Start-up financing

TU Clausthal Research Pool: Call for proposals funding line (B)

Clausthal University of Technology provides start-up funding to support early career researchers in developing scientific independence and their own research profile. The funds provide a basis for independently preparing an application for publicly funded financing for an open-topic research project. It is therefore expected that a corresponding application will be submitted at the end of the funding period.

In terms of content, the project should focus on the key topic Circular Economy of the TU Clausthal. This will be documented by a written statement from the spokespersons of at least one of the four research fields.

The successful applicant should be integrated into the scientific structures at Clausthal University of Technology. The research funding application advisory service can support the project. The Graduate Academy provides interdisciplinary support services.

What is funded?

The funding framework provides up to EUR 100,000 for personnel and material resources or travel expenses for a maximum duration of 24 months. The share of travel and material expenses may amount to up to 20% of the funding volume. The regulations of the TV-L and the WissZeitVG must be observed for the use of personnel resources.

A financial and factual report must be submitted within 6 months of the end of the funding period. Furthermore, feedback is expected as to whether the expected application for third-party funding has been submitted and was successful.

Who can apply?

Applications are also accepted from early career researchers with a doctorate from outside TU Clausthal, as long as it can be ensured that they are members of TU Clausthal for the duration of the project and that the funds will be spent at TU Clausthal.

Applicants for funding are expected to have

• Very good doctorate in a suitable discipline and, if applicable, initial postdoctoral experience.
• Proof of excellent scientific achievements, e.g. excellent publications in suitable media, awards, possibly initial experience with third-party funding.
• Convincing research concept for the start-up funding and the planned follow-up application within the framework of the grant research (e.g. junior research group with corresponding details) with milestones and links/networking potential to existing research at Clausthal University of Technology.
• Very good knowledge of English and ideally international experience in a scientific context.

Evaluation criteria

• Qualification and competence of the applicant,
• Innovative approach, originality of the research topic,
• Quality of the research concept, thematic fit with the scientific profile of Clausthal University of Technology and future development opportunities,
• Suitability of the topic for the intended third-party funding,
• Project organization and milestone planning.

Application

To apply for start-up funding, the following documents (German or English) must be submitted:

• Letter of motivation of up to two pages with details of academic experience.
• Curriculum vitae with academic career (ideally also in an international context), list of publications, third-party funding successes and language skills.
• Description of the research concept with details of the objective and initial situation with milestones and timetable as well as the financing concept (max. 10 pages).
• Letter of support from an academic host or an institute/center management of Clausthal University of Technology with information on the integration of the research project.
• Written statement on the strategic importance of the measure by the spokespersons of at least one research field.
• Two external assessment/recommendation letters.

A maximum of one application will be funded; there is no legal entitlement to funding.

Graduate Academy of the TU Clausthal

Phone: +49 5323-72-2972
E-mail: graduiertenakademie@tu-clausthal.de

Please submit your complete application by 15.09.2023 to
to the Managing Director of the Graduate Academy: Dr. Jacqueline Leßig-Owlanj