Funding Line 2 | Start-up Funding (Emmy Noether or ERC Starting Grant)

Program Description

This funding line offers outstanding researchers the opportunity to apply for financial support to prepare third-party funding applications in the prestigious DFG-Emmy Noether or ERC Starting Grant programs. It specifically supports the independent acquisition of third-party funding. The program aims to provide financial support to researchers in drafting their project proposals.

Support and development of early-career researchers
Promotion of innovative research projects
Targeted assistance in the independent acquisition of third-party funding

Up to €10,000 per project

Direct project costs and funding for student / research assistants

Up to 6 months

If an applicant is invited for an interview, additional funding is automatically activated, providing additional financial support for program-specific interview training or coaching.

- Deadline: 15.04.2025

Application Requirements and Eligibility

Researchers at Saarland University with completed doctorate with an excellent degree:
- Up to 4 years (Emmy Noether) after the doctorate (extended periods of absence are considered in accordance with the DFG guidelines: DFG Equity and Diversity)
- 2 to 7 years (ERC Starting Grant) after the doctorate (We kindly ask scientists with a Dr. med. degree to contact Department F in advance to clarify their eligibility to apply.) (extended periods of absence are considered in accordance with the European Commission guidelines: ERC Starting Grant)

Curriculum vitae (max. 2 pages), incl. top publications (max. 5)
Project proposal (max. 3 pages):
- Abstract (max. ½ page)
- Key objectives and methods
- Explanation of the innovative/excellent character
- Commitment / motivation to carrying out the planned project at Saarland University
Budget plan (table) (max. ½ page)
Recommendation letter from your superior (max. ¾ page)

Font: Arial
Font size: Minimum 11
Line spacing: Minimum 1.2
Page margins: Top 2.5 cm | Bottom 2 cm | Left 2.5 cm | Right 2 cm
The application may be submitted in either German or English

The complete documents (one single PDF file) must be submitted exclusively via email to:

forschung(at)uni-saarland.de

Only the provided templates may be used, and the specified style sheet must be followed. Save the document under the name: START_F2_Start Up Funding_<Your last name>.

April 15, 2025
Notice:
- Submission of ERC Starting Grant application no later than October 2026 (please check EU deadlines)
- Submission of the Emmy Noether application to the DFG within one year

Up to 6 months
Earliest possible start of funding: July 1, 2025
Maximum duration of funding: December 31, 2025
The decision and notification will be communicated promptly

Travel costs: Funding for active participation in conferences, archival work, or summer schools (up to two months, either continuously or in segments)
Direct project costs: Usable for license/software fees, publication fees, literature, consumables, editing, graphic designer, etc.
Student / research assistants (“HiWis”)
Remaining funds will expire