Call for Proposals THEMATIC RESEARCH NETWORKS
AIM
The Research Council of the Molecular Foundations of Life, Health, and Disease, Field of Focus 1 (FoF1) / Heidelberg Molecular Life Sciences, plans to fund thematic research networks (TRNs) to foster inter- and transdisciplinary communication. The primary goal is to harness the broad synergy potential on the Heidelberg Campus, to allow the identification of new interdisciplinary research schemes and to enable collaborations with Field of Focus 2, 3 or 4. In addition, Research Networks are expected to be drivers in the initiation or progression of externally funded programs such as Priority Programs (SPP), Collaborative Research Centers (CRCs), and Excellence Clusters (EXC) and to support young scientists and research training groups such as graduate schools.
AMOUNT OF FUNDING and support duration
Up to 70.000 Euro p.a. can be requested for 2024 and 2025. Applicants are encouraged to seek co-funding sources. Funds can be used for networking activities such as annual meetings, guest speakers, workshops, for the employment of supportive staff, and – if clearly outlined as an important tool for network formation – for project specific measures.
PROPOSAL
Proposals are limited to 5 pages and may be submitted by members of the FoF1. The TRN should consist of several groups from multiple participating institutions. Applicants and their affiliations need to be listed in the proposal, additional TRN members may be affiliated during the funding period. The proposal should highlight interdisciplinary aspects of the network, the synergy aimed at, the use of - or further development of - FoF1 structures, and the potential of developing sustainable, new collaborative research lines.
The budget of the TRN has to be administered by a University member; funds cannot be transferred to non-university research institutions.
The proposal should focus on the following aspects:
- Short Summary
- Status Quo and Aim of TRN
- Interdisciplinary aspects and transfer potential of TRN into long-term structure
- The added value for the entire FoF1 research community
- Budget plan
- Information on applicants (including name, affiliation, list of currently funded projects including those highlighted that have a direct link to the TRN)
REVIEW AND QUALITY CONTROL
The Research Council will select proposals and suggest them for funding to the Rectorate. The Research Council can involve additional experts for advice. TRN activities need to be advertised on campus and be open to members of the Research Council. Regular reporting on TRN activities to the Research Council will be expected.
DEADLINE
Deadline for proposal submission is August 31, 2023. Proposals should be sent in a single pdf and with the subject line “FoF1-TRN-2023” to:
Proposals submitted after the deadline cannot be taken into account. Please address your proposal to the Research Council Field of Focus 1. Please contact Dr. Andrea Leibfried via email in case of questions: