Individual support
In the case of individual funding, the focus is on the researchers and their projects. The review process focuses more on the applicant's qualifications and potential. In individual funding, there are separate programs and formats for the various career phases.
Promotion of individuals by career level
Explanation of the graph
- 1 Before starting your doctoral program, our colleagues at the Graduate Center will advise you.
- 2 Max. 8 years of research experience after earning a PhD.; experience outside the field and career breaks do not count.
- 3 3–5 years after initial appointment to a tenured professorship.
Application deadlines may be extended to account for parental leave and other interruptions, in accordance with the relevant regulations.
Some of the formats listed in the chart are grants for outstanding individuals; the others are project grants with a dedicated position.
The classification of scientific careers into stages R1 to R4 follows a model recognized throughout Europe that describes the career progression of researchers in a structured manner:
- R1 - First Stage Researcher: Researchers in the qualification phase (e.g. doctoral students) who are still working under supervision and developing their scientific independence.
- R2 - Recognized Researcher: Postdoctoral researchers or comparable positions who are already conducting independent research but do not yet have a permanent position or comprehensive project responsibility.
- R3 - Established Researcher: Established researchers with significant research experience who independently lead projects and supervise other researchers.
- R4 - Leading Researcher: Leading researchers with strategic responsibility, international visibility and significant influence in their field of research.