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Research

JMU Seed Grant

What is the purpose of the programme?

The purpose of this programme is to support early career researchers in developing their first competitive individual proposal for third-party funding (e.g. Individual DFG Research Grants, Emmy Noether Programme, ERC Starting Grants). Please note that sub-projects within coordinated programmes (e.g. collaborative research centers or research units) are not eligible for funding.


Who can apply?

  • Early career researchers who completed their doctorate no more than 8 years ago (postdoctoral researchers,  habilitation candidates, junior professors (pay grade W1), junior research group leaders)
  • Please note that the programme exclusively targets researchers who are currently preparing their first proposal which would allow them to conduct an independent third-party funded research project.
  • The programme also targets members at the Faculty of Medicine employed in the pre-clinical sector, whereas researchers employed at the University Hospital are not eligible to apply.

Please check the FAQ  and get in touch with the Research Advancement Centre (rac-office@uni-wuerzburg.de). The RAC team will be happy to advise you on the application process.


Maximum funding per project

Max. funding sum: €30,000

Funding can be used for the following types of costs:

  • Project-specific staff (e.g. student assistants)
  • Travel expenses
  • Material costs
  • External qualification measures (e.g. networking activities, establishment of cooperations, involvement of external mentors)

Please note that the own position cannot be funded.


How is it financed?

50% of the requested sum is to be contributed by decentralized funds (i.e. Faculty/Institute/Chair), while 50% is provided centrally by the university.

A written commitment regarding the co-financing of the requested funds with corresponding account assignment must be attached to the application.


Upcoming deadline

  • 17 March 2025
  • 30 June 2025
  • 16 September 2025
  • 2 December 2025


How do I apply?

Please submit your proposal and all supporting documents as one PDF file (max. 10 MB) via email to the Research Advancement Centre at rac-office@uni-wuerzburg.de. The proposals must include the following contents:

  • Application form (see template in the Filing Cabinet)
  • CV (3 pages max.)
  • Co-financing commitment letter from the respective faculty, institute, or chair

The university board advises and decides on the submitted applications. After the decision, the applicants will be notified in writing.


Expense Report

Please note that the planned application for third-party funding must be submitted to the funding organisation within 12 months after the JMU Seed Grant has been approved. Applicants must submit an expense report no later than 12 months after the start of the JMU Seed Grant funding.