courses of the software center.
They offer:
- Courses related to scientific software development that are open for all faculties
- A mentoring program "Reproducible Science" for doctoral students
- Consultation hours to aid you with your software development questions
- Software development services
ALL DISCIPLINES: eDOCation – Young researchers ("eDOCs") Further education for companies
What is eDOCation all about?
eDOCation is the first online platform where young scientists ("eDOCs") offer continuing education for companies. I launched the initiative together with my former doctoral colleague Tobias Hornig (now a data scientist at Siemens). The platform contributes to the transfer of knowledge from universities to business practice and to improving the financial situation and future prospects of doctoral students, postdocs and junior professors. Market research conducted by us has shown that our eDOCs could earn a high three-digit € amount for a two-hour research workshop in companies. At the same time, eDOCation offers companies and their employees the opportunity to benefit from state-of-the-art science in the sense of lifelong learning and to gain access to the country's brightest minds as mentors in the "war for talent". The company is currently being promoted by the Stifterverband as one of the "30 best ideas for the education, science and innovation system of tomorrow" as part of the WIRKUNG HOCH 100 initiative. More information about eDOCation is available at www.edocation.org and in the attached presentation.
You want to get to know us?
The eDOCation Powerbank regularly offers free and non-binding workshops that can support you in research & teaching as well as personal growth. The following events are planned for the semester break (including links to Eventbrite).
\ Would you like to give talks in companies and be one of our eDOCs?\ Send us your application including the following documents
- CV [or link to LinkedIn profile],
- High resolution picture,
- research topic/s,
- training offer for companies (e.g. lectures, seminars, workshops),
- declaration that we may use your data,
please send your application to edoc@edocation.org. More information, such as selection criteria or forms of continuing education, can be found here. You can view the profiles of our current eDOCs here.
How else can you support us?
If you find the idea of eDOCation exciting, we would be happy if you would personally recommend it to friends and acquaintances in academia and industry. You can also help us to expand our network and keep up to date with the latest news by following us on LinkedIn.
POST-DOCS OF ALL DISCIPLINES: heiTRACKS Heidelberg University – Support for Postdoctoral Researchers - Two New Services
Career Coaching for Postdocs – Ongoing Services
Postdocs (2-4 years after completing their doctorate) now have the opportunity for individual Career Coaching. In confidential one-on-one meetings with a university internal coach, the own career path can be consciously reflected upon and actively shaped.
Fellowships
STEM-SUBJECTS: Carl Zeiss Foundation – CZS Wildcard
Internal deadline: 05.03.2026
With the CZS Wildcard funding program, the Carl Zeiss Foundation is opening up the space to pursue research projects at a very early stage. The aim is to support unconventional ideas in the STEM field with high innovation potential. CZS Wildcard is explicitly aimed at interdisciplinary consortia of three to five scientists with projects that are radically new and therefore particularly daring. Individual scientific preparatory work is not required. Funding of up to EUR 750,000 can be applied for over a funding period of two years. In addition to the project funding applied for, the Carl Zeiss Foundation will pay a flat-rate overhead fee of 20 percent of the funding amount.
The University of Heidelberg may submit a maximum of four applications with a spokesperson function. Applicants are requested to submit their complete application documents to the respective Research Councils of Fields of Focus 1 and 2 by March 5, 2026, for forwarding and selection by the Rectorate. For the life sciences and medical sciences (including engineering sciences), please contact the Research Council of Field of Focus 1; for the natural sciences and STEM fields, please contact the Research Council of Field of Focus 2.
The external application deadline is March 20, 2026.
HUMANITIES & SOCIAL SCIENCES: ANR & DFG – Funding Program for German-French Research Projects in the Humanities and Social Sciences
Deadline: 05.03.2026
Since 2007, the joint agreement between the French Agence Nationale de la Recherche (ANR) and the German Research Foundation (DFG) on scientific cooperation in the humanities and social sciences has enabled the funding of integrated Franco-German research projects.
The ANR-DFG funding program does not specify any particular topics. However, particular attention is paid to intensive Franco-German cooperation and the specific scientific added value that can be achieved by bringing together nationally influenced scientific traditions in the humanities and social sciences. In areas where German and French play a role as scientific languages, the advantages of multilingualism can also be exploited and demonstrated in the context of scientific cooperation.
Since 2010, postdoctoral researchers have also been given the opportunity to submit their own project proposals in cooperation with researchers from the partner country.
Funding applications can be submitted to the DFG and the ANR simultaneously by March 5, 2026 (1:00 p.m.).
