The most significant national funding programs for young scientists are provided by the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the large endowment foundations.

Application to DFG programs as detailed is possible at any time, whereas most of the foundations have application deadlines.

 

The German Research Foundation (DFG)

Young scientists may consider individual DFG funding, in the form of equipment allowances. Such equipment allowances also include the researcher's own funding.

The research grants should enable young scientists to conduct a specific research project in a foreign location of their choice for up to two years, and should therefore enable them to gain knowledge of new scientific methods or complete a large research project. A subsequent homecoming grant may ease their reintegration into the German scientific system (c.f. Merkblatt Stipendien VI. No. 3).

The Emmy Noether-Program opens the way for young scientists to achieve early scientific independence. Normally, post-doctorate researchers after five years of funding qualify as faculty members by leading up their own young researchers' group.Post-doctorates can normally apply if they have two to four years of research experience after gaining their doctorate. Applicants must have international research experience.

The Heisenberg Program is aimed at scientists who have shown their aptitude for the DFG programs specified above as well as at well rated assistant professors and professors, those who have taken their habilitation and Germans returning from abroad. A Heisenberg Professorship is bound by certain structural guidelines. 

 

Funding for individuals and projects

Young post-doctorates also have a wide range of funding opportunities from other sources at home and abroad. In addition to subject-specific offers, there is also the opportunity to obtain individual and project funding from the following

• The Alexander von Humboldt Trust
• Max Planck Gesellschaft
• Helmholtz Association
• Leibniz Association
• Robert Bosch Foundation
• Volkswagen Foundation
• The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
• The Fritz Thyssen Foundation

As you belong to an Institute of Higher Education in the Rhineland Palatinate, you may also be funded by the Carl Zeiss Foundation’s young researchers' programs.

 

Your contact

Dr. Dagmar Stockfisch Officer for Research Services, Social Sciences and Humanities - National and international research services (except EU) - Advice and support for project proposals in the social sciences and humanities - Assistance with DFG Collaborative Research Centers, DFG Research Units, DFG Research Training Groups - Forschungsinitiative Rheinland-Pfalz - Advisory services for management of research-projects - Research- and Scienceawards Tel +49 6131 39-24022