Information Event

KoWi presents the funding scheme Doctoral Networks of the Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions. In addition to information on the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, the specifics of the funding scheme are presented. The focus is on the mobility rule, the different aspects of the training programme, the funding and the general conditions.

The DFG funds researchers doing their PhD mainly in two ways, via the Research Training Groups (GRK/RTG) and in projects. The RTGs provide optimal conditions for early career researchers by offering both a challenging research programme and a fitting qualification programme, in combination with the support needed during the PhD phase and for the start of their career afterwards. Undertaking one’s doctorate in a research project, one is closely involved in the implementation of the project and can use the entire project infrastructure.

Main task of the German Environmental Foundation (Deutsche Bundesstiftung Umwelt, DBU) is the funding of innovative projects in the fields of environmental technology, research, communication and nature conservation. The project support is complemented through scholarships: the DBU PhD Scholarships support young and committed scientists during their PhD and accompanies the fellows with experienced tutors. In the talk application, selection procedure and support of this program will be explained as well as the technical and scientific steering of the research project and the supervision of the individual fellow.

The Leibniz Association connects 97 independent research institutions that range in focus from natural, engineering and environmental sciences to economics, spatial and social sciences and the humanities. Leibniz Institutes address issues of social, economic and ecological relevance. The Leibniz Association offers a wide range of career opportunities – not only the classic career with the aim of a scientific leadership position (through programmes such as the Leibniz-Junior Research Groups) – which will be presented and discussed in light of the experiences and suggestions of the participants.

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) informs about funding for research stays abroad and in Germany during your doctoral studies. The DAAD also introduces „DAAD Fellowships for AI Scientists (IFI)“, and special research at the German Aerospace Centers (DLR) in Germany.

The Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science e.V. (Max Planck Gesellschaft, MPG) is Europe’s leading research organisation focussing on basic research across all research fields. Max Planck institutes offer excellent conditions – in cooperation with the universities – to enable junior scientists to study and carry out research. The International Max Planck Research Schools (IMPRS), Max Planck Graduate Centers and Max Planck Schools offer structured graduate training programmes with a defined curriculum and strong supervision. Finally, the Planck Academy offers all students additional opportunities for further training and personal career development beyond specific scientific interests.

In line with its statutes, the German Academic Scholarship Foundation supports „the university education of young people who, because of their exceptional academic or artistic talents and personal qualities, can be expected to make an outstanding contribution to society as a whole“. Its programmes include comprehensive financial and academic support for doctoral students. The German Academic Scholarship Foundation presents the requirements, the application process and the funding itself to clarify who can apply and why they should do it.

KoWi presents the funding scheme Postdoctoral Fellowships of the Marie Sklodowska Curie Actions. In addition to a brief outline of the EU’s Framework Programme for Research and Innovation, participants will gain insights into the objectives and definitions, the special features, the funding and the evaluation of the funding scheme, as well as further information and advice on European research funding.

In addition to Postdoc programmes such as „PRIME“ (Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience – 18 months), an outgoing mobility based on employment in Germany, the DAAD also introduces short-term postdoctoral research scholarships for working abroad on an independent research project as well as special programmes.

The Max Planck Society for the Advancement of Science e.V. (Max Planck Gesellschaft, MPG) is Europe’s leading research organisation focussing on basic research across all research fields and a truly springboard for an international academic career. The MPG offers access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure and collaborates with global leading research institutions to position you in international peer groups. The MPG also offers internal funding and emboldens you to attract external awards to enrich your CV.

The Helmholtz Association is Germany‘s largest research organization. Our cutting-edge research thrives on the creative ideas of our teams. That’s why we not only offer scientists an innovative working environment with research facilities that are unique in the world, but also provide them with targeted support at every stage of their careers. The presentation will give an overview of our Association, of our support offers for early stage researchers, and of our Young Investigator Group program.

The Leibniz Association connects 97 independent research institutions that range in focus from natural, engineering and environmental sciences to economics, spatial and social sciences and the humanities. Leibniz Institutes address issues of social, economic and ecological relevance. The Leibniz Association offers a wide range of career opportunities – not only the classic career with the aim of a scientific leadership position (through programmes such as the Leibniz-Junior Research Groups) – which will be presented and discussed in light of the experiences and suggestions of the participants.

The DFG funds researchers and academics after their PhD with three programmes for different steps on the career ladder: the Walter Benjamin Programme for early postdocs, the Emmy Noether Programme for excellent researchers 2-4 years after their PhD to give them the chance to qualify for a professorship by leading an independent junior research group, and the Heisenberg Programme for outstanding researchers who already meet all the requirements for appointment to a permanent professorship and intend to acquire further academic merits for an academic leadership role. The module “Temporary Positions for Principal Investigators”, available in the Individual Research Grant programme, enables individuals to carry out a research project on a defined topic within a limited period of time and to request funding for their position as a project leader.

The Alexander v. Humboldt Foundation (AvH) sponsors academic collaborations between foreign and German researchers by granting research fellowships and awards, tailored to your own individual career situation. The Humboldt Foundation will present its various funding schemes for international postdoctoral researchers (selection procedure and sponsorship) like the Humboldt Research fellowship programme and the Feodor Lynen research fellowship programme. The foundation sponsors scientists and scholars, irrespective of academic discipline and nationality.

The Heinrich Hertz Foundation is a body established at state (North Rhine-Westphalia) level to support higher education through the international exchange of university professors, lecturers, and junior academics (post docs). In exceptional cases, doctoral and highly qualified master’s students can also receive funding. The Foundation awards bursaries to researchers from North Rhine-Westphalia for research projects abroad and to researchers from abroad for projects to be carried out in North Rhine-Westphalia. The funding is not tied to any specific discipline. As a rule, applications must be filed not by the applicant but the responsible professor of an institute of higher education situated in North Rhine-Westphalia.