Further information (German only)
VARIOUS SUBJECTS: DFG – Call for Proposals “Industry Data for Research” to Support Research Data Cooperation
Deadline: 11.03.2026
The German Research Foundation (DFG) is providing impetus for the promotion of research data cooperation between science and industry in the fields of health and mobility.
The aim is to support time-limited, topic-specific research projects in which fundamental scientific questions are addressed with the help of company data. The aim is to initiate and expand cooperation and to tap into the transfer potential of data for innovation.
Applications can be submitted by scientists at German universities and research institutions who are eligible to apply to the DFG. Funding can only be applied for on behalf of the academic project partner. Investments are not eligible for funding. Funding is provided in two phases: first, for initiating and preparing the collaboration with companies, and then for conducting the research based on the data provided.
VARIOUS SUBJECTS: BMFTR - Funding for young scientists Global change: Innovative methods in climate modeling
Deadline: 15.03.2026
With this measure, the BMFTR is promoting young research groups that are investigating the relationships and interactions between the various components of the global Earth system using AI and new modeling methods, thereby contributing to an improved understanding of the global climate system. The research activities are intended to expand and improve national global climate modeling activities.
This funding measure is aimed at young scientists. The scientists should already have experience in research and, where applicable, in teaching. The young scientists receiving funding should not be older than 35 years of age when submitting their outline. The head of the junior research group must hold a doctorate. As a rule, the doctorate should have been completed no more than six years ago.
The term of the junior research groups is generally set at five years. The departments/university institutes must demonstrate an interest in the topic to be addressed by the junior research group and provide documentation of this interest. A corresponding statement may be attached to the project outline, which should include confirmation that the necessary rooms and basic equipment, including the necessary basic apparatus, will be provided.
The application process is a two-stage process. In the first stage, project outlines in English must be submitted in electronic form by March 15, 2026, at the latest. When submitting an outline, the Research Department requests that a short notification be sent to the Heidelberg Research Service: christian.schulz@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de
Further information (German only)
LIFE SCIENCES: Health + Life Science Alliance Heidelberg Manheim – Interinstitutional Postdoc Program
Deadline: 31.03.2026, 5 p.m.
The Alliance is looking for outstanding, international early career scientists, including clinician scientists, for bridging projects between two or more Alliance partner institutions.
All applicants must apply with their own research project proposal supervised by at least two PIs at different Alliance institutions and must contact the Alliance PIs of their choice prior to applying. Applicants require a letter of support signed by the Alliance PIs.
Applicants may write their research proposal based on the innovative, interinstitutional project outlines proposed by project leaders of the Alliance specifically for this call. Alternatively, applicants are also welcome to define their research proposal independent from the proposed project outlines, but also with at least two PIs at different Alliance institutions.
The Alliance primarily supports basic and translational research in the fields of cancer research, cardiovascular research, neuropsychiatric diseases, genomics, synthetic immunology, molecular engineering, medical technologies and novel applications of AI concepts in health and life science research.
The Alliance provides funds for two-year postdoctoral positions at Alliance institutions with the earliest start date on August 1, 2026 and the latest start date on January 1, 2027.
Clinician scientists will receive 12 months of funding from the Alliance for the research project over a period of 24 months during the "Facharztausbildung"/specialist medical training. The clinical position during this time must be guaranteed by the employing hospital/PI where the "Facharztausbildung"/specialist medical training will be performed.
This interinstitutional program offers an excellent interdisciplinary scientific environment. It offers access to high-end technologies and state-of-the-art labs at world-class research institutions in the life sciences at the campus environment of Heidelberg University in Baden-Württemberg, Germany, one of the largest biomedical research hubs in Europe.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Wübben Foundation – Sandpit
Deadline: 31.03.2026
Wübben Stiftung Wissenschaft sandpits invite researchers to work outside their comfort zone in unconventional constellations in order to give shape to an overarching topic and develop fresh approaches and research questions that promise to deliver innovative insights. The program welcomes research topics that are not covered by the mainstream of existing funding opportunities and thus promise to break new ground. The format requires all participants to be outstanding, intellectually open-minded team players so as to create a setting in which established traditions of thought and disciplinary boundaries can be called into question. Participants should not have collaborated or published together previously. The goal of the program is to generate unorthodox ideas for projects that set out to tackle highly relevant challenges in today’s society.
The theme 2026 is «Understanding, shaping, and transforming bureaucracy».
