Funding opportunities

To put in a fellowship or research grant funding application, get in touch with the appropriate experts across the Göttingen Campus with as much notice as possible (see below).

If you are a researcher in Göttingen, make sure you are signed-up to receive the GC Postdoc Network newsletter to get regular updates about funding, prizes, and similar opportunities, as well as tips and training to make sure you put in the best application.

Several funding programmes are available for postdocs and other early career researchers at the Göttingen Campus:

If you are part of the University, check out the Research Department, here and (for EU projects) here and Göttingen International for Education and Mobility programmes. If you are part of the wider Göttingen Campus see the GAUSS page.

Göttingen Campus Resources

GAUSS new webpage tool: find research funding opportunities in MINT (STEM): attracting research funding is one of first steps on the road to academic independence. There are lots of options for postdocs depending on your career level, length of the project or research plan. To support you in navigating through the different funding schemes, explore your options here.
GAUSS collection of Trainee Programmes for MINT (STEM) – check out their webpage tool
A training program is one option to start your career in industry and can be a great opportunity. As there are many in different sectors (eg Pharma, Chemical Industry, Consulting, Precision Engineering), we collated nearly 50 and listed them on this webpage categorised by industry and all with a short profile. At all these companies, alumni of GAUSS/GGNB are employed at all these companies. Find out more here.

External Sources

A very useful external source of advice is the Federal Funding Advisory Service on Research and Innovation. They can help you identify a whole range of funding opportunities from various German government initiatives. They can also help you find local, national and EU research schemes, recommend partners, support international projects and much more. You can contact them by phone or email.
You may like to sign up to FIT (Forschung Internationales Transfer) which provides current calls from a range of funders. You can subscribe to FIT and select the type of calls and how often you want to be informed.
Postdocs will also find this funding website useful - Research in Germany.
Individual grants: German Research Foundation (DFG) has published a How-To Guide about individual grants programmes - whether for individual projects or people. It also includes tips for your proposal.

Upcoming Funding opportunities

Sorted by deadline

September

Wübben Stiftung Wissenschaft: Sandpit funding offers researchers from postdoc onwards at German universities €50,000 to create and contribute to a three-day event to think beyond disciplines, test fresh approaches and air new ideas. Funding can be used flexibly to cover costs for travel, accommodation, catering, the event location, and other expenses. The themes are Big Data in engineering, and Big Data in the humanities. Researchers who are awarded funding may nominate up to 8 participants and choose a further 6-8 from a pool of potential candidates drawn up by a group of experts consulted by the Foundation. Workshop facilitators will be organised by the Foundation. Deadline: 1 September (for engineering), 1 December (for humanities).
VolkswagenStiftung: Multiple crises – strained resources – funding for symposia in for researchers in economics and social/cultural science where appropriate, who are working on approaches to a cost-intensive societal transformation under scarcity or are discussing the actual effects of strained resources on Western Market Economies. The symposia should take place 15-17 April 2026. Deadline: 2 September
Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) Postdoctoral Fellowships to enable researchers in any discipline with a PhD to move to another country to gain experience and skills, pursue excellence, and enhance their careers. There are two types of fellowship: European Postdoctoral Fellowships for researchers of any nationality, moving within Europe or coming to Europe and last 1-2 years; or Global Postdoctoral Fellowships (check guidance for nationality restrictions) to fund mobility outside Europe and lasting 2-3 years, of which the first 1-2 years will be spent in a Third country before returning to the EU). Please get in touch with the research grant office where you hope to hold your award as early as possible. The research grant experts across Göttingen are shown here (scroll down). Reminder: KoWi (European Liaison Office of the German Research Organisations) has a free consultation service to support applicants here. Deadline: 10 September
Canon Foundation Research Fellowships Europe-Japan for European and Japanese researchers to pursue a period of research in any discipline with any host in the other area for 3 months to one year. You must have an MSc or PhD awarded in the last 10 years and priority is given to researchers who plan to travel rather than extend their current stay. The award is flexible funding up to €30,000 per year or pro rata. Deadline: 15 September
(in German but theses can be in English) Deutsche Thermoelektrik-Gesellschaft Young Talent Award for the best submitted thesis in the field of thermoelectrics, which should not be significantly older than one year. Dissertations, diploma and master's theses as well as outstanding bachelor's theses that cover at least one subfield of thermoelectrics can be submitted, including theory, material development, measurement technology, material and module technology, system engineering and/or applications of thermoelectrics. Scientific and technological originality and inventiveness, which lead to new solutions or applications, are essential criteria and the prize is worth €1,000. Theses can be in English or German but the short summary must be in German. Deadline: 15 September
(In German) Hans Böckler Stiftung: Maria Weber grants for outstanding researchers in any discipline who need their teaching duties taken over by a funded substitute. The funding is up to €40,000 for 12 months and is aimed at postdocs and junior professors. Deadline: 15 September
(Regular call, In German) Max-Eder Junior Research Group by the Deutsche Krebshilfe to support highly qualified early career researchers (normally under 35 years) specializing in oncology to establish an independent research group and further develop their scientific career by changing location. The funds last 4 years (+3 years extension possible) and cover salaries, consumables, facilities, travel. Deadline: 25 September (February 2026, May 2026 to be confirmed)
(Regular call, In German) Deutsche Krebshilfe Mildred-Scheel-Postdoc Program – for early career medical doctors and natural scientists (PhD within 10 years and applicants normally under 35 years) to carry out projects in clinically oriented oncological basic research or clinical cancer research within Germany for the February deadline (and at renowned institutions abroad for the deadline in November). Funding is a stipend, monthly allowance for conferences and consumables plus one-off start-up fund, family travel allowance. Funding lasts 3 months to 2 years. Deadlines:25 September(February 2026, May 2026 to be confirmed)
AI Research Groups Lower Saxony funds research groups in computer science, artificial intelligence, applications thereof with up to €2m for up to 5 years. The money can be used to fund research staff to support a senior researcher and the application must be supported by the host institution. Deadline: 30 September
** must be led by staff/students associated with the University and UMG ** ENLIGHT+ funding to facilitate the organization of joint small-scale projects, collaborative events, or workshops, involving at least three universities from the ENLIGHT network. The project should also encourage initiatives that actively contribute to the advancement of sustainability practices and the promotion of inclusivity within our academic ecosystem. Outputs (courses, events) should be open for participation of staff and students of all ENLIGHT universities. Deadline: 30 September (and 31 January 2026)
Maria Leptin/EMBO Science Journalism Fellowships: for life scientists who wish to pursue a career in science journalism (as well as journalists who want to get more involved with researchers). Fellows receive stipends for 2-12 months to fund their stays in media outlets of any type, editorials offices or research institutions that can advance the fellows in their careers as science journalists. The scholarships cover living expenses as well as travel and labour costs. Deadlines: 30 September (and February 2026, June 2026)

