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. Innovative research and strong research networks are the drivers in the initiation of new collaborative initiatives, e.g. Excellence Clusters (EXC), and the support of young researchers.

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. FoF2 wants to support transfer activities into industry and entrepreneurship. 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. The promotion of research training groups is expressly advocated.

The requested funds must be justified by their strategic importance and appropriate to the proposed project. The maximum amount of 250 k€ should not be exceeded. The funding period should not exceed one year.

The project outline is limited to 4 pages (budget plan, CV, and further appendices excluded) and may be submitted by permanent group leaders of the FoF2. Non-permanent junior research group leaders are explicitly encouraged to apply as well but require a support letter by 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. An application for PostDocs has to start within the year of the funding period of the call.

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
• Transfer strategy and entrepreneurship
• 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. All applicants are strongly encouraged to consult heiINNOVATION to assess the potential for entrepreneurship and transfer to industry. Interim reports on activities to the Research Council will be expected.

Deadline for proposal submission is Monday, 24 April 2023, 23:59. Proposals should be
sent in a single pdf and with the subject line “FoF2-2-2023” to: fof2@uni-heidelberg.de

Proposals submitted after the deadline cannot be taken into account.

The subsequent call is expected in Autumn 2023.