The funding amount comprises €50.000.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Baden-Württemberg Foundation – Elite program for postdocs from the Baden-Württemberg Foundation: Call for applications 2026
Deadline: 31.03.2026 (internal), 31.05.2026 (external)
With its elite program for postdoctoral researchers, the Baden-Württemberg Foundation specifically targets outstanding young scientists at the state's universities. Funding for a research project that is independently applied for and managed, and integration into the program's network, are intended to support young scientists in their academic careers.
Note: The call for applications does not extend to the field of clinical medicine. However, life science/medical projects that can be classified as basic research are eligible for funding. Applications from the field of medicine must therefore be accompanied by a corresponding confirmation from the faculty.
At the end of the year, the BW Foundation will again be able to accept 9-12 new postdoctoral researchers into the elite program. Funding from the foundation is limited to three years and amounts to a maximum of €200,000. The postdoctoral position itself may not be financed from the elite program's funds.
Internal procedure\ Heidelberg University may submit up to six applications in total. The final selection will be made by the university management. This requires the faculties or central institutions with multiple applicants to rank their candidates in advance. We therefore ask interested parties to contact their respective faculties or central institutions in good time and submit their applications (as one (1) PDF document) by March 31, 2026, at the latest. Only complete applications (including confirmation of the institute's own contribution) that are submitted to the Research Department (see contact details below) in digital form by April 14, 2026, with a ranking by the faculty/central institution, can be considered for the final selection. Dr. Simon Kopp is the contact person at the Research Department: simon.kopp@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de
Further information (German only)
STEM-DISCIPLINES: DFG - Priority Programme "A contribution to the realization of the energy transition: Optimization of thermochemical energy conversion processes for the flexible utilization of hydrogen-based renewable fuels using additive manufacturing" (SPP 2419)
Deadline: 31.03.2026
The Senate of the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) established the Priority Programme “A contribution to the realization of the energy transition: Optimization of thermochemical energy conversion processes for the flexible utilization of hydrogen-based renewable fuels using additive manufacturing” (SPP 2419). The programme is designed to run for six years.
The present call invites proposals for the second three-year funding period.
The programme focuses on optimising thermochemical energy-conversion processes for the flexible use of hydrogen-based renewable fuels, enabled through innovative manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing (AM). Its overarching aims are to develop the domain-specific knowledge and methods, to create an interdisciplinary research field between combustion science and manufacturing, and to demonstrate the approach both computationally and experimentally.
The specific goals include the advancement of methods, since the design of highly complex AM-manufactured burner concepts and appropriately adapted operating strategies requires an integrated process combining predictive simulation, AM and experimental analysis.
To ensure the required interdisciplinary approach, each project should ideally consist of three parts: one experimental and one theory/simulation/modelling subproject from the combustion field, complemented by an AM-focused subproject.
VARIOUS SUBJECT AREAS: Gerda Henkel Foundation – Prospect Utopia
Deadline: 15.04.2026
To mark its 50th anniversary in 2026, the Gerda Henkel Foundation is launching a funding programme that seeks to enquire into the realms of the possible and the horizon of the not-yet-known. Researchers from all the fields supported by the Foundation are invited to reflect on the significance of their disciplines in terms of the meaning these have for lived reality and as a way of providing orientation and thus to explore the future with regard to its possible shapes and the potential for interpretation and creation it offers. In doing so, the approaches may hinge on the representation of and/or reflection on historical visions of the future, or equally address horizons of expectation or conceptions of future practice and the scope for scholarship to act. Based on the conviction that utopias of successful social coexistence require a cultural awareness, the aim is to arrive at a current definition of what determines the communicative, identity-forming, and consensus-building role of these scholarly enterprises today and in the future, and how it can be reinforced or renewed.
The funding programme is open to researchers from the postdoctoral level onwards. The form in which the approved funds are used is at the discretion of each recipient, and alternative, experimental formats for tackling the subject and documenting the results are expressly encouraged. The results should also be aimed at an audience beyond the academic and university world. Applications are not dependent on the nationality of the applicant or their place of work.
A total of 50 projects will be announced with a project sum of up to EUR 50,000 in each instance.
VARIOUS DISCIPLINES: VolkswagenStiftung – Transatlantic Bridge Professorships
Deadline: anytime starting January 15, 2026
With its ‘Transatlantic Bridge Professorships’ funding programme, the Volkswagen Foundation offers internationally renowned professors from the humanities and social sciences in the USA the opportunity to connect with German institutions. The aim is to deepen academic exchange between the USA and Germany and to provide new impetus for research at German universities.
