HEiKAexplore: Call for interdisciplinary thematic networks

"Explorer" by ahmad syahrir von Pexels

This call is currently inactive.

With the HEiKAexplore call, HEiKA is pursuing the goal of establishing new or existing interdisciplinary networks and alliances (free of thematic restrictions) between Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and Heidelberg University (Uni HD).

2020 Schedule

Until April 22nd: Submission of a topic proposal (info@heika-research.de).

May 5: Selection of up to 3 of these proposals, which will receive financial support for a workshop (max. € 5,000 each) for further elaboration.

May - Nov.: Implementation of the workshops (1 per team) and finalization of the concept.

Nov. / Dec.: Decision of the HEIKA board about the final funding (up to a maximum of € 50,000 per network with concept)

Deadline: Proposals are accepted until April 22nd 2020.

We cannot accept any afterwards.

This call is currently inactive.

1. What are we looking for?

We are looking for initiatives that deepen and structurally anchor the cooperation between Heidelberg University and KIT in one or more of the following areas:

  • Research,
  • Teaching,
  • Innovation,
  • Promoting Young Researchers.

Funding is provided for networks whose interdisciplinary communities are still in the starting phase (finding), as well as already established interdisciplinary networks. In both cases, a successful HEiKAexplore proposal must pursue the common goal to attract national and international funding in the future.

2. What is the possible funding and how long is the funding period?

If the two-stage application process (see point 5) is successfully completed, an annual funding of up to € 50,000 for an interdisciplinary thematic network (concept) can be granted for a term of (initially) up to two years. There is the option of further funding after evaluation.

3. Who can take part?

Proposals can be submitted as a team by at least two applicants. Both universities must be represented by at least one spokesperson (see application form, point 4). All members of KIT and Uni HD holding a PhD/Doctorate are eligible to apply.

4. How can you take part?

Interested parties should fill out the proposal form (download below) together and send it by April 22, 2020 (deadline) via email (as DOCX or PDF) info@heika-research.de.

5. How is the selection process?

The interdisciplinary networks and communities are selected for funding in a two-stage process:

Stage 1:

At the beginning of May, the HEiKA Strategic Board selects a maximum of three of the proposals received.

The successful initiatives receive funding (up to a maximum of € 5,000) for one HEiKAexplore workshop each:

This serves for further networking at the Uni HD and KIT and the development of a written concept (including time and financial planning). This concept should clearly show which measures and activities are planned over time to lead to a larger application.

Possible measures and goals within the fields of action could be, for example:

  • Research: Preparing an application for a DFG research group, a Transregio SFB or similar; establishment of a joint real laboratory, exploration of a new possible initiative for the next call for clusters of excellence.etc.
  • Innovation: Establishing new common innovation formats or a common BMBF Zukunftscluster (clusters 4 future) etc.
  • Teaching: Conception and introduction of a new joint course of study / joint study modules etc.
  • Promotion of young researchers: Establishing new bridges in the promotion of young talent, such as graduate schools etc.

Stage 2:

In addition to the written concept, the plan will be presented in the form of a pitch (with subsequent interviews) to the Strategic Board, which will evaluate it in its meeting at the end of the year (Nov / Dec 2020). A maximum of two interdisciplinary thematic networks with their concepts are funded.

6. What is funded?

The funding framework is open. All measures that are necessary to achieve the networks goals are eligible, such as the organization of events (conferences, workshops), personnel expenditure (e.g. for research assistants, coordinators), travel expenses etc.

The funding of joint smaller research projects (proof-of-concept / -principle) can also be considered in justified cases, but only as an accompanying measure.

7. Do you have any further questions?

If you have any questions about the application process, please contact the HEiKA office team: