Call for Projects in Fundamental Research, Applied Research and for Clinical Scientists

The Flagship Initiative Engineering Molecular Systems (FI EMS) is set up to promote and establish molecular systems engineering at Heidelberg University and to stimulate new collaborations between different disciplines in this emerging field. It deals with the smart use of molecular components to design advanced functional materials, methods, technologies, devices, and therapies on the meso- and/or macroscopic scale. The molecular components can be synthetic or natural with specific electronic, chemical, biological or biomedical properties. This will potentially lead to a societal impact in areas including:

• Materials science with applications in diagnostics, drug discovery and delivery, sensors, machines, clean energy, or environmental technologies.

• Engineering of vaccines and cells with unique properties, e.g. pathogen-fighting capabilities.

• Engineering and development of new algorithms for data processing.

In this call we will fund three different types of research programs:

1) fundamental, proof-of-concept research with future translational potential

2) established research concepts with demonstrated industrial applications (proof-of-concept has been shown)

3) research projects conducted by a clinical scientist including funding of the clinical scientist position

Project requirements

1. Fundamental Research

• Novel, proof-of-concept ideas in the EMS field, with or without preliminary work.

• Interdisciplinary projects: at least two applicants from different research fields/departments, preferably from Fields of Focus 1 and 2.

• Clear description of the potential for translation from basic science to application.

2. Applied Research (after proof-of concept)

• Established scientific proof-of-concept in the field of EMS (e.g. via publications or patent applications).

• The project will lead to an output or application of value to industry and/or the general public.

• Funding may be used for the establishment of concepts, devices, and/or methods.

• We strongly recommend receiving input from the Transfer-Agency hei_INNOVATION of Heidelberg University prior to application.

3. Clinical Scientist

• Research project in the field of EMS conducted by a clinical scientist in a research group at Heidelberg University (host group cannot be located at the Medical Faculties; if necessary, please contact FI EMS for finding a suitable group).

• Clinical scientist has to work full time on the research project.

Scope and duration of funding

Possible funding: up to EUR 150,000 per project (non-mandatory examples of line items include: personnel, material expenses, equipment, and public relations for applied research) 

Funding period: 1-2 years

Projects both small and large in scope are encouraged.

Funding start: August 2022 or later

Success and amount of funding will depend on excellence, novelty and available budget. Funding is only

possible for members paid by institutes of Heidelberg University. Applicants whose contracts are financed by non-Heidelberg University Institutions are not eligible for funding, but are permitted to apply as project partners at their own cost.

Clinical scientists not paid by institutes of Heidelberg University can ask the host group to apply for the research project including the clinical scientist position, if applicable.

Submission

Please state at the beginning of the proposal if applying for 1) fundamental research, 2) applied research schemes or 3) clinical scientist projects.

Fundamental research proposals: Maximum four pages (Arial, font size 11) containing an abstract (approx.2500 characters), affiliation of applicants, expertise of applicants, preliminary work (if applicable), project aim and outline, timeline/milestones, future translational aspects, budget plan, and CVs for each applicant with a list of up to 10 selected publications (max. 2 pages).

Applied research proposals: Maximum four pages (Arial, font size 11) containing an abstract (approx. 2500 characters), affiliation of applicants, expertise of applicants, demonstration of established proof-of-concept (e.g. literature or patent application), project aim and outline, description of concept/method/device, timeline (including timepoint of presentation to the public and/or industry), budget plan, list of previously acquired patents or patent applications, and CVs for each applicant with a list of up to 10 selected publications (max. 2 pages).

Clinical Scientist: Maximum four pages (Arial, font size 11) containing an abstract (approx. 2500 characters), affiliation of host group and clinical scientist, expertise of host group and clinical scientist, project aim and outline, timeline/milestones, budget plan, CV of clinical scientist with a list of up to 10 selected publications, if applicable (max. 2 pages).

Deadline: May 15th, 2022

Application submission and questions: Please send by email to the FI EMS Administration Office: fania.geiger@uni-heidelberg.de

Evaluation: Proposals will be evaluated and recommended for funding to the rectorate by the FI EMS Board.