Funding is provided to professors conducting research on the topics of ‘The Future of Democracy,’ ‘Fundamental Rights and Academic Freedom,’ or ‘The Future of Transatlantic Relations.’ The funding covers a three-year affiliation with a German institution at a rate of 25 to 50 percent. During this time, fellows will spend three to six months in Germany each year, but will retain their positions in the USA and continue their academic work there.
The funds can be used proportionally for the professorship in Germany as well as for travel, rental and material costs. The maximum funding amount is €300,000 for three years.
The Volkswagen Foundation invites interested institutions to participate in an online consultation hour on 9 December 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. to learn more about the role of host and the application process. Registration is via the registration form.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation – Feodor Lynen Research Fellowships
Deadline: Anytime
With the Feodor Lynen Research Fellowships, the Humboldt Foundation enables researchers from Germany with above-average qualifications to spend long-term research periods abroad with members of the Humboldt Network. Applications are possible from all disciplines and for all countries abroad.
Who is eligible to apply?\ Postdocs who are at the beginning of their academic career and have completed their doctorate no more than four years ago can apply for a 6 to 24-month fellowship.\ Experienced researchers who completed their doctorate no more than twelve years ago can apply for a 6- to 18-month fellowship. Applicants are expected to have a clearly recognisable independent academic profile. As a rule, they should therefore already be working at least as a post-doctoral lecturer or junior professor, be in charge of a junior research group or be able to demonstrate several years of independent academic activity.\ \ Scholarship benefits\ The amount of the scholarship varies depending on the destination country and living situation. Please use the scholarship calculator to calculate the amount individually. Travel expenses are additionally reimbursed.
VARIOUS DISCIPLINES: BMBK – Funding for applied energy research
Deadline: Anytime
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) supports companies, research institutes, universities and other institutions. New technologies, processes and services are needed to make Germany climate-neutral by 2045. At the same time, the resilience and security of the entire energy system must be maintained and expanded.
Collaborative projects involving industry and science are particularly welcome. The application procedure is usually a two-stage process.
Further Information (in German)
ALL DISCIPLINES: BMWK – R&D cooperation projects within the framework of ZIM
Deadline: Anytime
The "Central Innovation Program for SMEs" (ZIM) is an open-topic program to promote research and development (R&D) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and for non-profit research institutions cooperating with them.
Funding is available for R&D cooperation projects between companies or between companies and research institutions for the development of innovative products, processes or technical services without restriction to specific technologies or industries.
At Heidelberg University, you can obtain advice on knowledge and technology transfer, on the exploitation of research results and on planning start-ups from the transfer agency hei_INNOVATION.
Further Information (in German)
ALL DISCIPLINES: DFG – Support for Researchers in View of the Terrorist Attacks on Israel and Their Consequences
Deadline: Anytime
In view of the current situation, the German Research Foundation (DFG) is offering targeted support and relief measures to researchers in DFG-funded projects who are affected by the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel and the current situation in the region.
Additional proposals of up to 20,000 euros can be submitted informally by the project leader at short notice with appropriate justification and should be decided on promptly. The DFG Head Office is available for individual consultations for more extensive project adjustments and additional funding requirements.
In general, funding that has already been approved can also be used to ensure the continuation of research work without any further effort.
VARIOUS DISCIPLINES: EFR – Future Fellowships "Green Hydrogen 2023"
Deadline: Anytime
With this scholarship program, the DAAD supports master's students, doctoral candidates and postdocs from various disciplines who are working in the field of "green hydrogen". Funding is provided for research projects and self-organized internships in the extended European Research Area (ERA).
Funding is also available for a stay in other non-European countries (e.g. Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, Japan). PhD students and PostDocs can submit their application at any time.
Further Information (in German)
LIFE SCIENCES: EMBO – Maria Leptin Science Journalism Fellowship
Deadline: Anytime
The fellowship are intended for life scientists who wish to pursue a career in science journalism and journalists who wish to deepen and broaden their knowledge of the latest research fields and technologies.
Fellows will receive stipends for a duration of three to twelve months to fund stays in media outlets of any type, editorial offices or research institutions of their choice to help advance their careers.
Life scientists applying must have a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or higher, and must have published samples of any kind of their work in science journalism on topics related to basic biological research. Applicants must reside in one of the 31 EMBC Member States.
Applications can be submitted throughout the year, with three selection rounds per year. All complete applications received by 1 February, 1 June or 1 October will be considered. All applicants will be notified no later than four weeks after the respective selection deadline.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Fulbright Program – Fellowships for Research and Teaching
Deadline: Anytime
With the scholarships for German scientists, the Fulbright Commission supports the establishment and deepening of contacts between German and American universities and research institutions, the establishment of German and American guest lectureships and joint research projects at the respective universities involved.
