Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY
A Research Centre of the Helmholtz Association

COAST
COAST

| Career Orientation and Skills Training for Postdocs

Funding Opportunities

Career Orientation and Skills Training for Postdocs

Funding Opportunities

The beautiful chaos of funding

It is very difficult to get a satisfactory overview of all existing funding programs for postdocs. The reason for this is that there are many different national and international funding programs from various funding bodies, which differ in terms of eligibility criteria, equipment, funding duration, etc. At the same time, knowing how to apply for third-party funding is fundamental for your (academic) career!

So how do you get started?

  1. Read about potential grants
  2. Talk to your colleagues and ask your supervisors where to apply
  3. Learn how to apply. (Search for COAST trainings, reach out to the DESY European Office for EU grants like ERC or book a 1:1 consultation with Lia Lang.)

 

 

Overview over grants, for more information click on the links below.

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DFG - German Research Foundation
DFG - German Research Foundation
How the DFG supports academic careers: What support and funding opportunities does the DFG offer from studying to professorship? Where can you find tips and background information? Here you will find an overview of the options available for each phase of an academic career, as well as tips on how to submit your first proposal.
Walter Benjamin Program
This program supports early-career postdocs who are still developing their independent research profile and career path. It provides funding to help them establish their first research project.
Emmy Noether Program
Designed for postdocs 2–4 years after their PhD, this program enables outstanding researchers to lead their own junior research group and gain early independence.
Heisenberg Program
Aimed at experienced postdocs on the path to a professorship, this program offers flexible funding to enhance their academic profile and transition into a permanent faculty position.
Research in Germany - Federal Ministry of Education and Research

Germany is a top destination for PhD students, postdocs, and senior scientists. The website "Research in Germany" helps you to find your way to Germany, to seek for PhD positions, research jobs or funding opportunities. It describes the German research landscape and helps you plan your career and life in Germany. Welcome to Germany - the Land of Ideas!

More information

Helmholtz Investigator Groups

Establish your first own research group at a Helmholtz Center. You can apply 2-6 years after your doctorate (academic age), with 6 months of experience abroad and a maximum contract period of 1 year at a Helmholtz research center. There is an annual call for applications, which must be submitted via the Helmholtz Center.

More information

HALRIC Cross-Border Pilot Projects
HALRIC Cross-Border Pilot Projects
This is a 6-month grant of 35,000 euros from a EU funded project called HALRIC in the field of life sciences. Deadlines are March 2, 2025 and June 2, 2025.
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowship
MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - Next call open on 9 April 2025
The aim of EU funding is to enable postdocs to spend research time abroad. Depending on the scholarship, these can last between 1 year up to 3 years. Postdocs from all disciplines who would like to gain experience abroad within and outside the EU can apply. The call for applications is issued annually in April. The next call will open on 9 April 2025.