Call for proposals Mobility in International Research Collaborations

Within the Excellence Strategy, the subproject >>Expanding Internationality<< provides funding to support international exchange in research collaborations.

This funding line is intended to support the further internationalization of Heidelberg University, in particular by fostering connections between researchers at our university and international partners. In addition, the funding line aims to encourage bi- and multilateral cooperation with international partners and the development of thematic networks. The funding measure focuses in particular on the partners and target regions of Heidelberg University that are important as part of the internationalization strategy: This strategy especially targets the Centers Abroad and the regions affiliated with them and universities involved in the 4EU+ University Alliance.

Within this framework, funding may also be granted for research stays of Heidelberg University researchers at Harvard University in order to facilitate the initiation and further development of joint research and cooperation projects.

1. Objectives of the funding line 

Objectives of the program include:

• Supporting the networking of researchers at Heidelberg University with international cooperation partners
• Initiation, implementation and further development of joint research and cooperation projects
• Preparing and implementing of projects within the funding lines >>Strategic Partnership Grant<< and >>Explorer Seed Fund<< of the Heidelberg | Harvard collaboration.

2. Funding and scope

• Funding is available for mobility measures involving researchers from Heidelberg University visiting international partner institutions:

  • Short-term mobility (1–14 days)

    Travel and accommodation costs

  • Research stays (1–2 months)

                        Travel and research grants for doctoral researchers

The maximum funding amount per project is 7.500 EUR.

Eligible measures must be completed by 31 December 2026.

The following are NOT eligible for funding:

• Individual doctoral research projects
• Conference and congress travel without integration into a concrete cooperation project

3. Application

3.1 ELIGIBILITY

Eligible applicants are:

• Professors and postdoctoral researchers at Heidelberg University

3.2 APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

Applications must include:

• Application form
• Project outline (max. 5 pages) including:
  • Description of the project (research or networking)
  • Planned collaboration
  • Added value of the mobility measure for Heidelberg University with regard to existing and planned collaborations
• Budget plan
• Letter of support from the respective institute or unit at Heidelberg University 

3.3 APPLICATION DEADLINE

Applications must be submitted by May 26, 2026, in electronic form as a single PDF file sent to: expanding.internationality@uni-heidelberg.de

4. Selection

Selection will be made by a Selection Committee chaired by the Vice Rector for International Affairs and Diversity.

Key selection criteria include:

• Quality and coherence of the proposed project
• Added value of the planned cooperation for Heidelberg University
• Contribution to the sustainable development of the collaboration
• In the case of proposals of projects within the Heidelberg | Harvard cooperation: contribution to the further development and sustainable continuation of the collaborative projects

Aspects of equal opportunity and diversity are taken into consideration.

5. KEY INFORMATION

• Only complete applications can be considered.
• Approval may be granted with an adjustment of the funding amount.
• Information on cost calculation and administrative procedures can be found in the FAQ.

 

Contact: Heidelberg University – International Relations Division – Excellence Strategy Project »Expanding Internationality« expanding.internationality@uni-heidelberg.de