Applications are open to postdoctoral scholars (professors, lecturers, and junior research assistants) who plan to spend three to nine months teaching and/or conducting research at an academic institution in the United States.
Applications can be submitted at any time, but at least nine months before the planned start of the stay. If you have any questions about the Research and Teaching program, please contact germanscholars@fulbright.de.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Humboldt Foundation – Henriette Herz-Scouting-Program
Deadline: Anytime
The Henriette Herz Scouting Program enables successful scientists in Germany to actively approach highly sought-after international researchers from abroad who have not yet applied to the Foundation and invite them to carry out joint research projects at their institutions.
Apply to become a scout if you hold a (junior) professorship or comparable management position (e.g. group leader) in Germany, can demonstrate visible academic success, have a good international network and successfully promote the careers of junior researchers. As a Humboldt Scout, you can identify up to three potential research fellows abroad per year and propose them for a Humboldt Research Fellowship.
Applications for a position as a scout can be made online at any time via the foundation's website.
PHYSICS: NSF/DFG – Funding Opportunity for Collaborations in Physics
Deadline: Anytime
To facilitate the support of collaborative work between US groups and their German counterparts, the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Physics Division (PHY) and the DFG’s Physics and Chemistry division have recently agreed on a joint lead-agency process for projects in the area of Physics.
Proposals in which the DFG is the lead agency can be submitted on a continuous basis. For proposals in which the lead agency is the NSF, please refer to the NSF-Physics Division for specific timing of deadlines.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Vector Foundation – Emergency aid for Ukrainian refugee scientists
Deadline: Anytime
In view of the dramatic situation in Ukraine, the Vector Foundation would like to offer low-threshold support to refugee scientists quickly and unbureaucratically. To this end, the Vector Foundation provides funding to universities and research institutions in Baden-Württemberg to temporarily employ Ukrainian researchers who have fled in existing working groups and projects.
Universities, colleges and research institutions in Baden-Württemberg can apply for the funding together with the guest researcher. The funding will be paid out in the form of a fixed sum of 25,000 € per funded person. This call is open to all subject areas.
Applications for funding can now be submitted online via the Foundation's application portal.
Further Information (in German)
VARIOUS DISCIPLINES: Vector Foundation – Grants for research projects in the field of climate protection
Deadline: Anytime
The Vector Foundation has opened its 2025 call for proposals for the project "Research for Climate Protection". Project applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis. The program supports researchers in their search for scientific and technical solutions for better climate protection. The current call for proposals is aimed at scientists who are working on new innovative concepts or technological (further) developments to reduce CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere.
Universities, colleges and non-university research institutions in Baden-Württemberg are eligible to apply. Projects can be carried out as individual or joint projects. Up to 350,000 euros can be applied for per project for a maximum duration of 36 months.
There is no deadline for submission. Applications for funding can be submitted online via the application portal throughout the year.
Further Information (only German)
VARIOUS DISCIPLINES: BMBF – Promotion of quantum technologies
Deadline: Various dates
The BMBF is participating in the partnership "Joint Undertaking Chips" (JU Chips). Within this framework, one of the objectives of the "Chips for Europe" initiative is to support the development and introduction of state-of-the-art quantum technology. In particular, advanced capacities are to be created to accelerate the development of innovative quantum chips.
As a rule, the Chips JV publishes annual calls for proposals. Projects are selected for European funding by the JV Chips in a one- or two-stage procedure involving external experts.
Applicants are obliged to contact the responsible project management organization (VDI TZ) of the BMBF before submitting a project proposal and to submit a pre-proposal in order to ensure support at national level in the subsequent process.
Further Information (only German)
ALL DISCIPLINES: Heidelberg University – Bridging funding for PostDocs within the framework of heiTRACKS
Deadline: Anytime
Introducing the option of bridging funding for independent junior researchers on the path to professorship within the framework of the heiTRACKS programme.
For independent junior researchers who from July 1st, 2021 acquire an ERC Starting Grant or a DFG Emmy Noether Independent Junior Research Group Leader, Heidelberg University offers bridging funding as part of its heiTRACKS programme for the promotion of young researchers. Subject to a positive evaluation, the position of the junior research group leader will continue to be financed until a professorship is attained (but for a maximum of three years). The evaluation takes place at the end of the fourth year of the project and includes as criteria (1) the successful acquisition of further third-party funding, amounting to at least 200,000 EUR and (2) subject-specific outstanding and independent publication achievements.