October

Daimler and Benz Foundation Postdoctoral Programme for researchers in any discipline to reinforce the autonomy and creativity of the up-and-coming generation of scientists and to support their careers, as well as the interdisciplinary exchange through its network of scholars. Applications from underrepresented fields such as humanities, social sciences and cultural studies are particularly welcome. There are 12 scholarships worth €40,000 over 2 years. Deadline: 1 October
Klaus Tschira/GSO Boost Fund offers flexible funding for explorative, independent projects and career development to promote researchers in biology, chemistry, computer science, geosciences, mathematics, neurosciences and physics. It is possible to apply for up to €120,000 for up to 24 months. In addition, there are personal development workshops as well as access to the career advice and coaching services and join their alumni network. Deadline: 1 October
ERC Starting Grants provide up to €1.5 million for 5 years to encourage excellent researchers to develop their independent research career. They are open to any nationality and in any discipline, for postdocs 2-7 years’ experience since completing their PhD. It would enable you to lead and employ a team and drive your own research project. If you scroll down on the ERC Starting grant website, you will find training videos about writing, preparing and applying. Please get in touch with the research grant office where you hope to hold your award as early as possible. The research grant experts across Göttingen are shown here (scroll down). Deadline: 14 October
Humboldt Foundation Feodor Lynen Research Fellowships for researchers at all career levels and in all disciplines from Germany to carry out research abroad with members of the Humboldt Network around the world for 6-24 month research stays. Female scientists and members from underrepresented groups are expressly invited to apply. You will need to identify a suitable host using their search tool and note that most of these – depending on country – are expected to contribute approximately one third of the costs (there are exceptions – see details). Deadline: completed application documents including references to be available for their October,June or February meetings
Humboldt Foundation Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) research fellowships for Postdocs with German citizenship or permanent residence in Germany (but not citizenship/permanent residence in Japan) in any discipline. The fellowship will provide up to 24 months funding with a stipend and other allowances including for travel and insurance. You should have completed your PhD no more than six years ago, have already published and have a very good command of English. Japanese is only necessary if it is crucial for your research topic. Applications in English only and you must have a host in Japan. Deadline: completed application documents including references to be available for their October,June or February meetings
Volkswagen Fund “researching research” funding for summer schools and workshops that reflect, combine, and experiment with the various methodological approaches or theoretical challenges in the area of research on research. Events are meant to introduce early career researchers from various disciplines to research on research and to enhance the participants’ skills and knowledge in this area. This is for researchers in Germany but international co-applicants are possible. Deadline: 30 October

