Overview
Overview
Overview
Initiative for early career researchers
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MNF) at the University of Cologne (UoC) supports its committed early career researchers with a funding measure. If you have any questions, please contact mnf-forschungsdekanat(at)uni-koeln(dot)de.
Aim: Financial support for committed early career researchers of the MNF who successfully and independently acquire new third-party funded projects.
Funding: Early career researchers receive the faculty share of the incentive bonus (max. €50.000 per project) for promoting their research. The measure is implemented based on the notification of an externally funded project; there is no need for an application.
Eligibility for funding: All early career researchers at the MNF who acquired new third-party funds with an incentive bonus. The measure applies neither to sub-projects in collaborative research centers nor to joint projects with established scientists. Early career researchers are defined as research associates and W1 professors with a doctorate not older than 8 years at the project start according to their certificate; Parental leave is taken into account according to DFG standards.
Duration: The funding is provided for the entire duration of the project (exception: the funding stops after changing to a W2 professorship or leaving the UoC).
FAQ
What is an incentive bonus?
In addition to direct project costs, some third-party funding agencies provide further funds to cover indirect costs, known as university overheads. The DFG refers to these funds as an "Overhead Allowance" (in German “Programmpauschale”), while the EU calls them "Overhead." The UoC passes a portion of these funds on to project leaders and faculties in the form of an incentive bonus (in German “Anreizprämie”).
What is a third-party funding notification?
The third-party funding notification (in German “Drittmittelanzeige”) is the official form used to register an approved third-party funded project at the UoC. It is signed by the Dean's Office and then forwarded to Division 7 for the financial setup of the project (PSP elements).
Important: Only notifications submitted by early-career researchers themselves can be considered for the initiative for early career researchers.
What can the funding be used for?
The bonus can be used in the same way as other incentive funds and is intended to support research. For example, it can cover the costs of consumables, infrastructure, IT, personnel, business travel, and conferences.
How is the bonus paid out?
The bonus is automatically allocated alongside the standard incentive bonus. As a rule, this does not happen as a lump sum but in installments, depending on the volume of funds drawn down for the project. Project managers in Division 7 can provide further details on this. Incentive bonuses are budgeted to the PSP element "I-06211-A-001-cost center."
How much is the bonus?
The bonus corresponds to the faculty's share of the incentive bonus and is capped at €50,000 per project.
Example:
Project funding of €200,000 is approved by the DFG. The DFG approval notice (in German "Bewilligungsbescheid") specifies the amount of the Overhead Allowance, currently 22% of the project funds. This is expected to amount to 44,000 euros, although the exact sum depends on the project funds actually spent. The Overhead Allowance is allocated to the UoC, which passes on a portion of it as an incentive bonus: 20% of the Overhead Allowance (expected to be 8,800 euros) goes to the project lead, and 20% goes to the faculty. As part of the early-career researcher initiative, the faculty also passes its share (expected to be 8,800 euros) on to the project lead. A total of approximately 17,600 euros in incentive funds is allocated to the corresponding PSP element for the early-career researcher.
Contact
Research management
Dr. Andrea Miebach
E-Mail: mnf-forschungsdekanat(at)uni-koeln(dot)de
Tel.: 0221 470 4225 (except Wednesdays)