Call for Proposals
Seed Funding for Interdisciplinary Research on Ethical and Normative Questions at Heidelberg University
This seed funding program is part of the interdisciplinary Ethics Center at Heidelberg University and supports the center’s thematic development. It is designed to promote innovative research initiatives addressing ethically relevant topics with the potential to evolve into larger research projects and long-term collaborations at Heidelberg University. The call is open to all disciplines at the university that engage with normative reasoning, ethical questions, or related fields of application.
Objectives
The program supports interdisciplinary research projects that:
- develop innovative approaches to ethical and responsibility-related questions,
- foster collaboration across disciplines and/or faculties,
- show potential for follow-up funding and major third-party grants, and
- contribute to establishing Heidelberg University as a hub for ethics research.
Funding Formats
Funding is initially available until December 31, 2026, for the following formats:
- (A) Interdisciplinary workshops for thematic exploration and focus development (up to €15,000)
- (B) Interdisciplinary research projects as preparation for third-party funding proposals (up to €50,000/year)
Funding Priorities
Projects must align with one of the following three thematic areas:
- Ethical Challenges and Normative Conflicts
Current societal transformations are marked by intensifying normative conflicts that affect nearly all spheres of life: politics, law, economics, technology, medicine, education, the arts, interpersonal relationships, and the relationship between humans and non-human entities. The program funds interdisciplinary projects that address current normative tensions and ethical challenges. - Professional Ethics in the Sciences
Academic disciplines and professions are shaped by norms and values. Research depends on responsible conduct and public trust in science. This funding line supports projects that analyze how ethical awareness and professional standards develop within academic and professional communities. - Ethical Frameworks for Institutions
Academic institutions are increasingly expected to act responsibly toward society. This requires institutional structures that support participation, ethical reflection, and academic freedom. The program supports research on and development of such formats of institutional responsibility in science and society.
Eligibility
The call is open to postdoctoral researchers at all career stages affiliated with Heidelberg University. Proposals may be submitted by individuals or teams.
Requirements
- The main applicant must be a member of Heidelberg University.
- The project must clearly align with one of the three funding priorities and one of the two funding formats.
- The project must demonstrate an interdisciplinary orientation (the program aims to cover all four Fields of Focus of Heidelberg University).
- The proposal must include a clear plan for follow-up funding.
Eligible Costs
- Personnel costs (scientific staff, student/research assistants, technical support)
- Material costs (e.g., software licenses)
Not Eligible
- Non-research-related events (e.g., teaching-only activities)
Application Deadline: August 31, 2025
Required Documents
Required Documents: Project description (max. 3 pages) including:
A. Title page (project title, applicant name(s), contact information)
B. Short abstract (max. 300 characters incl. spaces)
C. Background and problem statement
D. Innovation and unique contribution
E. Objectives and/or expected results, incl. plan for follow-up funding
F. Work plan and timeline
G. Relevance to the chosen funding priority
H. Interdisciplinarity: involved disciplines, collaborators, and cooperation plan
I. Outlook on institutional integration or follow-up initiatives at Heidelberg University
J. Previous work by the applicant(s)
K. Budget plan
Additional documents:
- CVs of the applicants and up to 10 relevant publications
- Confirmation of no double funding
Submission
Applications must be submitted as a single PDF to:
ethikzentrum@uni-heidelberg.de
Contact for Questions
Prof. Eva Winkler (eva.winkler@med.uni-heidelberg.de)
Prof. Thorsten Moos (thorsten.moos@ts.uni-heidelberg.de)
Coordinator: Dr. David Palme (david.palme@ts.uni-heidelberg.de)