November

December

Lower Saxony Impulse Professorship for high-performing academics in all disciplines who have received a call to a W2-professorship or could be appointed to this level with no requirement to advertise. Prior consultation with the Volkswagen Foundation recommended. Academics should be approaching the end of their early career phase (maximum 10 years after completion of PhD) and demonstrate an extraordinary high level of expertise and leadership through grants, prizes, and other ways. The funding is designed to attract international researchers and high-performing early career researchers to Lower Saxony as well as to retain profile-defining researchers. The funding is intended to increase their career potential and boost their potential for future leadership roles. Funding amounts up to 2 million EUR for up to 5 years. Deadlines: 1 December (and 1 June).
Deutsche Lungenstiftung Deutschen Dissertationspreis Pneumologie to reward early career researchers for the best clinical and best experimental dissertation in the overall field of pneumology. The prize is €3,000 and is for researchers who have not exceeded 35 years of age when they completed. Deadline: 15 December.
(in German) BPMFTR Juniorverbünden in Future e-Health: funding for interdisciplinary collaborative projects with sub-projects carried out with at least two different unis which are led by outstanding postdocs. Usually lasting three years, these junior networks should consist of three to four research groups from different disciplines from STEM, medicine or other fields relevant to eHealth. The independent leadership of the groups is by a postdoc at an early stage of their careers. Junior Networks are funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BPMFTR) to support research about computer analyses and data-driven approaches in healthcare (e-Health). Costs can include salary, PhD researcher, materials, travel funds and other project-related costs. Deadline for outline applications: 15 December
(in German) Sampe innovation prize 2026 is for an outstanding theses, which could be at various levels, that dealt with innovative material applications, new processing processes or material combinations from the field of composite materials with promise for the future. The prize money is €1,000 and other benefits include membership of Sampe. Deadline: 31 December
(in German) Roman Herzog Research Prize for Social Market Economy honours outstanding current research projects – whether dissertations or habilitations in German or in English – which contribute to shaping our economic and social order. There is an age limit of 40 (parental leave is taken into account) and the prize is €35,000. Deadline: 31 December

On-going

ALEXANDER von HUMBOLDT JSPS Research Fellowship up to 24 months in Japan for postdocs with permanent residence in Germany in all disciplines. Applications are generally processed four to seven months. Deadline: open

