Postdocs | Junior Research Groups

The Volkswagen Foundation has launched an exciting new funding initiative: “Next – Rethink Neurodegeneration!” This program is aimed at interdisciplinary research teams seeking to explore bold, innovative approaches in basic research on the underlying mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases.

The focus is on high-risk, high-reward research that challenges conventional thinking and opens up new scientific pathways in understanding conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and related forms of dementia.

What is being funded?

The program supports projects that are:

• Interdisciplinary in nature

• Exploratory and bold in their research approach

• Grounded in basic scientific research

Researchers from the life sciences, medicine, computer science, physics, chemistry, cognitive or social sciences are all encouraged to apply with visionary ideas.

How to apply?

Full details regarding application requirements, eligibility, and funding conditions are available in the official call for proposals. Applications must be submitted online through the Volkswagen Foundation’s application portal.

Why apply?

Neurodegenerative diseases represent one of the greatest medical and societal challenges of our time, particularly in the context of an aging population. The Volkswagen Foundation aims to create space for groundbreaking ideas that can reshape our understanding of these complex conditions.

Are you conducting research in neurodegeneration? Do you have a bold idea that deserves exploration? Then don’t miss this opportunity!

Find out more on the Volkswagen Foundation’s official website:
👉 NEXT – Rethink Neurodegeneration! | Volkswagen Foundation

As part of the zukunft.niedersachsen funding program, a new funding line has been launched: "AI Research Groups in Lower Saxony". Artificial Intelligence is one of the most important key technologies of our time, and this initiative underlines its strategic importance for the scientific landscape in Lower Saxony.

The call aims to support outstanding researchers while also advancing AI methodology and encouraging its application to existing data resources across scientific domains.

Who can apply?

The funding line is designed to attract highly qualified scientists with promising AI-based research approaches. It combines individual support for researchers with the opportunity to establish research groups that focus on both AI method development and application-driven innovation.

What does the funding offer?

• Funding for new AI-focused research groups

• Interdisciplinary project opportunities

• Advancement of both theoretical and applied AI approaches

• Strong emphasis on collaboration with existing data infrastructure

Where to find more information?

All details on the call for proposals, funding conditions and application modalities can be found in the information sheet on the funding line and online at:👉 KI-Forschungsgruppen Niedersachsen - zukunft.niedersachsen

The Alfried Krupp Wissenschaftskolleg Greifswald is now accepting applications for the academic year 2026/27. Up to six Alfried Krupp Senior Fellowships and up to eight Alfried Krupp Junior Fellowships will be awarded.

Who can apply?

• Senior Fellowships are open to distinguished scholars with a strong academic record in research and teaching.

• Junior Fellowships are intended for post-doctoral researchers at an early stage in their academic careers.

Fellowships may be awarded for one semester (October 1 to March 31 or April 1 to September 30) or for the full academic year (October 1 to September 30). Living and working spaces at the Kolleg are provided free of charge, and the fellowships are competitively remunerated in line with the high academic expectations.

Applicants for a Senior Fellowship are encouraged to combine a research semester at their home institution with a stay in Greifswald. The Kolleg welcomes and supports applications from researchers accompanied by partners and/or children.

Thematic Focus 2026/27: Interdisciplinary Exploration of the Baltic Sea Region

For the academic year 2026/27, the Kolleg places a special interdisciplinary focus on the exploration of the Baltic Sea region – from culture to ecology. Researchers from all disciplines working in this field are especially invited to apply.

Applications from other research areas and disciplines are also highly welcome and will be assessed based on their academic excellence and relevance to the University of Greifswald. Applications from the natural sciences are explicitly encouraged. Joint applications from multiple researchers planning interdisciplinary projects in Greifswald are possible.

Application Period and Further Information

🗓 Application period: June 1 to August 31, 2025
🌐 More information and application portal:
https://www.wiko-greifswald.de/en/fellows/alfried-krupp-fellowships/call-for-tender-fellowship-2026/2027/