Ruhr Innovation Lab invites you to ‘Funding Days’
Date: 2–6 February 2026
In the 2026 summer semester, the Research Support Services of TU Dortmund University, which is taking over organisational management this semester, and Ruhr University Bochum are jointly offering a programme for the first time for the Funding Days and providing information on third-party funding from various funding bodies. The two universities have intensified their cooperation to promote cutting-edge research and are participating jointly in the Excellence Strategy as the ‘Ruhr Innovation Lab’.
For one week, members of TU Dortmund University and Ruhr University Bochum will receive a comprehensive overview of the variety of national and international funding opportunities in digital events. The focus is on EU funding. In addition, insights into the German funding landscape will be provided. Here we introduce you to the main funding bodies and explain the most important programmes and formats. We offer you a varied programme of compact lectures and one-hour formats. There will be plenty of time for your questions and joint discussions in all events.
More about the vision of the Ruhr Innovation Lab: www.ruhr-innovation-lab.de
Programm
Target groups:: Postdocs, Junior Faculty, Profs
In this overview, you will learn about the logic and possibilities of third-party funding as well as the most important formats and funding sources. We also take an excursion into the world of funding databases.
Target groups: Postdocs, Junior Faculty, Profs
DFG Individual Research Grants are the most popular funding option in Germany due to their high degree of flexibility: Researchers from all disciplines can apply and tailor their individual projects to the DFG's modular funding system. A DFG Research Grant is suitable as an entry point into third-party funding for early-career researchers and also allows experienced researchers to carry out projects in basic research. In this presentation, you will get an overview of the grant objectives and the application process as well as practical tips for your application.
Zielgruppe: Postdocs, Junior Faculty, Profs
Wann bieten sich Stiftungen als Fördergeber für Forschungsprojekte an? Welche Vor- und Nachteile sind damit verbunden? Wie finde ich heraus, ob mein Projekt zum Profil der Stiftung passt?
Mit diesen und weiteren Fragen befasst sich unsere Veranstaltung, die einen kompakten Überblick zur Förderlogik von Stiftungen bietet. Neben einem Fokus auf größere Stiftungen wie die Volkswagen oder Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung, nehmen wir exemplarisch auch kleinere und spezifischere Stiftungen sowie Datenbanken und Informationsangebote in den Blick.
Zielgruppe: Forschende, die erstmals Anträge auf Bundesmittel stellen
Möchten Sie Ihre Erfolgschancen bei der Beantragung von Bundesfördermitteln erhöhen? In unserem Seminar lernen Sie die wichtigsten Aspekte kennen und erhalten praktische Tipps, um häufige Fehler zu vermeiden und Ihre Erfolgschancen zu erhöhen.
Target Groups: Postdocs, Junior Faculty, Profs
In this information event, scientists from all disciplines will receive a quick overview of the ERC funding lines – the European Commission's excellence funding – including key selection criteria, first steps for applying, and a short Q&A session. Ideal for anyone considering an ERC application or who would like to better assess their chances.
If you have any questions or require further information , please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Felix Stehle: