Call For Proposals Support Of Research Initiatives Within Field Of Focus 2

The Research Council of the Field of Focus 2 (FoF2), “Patterns and Structures in Mathematics, Data, and the Material World”, aims to foster novel research ideas and to harness the broad synergy potential on the Heidelberg Campus with the goal to identify new interdisciplinary research schemes.

Therefore, FoF2 plans to provide seed funds for novel research initiatives and networking activities, promotes the conceptual development of research topics for Collaborative Research Centers (CRCs) in the sense of preparatory projects, and co-funds equipment and infrastructure for communal use. Furthermore, FoF2 plans to help to attract externally funded junior group leaders to Heidelberg and support appointments of strategically relevant researchers by building on the general portfolio for the promotion of young academics at the university. One focus of this call lies on the support of young researchers.

The requested funds need to be well justified by their strategic importance and commensurate to the proposed project, but should not substantially exceed 150 k€. Please be aware that these funds must be spent before by 31.12.2022, and that they are not transferable into the next year; proof of a legal commitment (with entry in SAP) is sufficient.

The project outline is limited to 4 pages (budget plan, CV, and further appendices excluded) and may be submitted by group leaders of the FoF2. Junior research group leaders are explicitly encouraged to apply but require a support letter from their host institution. The proposal should highlight interdisciplinary and strategic aspects of the project, the synergy aimed at, the use or further development of FoF2 structures, and the potential of developing sustainable, new collaborative research lines. Funded projects have to be administered by a university member.

The proposal should focus on the following aspects:

• Short summary
• Status quo and aim of the project
• Placement within the discipline and potential competitors
• Interdisciplinary aspects and transfer potential into subsequent funding
• or long-term structures
• The added value and strategical relevance for the FoF2 research community
• Budget plan
• CV of applicants or beneficiary

The Research Council will select proposals and suggest them to the Rectorate for funding. The Research Council invites the applicants to present large-scale proposals in person. The evaluation can involve additional experts for advice. A final report on activities to the Research Council will be expected.

Deadline for proposal submission is July, 15, 2022, 23:59. Proposals should be sent in a single pdf and with the subject line “FoF2-3-2022” to: fof2@uni-heidelberg.de

Proposals submitted after the deadline cannot be taken into account.