Name of Funding Instrument

Heisenberg Programme

Purpose

To provide outstanding researchers who fulfil the requirements for appointment to a long-term professorship with the opportunity to prepare for a leading position in science and research and to use the time to work on an advanced research topic

The Heisenberg Programme is aimed particularly at researchers who have qualified for professorship via the Emmy Noether Programme, DFG project positions, industrial research activity, or mid-level faculty positions. The target group also encompasses junior professors, those with a habilitation, and German researchers returning to Germany or qualified foreign researchers who would like to pursue an academic or scientific career in Germany.

Eligibility Requirements

Young researchers of all disciplines who qualify for a professorship by holding a habilitation or equivalent qualification and who have proven themselves by carrying out particularly outstanding research

Proposal Requirements

High scientific quality and originality of a research project at an international level and the potential for gaining further qualifications as a university teacher

In addition to successfully taking part in the DFG's review process, applicants for a Heisenberg professorship must also participate in the host institution's professorial appointment process. The host university must create a position and indicate how this position constitutes a structural development. In addition, the university must guarantee that it will assume funding for the position from its own budget once the DFG's five-year funding period has expired, provided this is legally admissible in the respective state.

Type and Extent of Funding

Basic fellowship plus monthly lump sum payment to cover maintenance and travel costs

Where applicable

• Allowances towards stays abroad
• Additional travel allowances
• Publication costs
• Day care allowance
• Health insurance allowance

for a Heisenberg Professorship

• W2 or W3 salary level

Funding Duration

5 years max.

Proposal Deadlines

Proposals may be submitted at any time.

Forms and Guidelines

Heisenberg Programme

Contact

Paul Heuermann 

Purpose

To enable young scientists to pursue research over a consecutive period of five to six-years, beginning at an NIH institute in the USA and continuing at a German research institution. Participants will not be required to submit a new proposal or go through the review process for the first two years upon their return to Germany (funded as temporary positions for principal investigators).

Eligibility Requirements

Young, qualified German researchers (in general, those who have a doctorate) are eligible to apply; applicants must have received their doctorate within four years prior to proposal submission. At the time of application, researchers may not have been at an NIH institute longer than 24 months.

Proposal Requirements

High scientific quality and originality of the research project by international standards

Type and Extent of Funding

This program will consist of two phases (2-3 years at an NIH institute in the USA and 2-3 years at a research institution in Germany):

Phase One (USA)

The NIH will provide a fixed scholarship amount. Applicants must make arrangements with their host institutes directly. The DFG will fund up to four trips to Germany, enabling the researcher to prepare the second phase of the project. The duration of the time spent at the NIH institute may not exceed three years, including the time spent at the NIH prior to receiving the award.

Phase Two (Germany)

During phase two, the DFG will fund the researcher's position in Germany and will provide €30,000 in direct project costs for a two-year period. A renewal proposal may be submitted for an additional year of funding. Alternatively, towards the end of their stay in the US (approximately 9 months prior to their planned departure), researchers may submit a new proposal to the Emmy Noether Programme in accordance with the relevant program criteria (to be evaluated during a review process).

Funding Duration

5-6 years (2-3 years in the USA, 2-3 years in Germany)

Proposal Deadlines

There are two proposal deadlines per year. Proposals may be submitted each year by 30 September or 31 March.

To enable researchers at an early stage of their scientific career to carry out a clearly defined research project at a place of their choice abroad or to acquaint themselves with new scientific research methods

Eligibility Requirements

• German researchers from all disciplines who have completed their academic qualifications (doctorate)

• International researchers from all disciplines who have completed their scientific training (doctorate)

provided they have been resident in Germany for several years and have completed at least three years of scientific work as a doctoral or postdoctoral researcher in the German research system and state that they wish to continue to pursue their research in Germany in the future.

Limitations apply to young researchers who, at the time of application, are abroad. As an exception, senior researchers holding a doctorate may submit proposals to allow them to dedicate themselves to a research project of particular importance.

Proposal Requirements

High scientific quality and originality of a research project at an international level.

Type and Extent of Funding

Basic fellowship plus monthly lump sum payment to cover maintenance and travel cost.

Where applicable:

• Foreign allowance
• Travel allowance
• Publication costs

Benefits for fellowship recipients with children:

• Children’s supplement
• Support for costs associated with parenting –fellowship extension or childcare allowance

In addition, funding may also be granted to establish or intensify scientific contacts in Germany or be used towards relocation costs on return to Germany (cf. section VI 1 and 2 of the guidelines). Following the research fellowship, candidates may apply for a return grant to facilitate their reintegration into the German academic and research system.

Funding Duration

As a rule, up to 2 years

Proposal Deadlines

Proposals may be submitted at any time.