Call for proposals

Mobility in international reserach collaborations

Funding period 2013 - 2014

The project “Enhancing International Exchange” is part of the Institutional Strategy of Heidelberg University in the Excellence Initiative. This project provides funding in order to promote

(A) mobility in international research collaborations and
(B) international networking of junior researchers.

Applications may be submitted by (A) university professors and postdocs of Heidelberg University and (B) postdocs of Heidelberg University. A letter of recommendation from the director of the respective academic institute / centre is to be included. Special consideration shall be given to: multilateral cooperation projects with renowned international partner institutions, development of thematic networks, and cooperation projects that are not apt for current funding by DAAD, DFG etc. PhD students can also be included in the mobility activities. (Please note: This programme does not provide funding for individual dissertation projects which are not form part of a comprehensive cooperation, nor for participation in conferences.)

Funding can be used for

• travel and accommodation costs for short-term mobility measures by researchers of Heidelberg University and international partner institutions
• short-term scholarships for doctoral students and postdocs of Heidelberg University and international partner institutions
• tangible means (e.g. for the realization of workshops and conferences with project partners).

Maximum funding is € 15.000 per year and project. Proposals can be made for one or two years (2013 - 2014). In case of a two-year project, a progress report shall be submitted by December 31, 2013. Reapplication is possible. Financial participation of international partner institutions is desirable, but not compulsory.

Proposals should include

• description of the research or networking project
• information on the international partner(s)
• description of the expected added value for the project and/or Heidelberg University that is gained by the international cooperation
• financial plan for the planned activities.

Travel and accommodation costs

Travel and accommodation costs for short-term stays (1-31 days) should take account of the actual costs in the respective host country. Calculation of travel expenses shall be based on second class or economy class fares. Accommodation costs may be based on the DAAD’s daily allowances rates (international researchers staying in Germany: € 82 per day up to 22 days, € 1.840 for one month; Heidelberg researchers abroad: see table of countries).

Short-term scholarships

Doctoral students and postdocs of Heidelberg University and from partner institutions are eligible for short-term scholarships. The scholarships shall promote research stays at the partner institution for a period of 1 to 6 months.
The amount of the scholarship shall be based on the actual requirements (e.g. living expenses in the host country). The following scholarship rates are recommended:

• € 800-1,200 per month for doctoral students
• € 1,200-2,000 per month for postdocs

In addition to the scholarship, a travel grant can be awarded. The following sums are recommended:

• € 200-500 for trips within Europe
• € 500-1,400 for trips to/from non-European countries.

Partial scholarships to cover the extra expenses incurred by the stay abroad are also possible.