The program offers Berlin researchers the opportunity to work towards a fixed goal (conference, publication, preparation of a follow-up proposal, etc.) over several years. Between ten and twenty members can collaborate on topic-related matters through working meetings and workshops. The Einstein Circle can include up to one-third selected external researchers as members. On a smaller scale, research expenses for collecting initial data or in the sense of a "proof of concept" can be funded.
Detailed Programme Description
I. Objective
The programme offers researchers in Berlin the opportunity to participate in Berlin-wide, theme-based collaborations across institutions which they organise themselves.
An Einstein Circle is composed of a certain group of people affiliated with at least one of the four Berlin universities or Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, as well as with at least one Berlin non-university research institution. Each Einstein Circle must have at least ten and no more than 20 members and will spend a maximum of three years focusing on a specific topic. An Einstein Circle may invite selected researchers from outside of Berlin to join (usually not more than one third of the membership) in order to integrate excellent (inter)nationalresearchers.
Einstein Circles approach a research-related topic in an explorative manner over the course of up to three years. The collaboration should aim to produce concrete results at the end of this period (e.g. a joint publication or the planning and implementation of a scientific project that would not otherwise have been possible, preparation of an application with other donors or preparation of an Einstein Centre).
II. Eligibility
Recognized researchers with an occupation at one of the eligible institutions may apply for funding.
III. Funding
The maximum funding amount of € 150,000 is independent of the maximum funding duration (up to three years). Funding may be used to cover expenses for
Regular meetings (max. three p.a.) of the Circle members lasting, ideally, several days. This includes travel and accommodation costs (in accordance with the relevant Berlin tax law on travel expenses) for the members of the circle not resident in Berlin and up to three expert guests. In-person meetings can be substituted by virtual meetings, if useful
Coordination and/or setting up new research initiatives, e.g. via covering (additional) hours of already employed personnel, covering a 0.5 FTE position or, if applicable, employing a student assistant.
Up to three small-sized explorative projects at the eligible institutions to establish “proof of concept” or collect preliminary data.
IV. Funding Period
The maximum funding period is three years; shorter funding periods are possible.
V. Application Process
The applicants must be researchers at one of the eligible Berlin universities or Charité. Submitters are the representatives of the Research Departments.
Applicants are required to use the application forms provided by the Einstein Foundation. Applications may be submitted in any discipline by the dates posted on the Foundation’s website.
The application must include:
Description of the project and its objectives
Detailed time schedule
Cost plan according to year
List of proposed participants
Where applicable, information on the project’s importance for Berlin as a centre of research excellence
Please note that applications must be submitted in English.
VI. Use of Funds
The approved funds may only be drawn through the university or Charité in accordance with the regulations on third party funding. If applicable, these institutions will also become the respective employer of the individuals who receive support from the Einstein Foundation Berlin.
In outreach measures and publications, Einstein Circles must point to the funding via the Einstein Foundation.
Version 1.3, 05/25
Information & Forms
Eligibility
Scientists from the Berlin universities and Charité in cooperation with at least one member of a non-university research institute
Funding period
Up to three years
Funding scope
Maximum of €150,000 for working meetings (no more than three per year) and travel and accommodation costs for external members, coordination (max. 0.5 FTE or student assistant), three smaller research projects (for initial data, "proof of concept" or similar)
Forms for Download
Code for funding recipients (PDF)
Guidelines on Equal Opportunity, Diversity, and Career Support (PDF)
FAQs about the "Einstein Circle"
Yes, if this helps promote the group’s research focus in Berlin. However, such an application may not be used to extend funding for an existing project, and at least one non-university research institute needs to be involved in the Circle.
Yes, if coordination of the Circle is secured for the remaining funding period and the main applicant’s contract ends less than a year prior to the end of the Circle’s funding period.
No. Only applicants must hold a doctoral degree. The remaining members can be at earlier stages of their career.