Funding Period: April 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027 Heidelberg | Harvard Explorer Seed Fund

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 launching the Heidelberg | Harvard Explorer Seed Fund for the funding period April 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027. 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.

1. OBJECTIVES AND MEASURES

The Explorer Seed Fund aims to support individual or multiple researchers and event formats to achieve the following goals:

• Promote innovative research collaborations across all disciplines
• Strengthen the partnership and enhance international visibility through joint projects, publications, and innovative learning and teaching models
• Integrate Harvard University researchers into Heidelberg research networks
• Raise third-party funding based on supported activities
• Ensure 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 academic events (e.g., workshops, lectures, summer schools) to foster networking and visibility

2. Funding Scope

The fund supports research stays by Harvard University scholars at Heidelberg University for periods of 1 to 21 months, as well as joint research projects and shorter-term measures.

Eligible funding categories for individual or multiple researchers within a single application, aligned with the standards of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH), include a maximum of €100,000:

• Monthly fellowships for researchers from Harvard University:
  • Doctoral researchers € 1.400
  • Early-career researchers € 2.700
  • Senior researchers € 3.200
• Travel allowances (round trip):
  • For stays of 1-12 months: € 1.350 per fellow  
  • For stays of 13-21 months: € 2.100 per fellow
• Monthly health insurance allowance € 130
• Family support:
  • Child allowance equivalent: €255 per month per child
  • Monthly allowance of €130 for each accompanying partner and child upon proof of private health insurance coverage

Eligible material and project costs within a single application may include a maximum of €20,000:

• Organization of academic events such as workshops, lectures, and summer schools
• 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 researcher (Principal Investigators: professors, group leaders, habilitated researchers) of Heidelberg University. However, the project may be jointly led by PI’s from both institutions.

3.2 Application Documents

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file and include the following documents:  

• Proposal form
• Project description (max. 5 pages) outlining:
  • The research or networking project
  • Research question and methodology
  • Roles of the collaborating partners in research, including integration measures for visiting Harvard scholars within Heidelberg’s academic environment
  • Detailed 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)
• Budget plan
• Letter of support from the respective Heidelberg faculty
• Letter of support from Harvard University, Office of the Vice Provost for International Affairs
• Profiles of nominated fellows of Harvard University, including:
  • Research focus and teaching experience
  • Key academic achievements and publication list
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Letters of intent from proposed collaboration participants and all nominated fellows of Harvard University

3.3 Application Procedure And Deadline

Applications must be submitted in English by the Heidelberg University PI as a single PDF file via email to: harvard-cooperation@uni-heidelberg.de

Application deadline: February 28, 2026

Applications are open immediately. Given the current maximum project duration of 21 months, two calls for proposals are planned. The first call closes on February 28, 2026. The second call is expected to open in Q2 2026. Additional rounds may be launched depending on available funds and project outcomes.

4. Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee at Heidelberg University, which includes the Research and Strategy Committee (FoSKom), the Vice-Rector Teaching and Learning, representatives from Harvard University, and is chaired by the Vice-Rector International Affairs and Diversity. Final funding decisions are made by the Rectorate.

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

• Proposal form
• Budget plan

6.    Key Information

• Value-added tax (VAT): 50% of the fellowship (excluding travel and allowances) is 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

harvard-cooperation@uni-heidelberg.de