Events transregional

Volkswagen Foundation: “The Change!” Fellowships for social transformation

Volkswagen Foundation "The Change! Fellowships": Supporting Societal Transformation

The Change! Fellowships of the Volkswagen Foundation are aimed at scientists from all disciplines who, together with partners outside of academia, want to develop knowledge, methods, and scenarios for transformation processes. The goal is to initiate and advance such processes in society and anchor transdisciplinarity in science.

Target Groups
Postdocs and junior professors from all disciplines who conduct research on societal transformation processes are the primary target group. Applicants must be temporarily employed at a German research institution (including tenure-track positions prior to evaluation) or hold a permanent position that is partially or fully funded through third-party funding. Together with partners outside of academia, they will identify and address societal issues. External partners may include (inter)national non-governmental organizations, public institutions or government agencies, media representatives, and freelancers from arts and culture.

Funding and Budget
The funding period is 4 to 5 years. Postdoctoral researchers can apply for funding for their own position, up to three research assistants, and necessary material and travel expenses. The funding can amount up to 1.8 million euros. Junior professors can also apply for funding for up to three research assistants and necessary material and travel expenses. In exceptional cases, funding may also be requested for the junior professor's own position (e.g., to bridge the gap in the case of a non-tenure track W1 professorship). The funding can be up to 1.5 million euros. Additionally, project-related personnel, travel, and material costs for partners outside of academia can be requested within the specified budget.

Deadline for Proposals
The deadline for submitting proposals is April 2, 2025 (2 pm CEST). Processing time is approximately 10 months.

For more information, please visit the Volkswagen Foundation website.

more ...

Hector Fellow Academy application portal for doctoral positions

The Hector Fellow Academy will reopen its application portal for PhD positions on January 15, 2025, inviting young scientists to apply for a fully funded doctoral position.

Current Opening:

PhD Position in Quantum Computing at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Project: Optimizing Spin Qubit Control in Novel Industrial Semiconductor Spin Qubit Devices
Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Wernsdorfer
Wolfgang Wernsdorfer is a Humboldt Professor at the Institute of Physics and the Institute for Quantum Materials at KIT. His research focuses on quantum computers, quantum circuits, nanomagnets, cryogenics, and superconductivity.

Additional exciting PhD projects will be announced in early February. The application deadline is March 31, 2025.

Why Apply?

The Hector Fellow Academy offers the opportunity to conduct innovative research projects under the guidance of renowned scientists. The PhD positions are fully funded, providing excellent conditions for scientific work.

Dissemination and Information

Please feel free to share this announcement and forward it to suitable candidates. In early February, we will provide information on further PhD projects once the new Hector Science Award winners and Hector RCD Awardees, who will act as supervisors, are announced.

Further Information and Application

All details about PhD studies at the Hector Fellow Academy (HFA) and the application process can be found on the HFA website.

We look forward to receiving your applications and appreciate your support in sharing this information with interested young scientists.

more ...

Staff training in March at the UMMD campus

In March 2025, we are offering two engaging and practical training sessions for employees at the UMMD Campus and via Zoom. Colleagues from the main campus are also warmly invited to join!

Training 1: Confluence Basics

Date: March 6, 2025
Location: UMMD Campus and via Zoom
Description: Learn the basics of the project and knowledge management platform Confluence. This training is perfect for beginners and offers hands-on guidance on how to efficiently create, organize, and collaborate on content with your teams.

More Information and Registration

Training 2: Introduction to Research Data Management

Date: March 19, 2025
Location: UMMD Campus and via Zoom
Description: This training provides key insights into research data management. Learn how to effectively organize, secure, and archive your research data for long-term use.

More Information and Registration