MSC4Ukraine (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions for Ukraine)has been launched to support postdocs and PhD candidates from Ukraine (in residence on 24 February 2022 and displaced after that date or ready to relocate). The programme will match researchers with institutes and fellowships will be offered on a rolling basis from January 2023. Deadline: open
DFG Emmy Noether programme applications: for highly qualified early career researchers and junior professors (normally up to 4 years after PhD completion and at least 2 years of postdoc experience) on temporary contracts who want the chance to qualify for the post of professor at a university by leading an independent junior research group for six years. (The eligibility period has been extended by 3 months due to the coronavirus pandemic for those who would otherwise have to apply by 31 December 2022). Deadline: proposals can be submitted at any time.
DFG Walter Benjamin Programmeenables researchers in the postdoctoral training phase to independently conduct their own research project at a location of their choice for 2 years. The project can be carried out at a research institution in Germany or abroad, with the host institution providing support for the project. Applications can be submitted at any time. Frequently asked questions are here. Contacts are subject-specific and can be found here. Deadline: at any time
EMBO (European Molecular Biology Organization) Postdoctoral Fellowshipssupport researchers for two years and international mobility is a key requirement. Fellowship includes a salary or stipend, laboratory leadership training, access to an EMBO global network, relocation allowance and support for those with kids. Applications accepted throughout the year.
EMBO (European Molecular Biology Organization) Scientific Exchange Grantssupport researchers for up to three months between laboratories in eligible countries – facilitating collaborations with research groups with expertise, techniques or infrastructure that is unavailable in the applicant’s laboratory. They cover travel and subsistence costs. Applications accepted throughout the year.
EMBO (European Molecular Biology Organization) Core Facility Fellowshipssupport training for core facility staff (including scientists and technicians) in specific techniques in core facilities that provide services to research institutions or universities. The fellowships contribute towards travel and subsistence costs. Applications accepted throughout the year.
Exist Business Funding for University-based Business Start-ups by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate funding. The application comes from the University/research institute but is driven by researchers (potential entrepreneurs) who hand their business idea to the University. More info about the scheme is here. Applications must be in German. Deadline: on-going
Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship - the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation provides sponsorship for research stays worldwide (length of 6 to 24 months for postdocs), for researchers from Germany in all disciplines and all career stages. Applicants choose an academic host from some 15,000 academics in the Humboldt Network abroad. Deadline: Apply throughout the year but well in advance of committee meetings in February, June and October
Fritz Thyssen Foundation Research Stipendsto support highly qualified individual junior scholars who generally received their doctoral degree one or two years ago. It provides postdocs with an opportunity to focus on a research project for a limited period of time and the stipends can be used to enable scholars to familiarise themselves with a new field of research or to write an article for publication. Funding in the following areas: history, language and culture; interdisciplinary field “image-sound-language”; state, economy and society; medicine and the natural sciences. Deadline: applications can be submitted at any time and an answer is generally provided within 8 weeks.
Fulbright Germany: Reisestipendien für deutsche Wissenschaftler*innenfor scientists with German citizenship for teaching or research stays in the US for 3 to 12 months. Fulbright Germany encourages applications from diverse groups who are traditionally underrepresented in academia. No deadline but apply at least nine months before you intend to travel
Liebig Postdoc Fellowships are to help start the careers of prospective university teachers in the field of chemistry. Postdocs from chemistry and related fields can get funding to continue their scientific experience at another working group and university (different from their PhD which should have been completed within three years). Deadline: at any time
Leopoldina Postdoc ScholarshipPostdoctoral scientists in Germany, Austria and Switzerland who already show independence in natural science or medicine to conduct research abroad. Contact: PD Dr Andreas Clausing. Deadline: applications can be submitted at any time and are considered four times a year.
VolkswagenStiftung: support in Germany for Scientists/Scholars from Afghanistan (or who have fled Afghanistan): scientists in Germany are eligible to apply if they have received research funding from the VolkswagenStiftung in the last 10 years. Scientists can apply to bring researchers from Afghanistan (or scholars/scientists who have fled Afghanistan) to work on their research project. Potential PhD students could be funded although the initial funding period would only cover 2 years. In all cases, please discuss potential applications directly with the VolkswagenStiftung before applying. Open deadline.
Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds travel grants for postdocs, PhD researchers and medical students working on experimental projects in basic biomedical research who want to travel for courses with at least 50% practical work and laboratory visits. Deadline: open but you must apply at least six weeks and no more than six months before the planned date of departure.
Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds MD Fellowships – 18 months for medical students to pursue ambitious, experimental projects in basic biomedical research (worldwide). Applicants must study human medicine in Germany and change cities and institutions for at least ten consecutive months to work in an internationally renowned laboratory. Benefits include a monthly stipend, seminars, travel allowances, individual support, access to a network. Deadline: open but you must apply at least three months before the planned start date.
UniBund conference funding: for postdocs to cover travel and fees can be applied for at any time for a Göttingen researcher as long as it is at least four weeks before the trip. The funding covers costs to present your own results in the form of a lecture or poster. Unibund also provides funds for central lecture series about research, cultural activities, student excursions and institutional conferences at the Uni. Deadline: open ended

Research Grant experts across the Campus to support your application

To put in a fellowship or research grant funding application, get in touch with the appropriate experts across Göttingen Campus with as much notice as possible:

UNI	Lisa Grow	lisa.grow@zvw.uni-goettingen.de	(0551) 39 28252	National and international funding (Humanities), Research & Transfer Services
UNI	Felix Spöler	felix.spoeler@zvw.uni-goettingen.de	(0551) 39 28245	National and international funding (Natural and Life Sciences), Research & Transfer Services
UNI	Ricarda Blumentritt	ricarda.blumentritt@zvw.uni-goettingen.de	(0551) 39 21320	EU programmes (Horizon Europe MSCA and Erasmus+), Göttingen International
UNI	Jakob Hedderich	jakob.hedderich@zvw.uni-goettingen.de	(0551) 39 21326	DAAD, Göttingen International
UNI	Claudia Sueltmann	Claudia.sueltmann@zvw.uni-goettingen.de	(0551) 39 28254	EU Office, Research & Transfer Services
UNI	Małgorzata Siennicka-Rahmstorf	malgorzata.siennicka-rahmstorf@zvw.uni-goettingen.de	(0551) 39 28253	EU Office, Research & Transfer Services
UNI	Florian Pahlke	transfer@uni-goettingen.de	(0551) 39 24283	Knowledge & tech. transfer, Research & Transfer Services
UNI	Martin Stammann	gruendung@uni-goettingen.de	(0551) 39 25164	Start-up support, Research & Transfer Services,
UMG	Team Research Management	forschung@med.uni-goettingen.de	(0551) 39 61270	Research Management
MPI	Kerstin Mosch	kmosch@gwdg.de	(0551) 3899 453	Forschung EU
DPZ	Björg Pauling	bpauling@dpz.eu	(0551) 3851 454
DPZ	Robert Teepe	rteepe@dpz.eu	(0551) 3851 122