Please note: Bridging funding does not apply to the Medical Faculties Mannheim and Heidelberg.
For further questions on bridging funding and advice on the application procedures for ERC Starting Grants and the DFG Emmy Noether programme, please contact the project manager(s) responsible for your area of research in the Heidelberg Research Service of the Research Division (D6).
VARIOUS DISCIPLINES: Heidelberg University – Fields of Focus 4: Early-Career Projects Get Started!
Deadline: Anytime
The Research Council of FoF4: „Self-Regulation and Regulation: Individuals and Societies” plans to fund research projects by early-career researchers (i.e., regularly post-doctoral researchers with non-permanent positions but eventually also doctoral students) who intend to use on of the core facilities at Heidelberg University for a specific research project.
This call is open for all areas of research. Projects should address one specific research aim or comprise one particular study that then provides the necessary preliminary work for acquiring third-party funding (e.g. a DFG individual grant).
ALL DISCIPLINES: European Commission – Open Access Publishing Plattform
Deadline: Anytime
The European Commission has launched the Open Access publishing platform "Open Research Europe" for publishing research results from Horizon 2020. The platform facilitates OA compliance for project beneficiaries and provides a publishing venue for researchers to share their results and findings and engage in open, constructive research discussion, including through peer review.
MEDICINE AND NATURAL SCIENCES: Stipendien der Max-Kade-Foundation
Deadline: Anytime
Das Stipendienprogramms der Max-Kade-Foundation zielt darauf ab, Forschungsaufenthalte von Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftlern aus den Bereichen der Naturwissenschaften und Medizin aus der Bundesrepublik Deutschland in den USA zu fördern.
Die Stipendien sind für überdurchschnittlich qualifizierte Nachwuchswissenschaftlerinnen und Nachwuchswissenschaftler (im Regelfall bis zu 12 Jahren nach Promotion) bestimmt, die sich bereits durch eine mehrjährige Forschungstätigkeit oder herausragende Forschungsleistungen fachlich ausweisen können.
Die Stipendien werden für die Dauer von 12 Monaten vergeben. Das Grundstipendium beträgt 53.500 USD. Es können Zuschläge für Ehegatten/Lebenspartner/Kinder/Reisekosten gewährt werden.
Further Information (in German)
ALL DISCIPLINES: Walter Benjamin-Programm (Postdocs)
Deadline: Anytime
Das Walter Benjamin-Programm ermöglicht es Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftlern in der Qualifizierungsphase im Anschluss an die Promotion, ein eigenes Forschungsvorhaben am Ort ihrer Wahl selbständig umzusetzen.\ Mit der Einwerbung von Fördergeldern für ein eigenständiges Forschungsvorhaben wird der Grundstein für die weitere, zunehmend selbständige wissenschaftliche Karriere gelegt und die erwünschte Eigenverantwortlichkeit von besonders qualifizierten Postdoktorandinnen und Postdoktoranden gestärkt. Das Programm dient damit der Förderung der frühen wissenschaftlichen Karriere. Es hat zum Ziel, die in dieser Karrierephase relevante Mobilität und thematische Weiterentwicklung zu unterstützen, daher ist in dem Programm im Regelfall ein Wechsel der Einrichtung vorgesehen.\ \ Antragsberechtigt sind Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler ausschließlich in einer frühen wissenschaftlichen Karrierephase. Eine Förderung bedingt eine abgeschlossene wissenschaftliche Ausbildung (mit Promotion). Das Vorhaben darf an keiner Einrichtung angesiedelt werden, die nicht gemeinnützig ist, oder die die Veröffentlichung der Ergebnisse in allgemein zugänglicher Form nicht gestattet.
Further Information (in German)
NATURAL SCIENCES AND MEDICINE: Leopoldina-Postdoc-Stipendium
Deadline: Anytime
Zielgruppe des Programms sind jüngere Nachwuchswissenschaftlerinnen und Nachwuchswissenschaftler aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz aus naturwissenschaftlichen und medizinischen Fachgebieten, die bereits ein eigenständiges Forschungsprofil erkennen lassen. Bei bewilligter Förderung führen sie eigenständige Projekte an den renommiertesten Forschungsstätten ihrer Disziplinen im Ausland durch. Deutsche Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler müssen Forschungsstätten im Ausland wählen.
Österreichische und schweizerische Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler können sich nur für Gastinstitute in Deutschland bewerben.
Ziel des Programms ist, dass die Geförderten nach Ablauf des Förderzeitraums in ihr Heimatland zurückkehren und ihre erworbene Qualifikation in den Wissenschaftsstandort einbringen.
Further Information (in German)
VARIOUS DISCIPLINES: Fritz-Thyssen-Stiftung: Forschungsstipendien für Postdocs
Deadline: Anytime
The Fritz Thyssen Foundation is awarding research stipends to junior postdocs who want to fully focus on a research project of their choice for one to two years.
Eligible are postdocs who have been awarded their doctoral / PhD degrees one to two years prior to their applications. They should be able to carry out their project within one to two years. The project needs to be linked to their own, independent research plan that is to be carried out while working at a university or non-profit research organisation.
An application can be filed in the following areas of support (for details, please visit the webpage of the Thyssen foundation):
- History, Language & Culture
- The interdisciplinary field “Image–Sound–Language”
- State, Economy and Society
- Medicine and the Natural Sciences
Funding is basically reserved for projects that are related to the promotion areas of the Foundation and have a clear connection to the German research system. This connection can be established either at a personal level through German scientists working on the project, at an institutional level through non-German scientists being affiliated to German research institutes or through studies on topics related thematically to German research interests.
No stipends are awarded for doctoral dissertations or “Habilitationen” (post-doctoral research) or to complete such works to follow up support through other institutions. The foundation generally does not accept any applications for projects if applications are being filed with other institutions offering support at the same time. An application that is refused by another institution can be filed with the foundation along with a note explaining why it was refused.
ALL DISCIPLINES: Förderprogramme – Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
Deadline: abhängig vom jeweiligen Programm
Die Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) bietet u.a. folgende Stipendien für Doktorandinnen und Doktoranden und Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler an deutschen Hochschulen an:
- JSPS Summer Program, für Doktoranden und Postdoktoranden:\ Dauer: 2 Monate, Mitte Juni bis Mitte August
- JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (short-term), für Doktoranden und Postdoktoranden:\ Dauer: 1 bis 12 Monate\ Postdocs mit Aufenthalt von über mehr als 6 Monate
- JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship (standard), für Postdoktoranden: Dauer: 12-24 Monate, Stipendienantritt zwischen 01. Dezember und 31. März nicht möglich
- JSPS Invitation Fellowship (short-term), Abschluss der Promotion vor mind. 6 Jahren: Dauer: 14 bis 60 Tage
Further Information (in German)
HEIDELBERG UNIVERSITY: Open Access Publishing Fund
Heidelberg University supports researchers who are willing to publish articles in open access journals with a publishing fund to cover article processing charges. One of the prerequisites for funding is that you are a researcher at Heidelberg University as well as the submitting or corresponding author of the article, who is responsible for the payment of the publication fee.
HISTORICAL SCIENCES: Forschungsstipendien am Deutschen Historischen Institut Paris
Deadline: Anytime
Das Deutsche Historische Institut Paris (DHIP) fördert den wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchs im Bereich der Geschichtswissenschaften. Es vergibt hierzu Stipendien an fortgeschrittene M.A.-Studierende, Doktorandinnen und Doktoranden, Post-Doktorandinnen und Post-Doktoranden und Habilitierte für Forschungsvorhaben zur westeuropäischen, insbesondere zur französischen und deutsch-französischen Geschichte.\ \ Das DHIP unterstützt laufende Forschungsprojekte in ihrer Durchführung (Mobilitäts-Stipendien, Resident-Stipendien) sowie die Entwicklung neuer Forschungsprojekte (Forschungsstart-Stipendien).\ \ Die Stipendien des DHIP richten sich an Bewerberinnen und Bewerber aus der deutschen Wissenschaftslandschaft, unabhängig von ihrer Nationalität. Die Zugehörigkeit zu einer deutschen Krankenversicherung ist obligatorisch. Die Höhe eines Stipendiums des DHIP beträgt monatlich 2.000 € für Habilitierte sowie Post-Doktoranden und Post-Doktorandinnen, 1.500 € für Doktorandinnen und Doktoranden und 1.200 € für M.A.-Studierende.
Further Information (in German)
Awards
MEDICINE: University Heidelberg - Hella Bühler Prize
Deadline: 31.01.2026
The Hella Bühler Prize is a research award for young researchers at Heidelberg University who already have outstanding work in the field of cancer research but have not yet been appointed to a permanent professorship.
Scientists at Heidelberg University with a clinical or non-clinical project in the field of cancer research are eligible to apply. Researchers from collaborations of the university with institutions outside the university can also apply, provided that there is a corresponding connection to the university.
