Funding period: Early 2027 - September 30, 2028 Heidelberg | Harvard Explorer Seed Fund
Call for Proposals
As part of the institutional partnership between Heidelberg University and Harvard University, and supported by the State of Baden-Württemberg through its Global Partnership in Science program, Heidelberg University is opening a second call for proposals under the Heidelberg | Harvard Explorer Seed Fund.
This program supports transatlantic collaboration with Harvard University by funding outstanding research and cooperative activities through joint projects.
Through targeted measures to intensify partnership activities, the fund provides new impetus for collaborative projects. The focus is on individual research stays by Harvard University researchers at Heidelberg University as well as academic events, targeting both leading and early-career researchers. The program aims to further strengthen the international excellence of both institutions.
Projects funded under this call are expected to start in early 2027 and may run until September 30, 2028.
1. OBJECTIVES AND MEASURES
The Explorer Seed Fund supports individual or collaborative research activities as well as events and seeks to advance the following goals:
- Promoting innovative research collaborations across all disciplines
- Deepening scientific exchange through research stays of Harvard University researchers at Heidelberg University
- Enhancing international visibility through joint projects, publications, and innovative learning and teaching models
- Integrating Harvard University researchers into Heidelberg research networks
- Raising third-party funding based on supported activities
- Ensuring sustainability of the cooperation through continuation, follow-up projects, and long-term utilization of results
Eligible measures include:
- Funding of research stays by Harvard University researchers at Heidelberg University
- Funding of Heidelberg academic events (e.g., workshops, lectures, conferences) to foster networking and visibility
2. Funding Scope
Each grant application may receive funding of up to € 100.000 for eligible research stays and fellowship costs and up to € 20.000 for eligible material and project costs.
Funding supports research stays for periods of at least two weeks in the form of fellowships awarded to Harvard University scholars at Heidelberg University within the framework of collaborative research and teaching initiatives.
Eligible funding categories for research stays up to € 100.000, aligned with the standards of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH):
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Monthly fellowships for researchers from Harvard University:
- Doctoral researchers/PhD students € 1.400
- Early-career researchers/postdoctoral fellows € 3.000
- Senior researchers/faculty € 3.600
- For stays of less than one month, the fellowship is calculated on a pro rata basis according to the number of weeks
- Fellowship top-ups through Heidelberg University may be possible through additional third-party funds of the receiving institute
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Travel allowances (round trip per fellow):
- For stays of up until 12 months: € 1.350
- For stays of from 13 months onwards: € 2.100
- Monthly health insurance allowance of up to € 250 and family support (see below) apply to stays of at least one month
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Family support:
- Child allowance equivalent: €259/month per child
- Accompanying partner and each child: €130/month upon proof of private health insurance coverage
Eligible funding for short-term mobility of less than two weeks:
- PIs may invite guests to Heidelberg for stays of less than two weeks, funded from project resources
- Travel costs: to be oriented on the travel allowance lump sum outlined above
- Accommodation costs: to be oriented on the local accommodation rate under the Landesreisekostengesetz (the applicable German state travel expense regulation)
- No partial fellowship amount, health insurance allowance, or family support is granted for stays of less than two weeks
Eligible material and project costs up to € 20.000 may include:
- Organization of Heidelberg academic events such as workshops, lectures, and conferences
- Travel and accommodation for short-term collaboration activities for fellows and guests
- Employment of research or student assistants
- Laboratory supplies and consumables
- Preparation of external grant applications
- Publication costs
- Technical equipment
3. Application
3.1 Eligibility
Applications are open to faculties, institutes, and central academic units of Heidelberg University.
The application must be formally submitted by a project-leading professor (PI) of Heidelberg University. The project must be jointly led by a PI of Harvard University.
Information for Harvard PIs: Eligibility to serve as a Harvard PI on an application to this program is limited to those who hold a faculty appointment with principal investigator (PI) rights at a Harvard school, where Harvard University is their primary employer, and their sponsored research is managed through Harvard University.
Those who are employed by a Harvard-affiliated hospital, and can demonstrate an existing appointment within the Harvard-based lead PI’s lab or research group, may serve as a member of a project team, and may be funded by Heidelberg for this participation at Heidelberg’s discretion, but may not serve as the Harvard lead applicant on project proposals.
Prior to application submission, all Harvard-based collaborators are required to consult fill out the "Harvard PI/Collaborator Questionnaire and Guidance Form” as early as possible but at least two weeks (no later than October 30, 2026) prior to the deadline to provide necessary project-related information, as well as determine allowable expenses and possible restrictions, and confirm their eligibility to serve as the project leading PI on the Harvard side.
3.2 APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
Applications include the following content:
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Project description (max. 5 pages) outlining:
- Research or networking project and its objectives
- Roles of both partners, including integration measures for visiting Harvard researchers at Heidelberg
- Project timeline and implementation plan
- Expected results and long-term perspectives
- Contribution to the sustainable partnership between Heidelberg and Harvard
- Planned public outputs (e.g., publications, workshops, conferences)
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Budget plan
Please note: Prior to application submission, all project teams are requested to arrange a consultation with the Heidelberg | Harvard Cooperation Team to review and discuss a draft of the proposed budget plan. - Letter of Support from the Dean of the respective Heidelberg Faculty (if not the applicant)
- Confirmation Letter stating Harvard-PI eligibility from the respective Harvard school/ faculty/ Office of the Vice Provost for International Affairs (to be generated upon completion of the Harvard PI/Collaborator Questionnaire and Guidance Form).
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Profiles of nominated fellows of Harvard University (max. 5 pages per fellow), including:
- Research focus and teaching experience
- Key academic achievements and publication list
- Short CV
3.3 APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND DEADLINE
Harvard PI/Collaborator Questionnaire and Guidance Form Deadline: October 30, 2026:
Harvard PI/Collaborator Questionnaire and Guidance Form
Heidelberg Application Deadline: November 15, 2026
Applications are open now via the following link:
4. Selection Process
Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee co-chaired by the Vice-Rector International Affairs and Diversity of Heidelberg University and the Vice Provost for International Affairs of Harvard University. The selection committee is constituted by representatives from Heidelberg University and Harvard University. Final funding decisions are made by the Rectorate of Heidelberg University.
Selection criteria include:
- Qualification and complementarity of partners
- Academic potential of the collaboration
- Contribution to sustainability of the partnership
- Support for early-career researchers, equality, and diversity
5. Application Templates
- Budget plan
6. Key INFORMATION FOR PROJECT LEADS
- Value-added tax (VAT): The full fellowship amount, including travel lump sums and allowances are subject to 19% VAT. This must be considered in the budget.
- Complete applications only: Only fully completed applications will be considered for funding.
- Funding approval: Funding is subject to the availability and the amount of resources provided by the State of Baden-Württemberg.
Contact
Heidelberg University
International Relations Division
Heidelberg | Harvard Cooperation