Some European and international programs focus on funding young scientists. The open-subject EU programs, Marie Curie activities, and the European Research Council (ERC) starting grants are of particular interest. The Human Frontier Science Program also offers attractive lines of funding concerning interdisciplinary life sciences. The FIT Science Information Service can provide you with information on current vacancies.

 

Marie Curie Activities

The Marie Curie activities aim to facilitate the mobility of young scientists. Marie Curie activities are open to all areas and disciplines. An overview of all the Marie Curie activities is given here.

The individual grants of the Marie Curie Program are of primary interest to the young scientist. Within the framework of a Marie Curie Fellowship, post-doctorates can usually obtain funding for two years of research, to be carried out either in another country in Europe or further abroad. The student may choose both the research project and the foreign host institution. Applications are accepted each year. The Research and Technology Transfer Administrative Department would be happy to provide you with the details of the individual fellowships.

Additionally, several European regions and even some individual research institutes and universities have fellowship programs co-funded by Marie Curie. The Fellowship conditions are based on Marie Curie standards and are open to Postdocs from all over the world. A list of co-funded programs, including requirements and submission deadlines, can be found here.

 

The ERC Starting Grant

ERC Starting Grants fund excellent young researchers within a certain period following their doctorates. The student may freely choose their research project, but this must match the ERC's definition of pioneer research. This is understood to mean ground-breaking research that has the potential to unlock new fields of knowledge. Interdisciplinary project proposals are particularly welcomed. The sole selection criterion for the ERC's is scientific excellence. Applications are accepted each year.

You can find further Information about the ERC on the ERC website. The Research and Technology Transfer Administrative Department is also there to provide information and support.

 

The Human Frontier Science Program

The Human Frontier Science Program funds young scientists and international collaboration in the interdisciplinary life sciences. The focus is on innovative basic research, studying the complex mechanisms in living organisms. The subjects may range from molecular and cellular approaches to systems and cognitive neurosciences. Support is given primarily to projects that combine biology with approaches from physics, mathematics, chemistry, and computer and engineering sciences to reveal radical new insights with regard to life sciences.

The HFSP has two lines of funding:

1. Research Grants for interdisciplinary and international research teams. Amongst these is the Young Investigator Grant, specifically intended for post-doctorate young scientists.
2. Individual fellowships for post-doctorate young scientists.

Current information on applications, the application procedure and guidelines can be found on the HFSP Homepage.

 

Your contact

Julia Doré, M. Sc. European Officer Deputy Director - European research affairs - European Research Council (ERC) - Advice and support for project proposals in all European funding schemes - Advisory services for management of EU research projects Tel +49 6131 39-26865 Office hours: Mon 8:30-17:00, Tue-Thu 8:30-16:00