The prize is endowed with EUR 100,000 and funds are freely available within the project.
BIO SCIENCES: Noster & Science – Microbiome Prize
Deadline: 14.02.2026
The NOSTER & Science Microbiome Prize is an international award that recognizes innovative research by investigators who received their M.D., Ph.D., or M.D./Ph.D. in the last ten years, and are working on the functional attributes of the microbiota. The research can include any organism that has potential to contribute to our understanding of human or veterinary health and disease, or to guide therapeutic interventions. The winner and finalists will be chosen by a committee of independent scientists, chaired by a senior editor at Science.
The first prize includes a USD 25,000 cash award, an online subscription to Science — and \ your winning essay published in Science!
STEM-Subjects: L'Oréal, UNESCO Deutschland, Humboldt-Netzwerk - For Women in Science Award
Deadline: 21.02.2026
With the For Women in Science Germany Award, L'Oréal Germany, the German UNESCO Commission, and the German Humboldt Network annually honor four outstanding early-career female scientists in STEM disciplines. The aim is to promote excellent research and innovative project ideas in the early stages of their careers and to strengthen the visibility of women in science.
The prize is endowed with €25,000 and can be used flexibly, e.g., for projects, equipment, or childcare. Doctoral students in their final year, postdocs, postdoctoral researchers, or junior professors within six years of completing their doctorate are eligible to apply.
Applicants must have a valid employment contract or scholarship for at least 50% of a full-time position in research for at least 12 months from the date of application.
In the event of a nomination/application, the Research Department requests a brief notification by email to Dr. Günther R. Mittler: guenther.mittler@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de
NATURAL SCIENCES: Klaus Tschira Foundation - KlarText Prize for Science Communication
Deadline: 28.02.2026
Recent PhD graduates can apply for the KlarText Prize for Science Communication until February 28, 2026. The Klaus Tschira Foundation is looking for young scientists who completed their doctorates in 2024 or 2025 with a grade of “very good” and who explain their research achievements to a non-scientific audience in an article or infographic they have written themselves.
The prize is awarded in the following subject areas: biology, chemistry, earth sciences, computer science, mathematics, neuroscience, and physics—including related fields.\ • The best articles and the best infographic will each receive 7,500 euros and be published in the science magazine “KlarText.”\ • The winners will be accepted into the active alumni network of the Klaus Tschira Foundation.\ • All applicants, whether they win a prize or not, will receive access to an e-learning program offered by the National Institute for Science Communication (NaWik) to promote professional science communication.
More information (only German)
VARIOUS DISCIPLINES: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation – Carl Zeiss Humboldt Research Award
Deadline: Anytime
With the Carl Zeiss Humboldt Research Award, the Humboldt Foundation honors an internationally recognized scientific personality from abroad and his or her body of work to date.
The prize is awarded to researchers in the fields of mathematics, computer science and natural sciences who have established a cooperation with colleagues in Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate and Thuringia.
The prize is endowed with 100,000 euros, supplemented by funds amounting to 50,000 euros for continued financing of the cooperation established. Nominations can be submitted throughout the year.
If nominated, the Research Department would appreciate a brief notification: guenther.mittler@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de
VARIOUS DISCIPLINES: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation – Humboldt Research Award
Deadline: Anytime
This science prize honors leading international scientists from all disciplines from abroad for their overall work to date. The prize money amounts to 60,000 euros.
Excellent researchers from abroad from all disciplines and all countries can be nominated for the Humboldt Research Award. The award winners are also invited to carry out research projects of their own choice in Germany in cooperation with specialist colleagues.
An independent selection committee of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation decides on the nominations submitted twice a year in spring and fall. The review process takes approximately six months.
Bulletin Board
If you are looking for:
- test persons or collaborators for your doctoral project,
- for language or intercultural exchange (tandem, peer mentoring etc.) partners or
- for other forms of academic or professional exchange,
we would like to offer you the opportunity to post your search on our digital "bulletin board".\ \ To post a search, please fill out the corresponding form (MS Word Doc) and send it to our email address: graduiertenakademie@uni-heidelberg.de\ \ Please note:
- Your advertisement will be published with the following information: your first and last name, email address, and short description of your search request. If you would like a different format, please let us know in your message.
- The advertisement will appear on our digital bulletin board for a period of four weeks.
- A one-time extension of a further four weeks is possible upon request.
- If you complete your search before the four weeks are over, please let us know.
- We reserve the right to publish only search requests that are compatible with the mission statement and principles of the university.
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Last updated: 2026-03-04