Einstein Research Unit

I. OBJECTIVES

Einstein Research Units are long-term collaborative research platforms exploring research areas defined as strategically important by the Berlin University Alliance (BUA). These Research Units contribute to strengthening strategically relevant interdisciplinary research and help define new, innovative inter- and transdisciplinary fields of research

II. ELIGIBILITY

Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Technische Universität Berlin and the Charité – Universitätsmedizin are eligible for funding. Applications are submitted via the head office of the Berlin University Alliance.

Applications must include at least two Research Alliance institutions. In addition, non-university research institutions may be involved as collaborative partners

III. FUNDING

Grants can be used for collaborative research clusters. Funds can be requested to cover the following:

• expenses for scientific staff (and, to a limited extent, for non-research and technical support staff);
• directly incurred expenses, including expenses for travel, accommodation for guests, as well as for Open Access publications;
• investments (excluding construction).

Funding can be requested for up to €2 million p.a.

IV. FUNDING PERIOD
 

The initial funding period is three years. Funding can be extended for an additional two years to a maximum of five years which has to be applied for at the beginning of the third year of funding. This extension is subject to a review of the Einstein Research Unit by the Einstein Foundation Berlin (ESB) and approval by the BUA.

V. APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications can be submitted at any time via the BUA head office. The review process is compulsory and will be carried out by the Einstein Foundation Berlin on behalf of the BUA.

Applications must be submitted in English and need to highlight the key role of the institutions (institutes, working groups, non-university project partners, etc.) involved in the proposed Research Unit based on the criteria laid out by the BUA, and detail the financial support provided by each institution involved. 

Please seek early advice from the BUA head office prior to preparing your application.

The application must specifically contain:

• a description of the proposed Research Unit and its objectives;
• a list of applicants and their institutional affiliations;
• a brief outline delineating how the proposed Research Unit intends to incorporate existing scientific and research networks and their expertise;
• a statement highlighting the outstanding international quality and originality of the proposed Research Unit;
• details on how the proposed Einstein Research Unit adds to an interdisciplinary research area that is strategically relevant to Berlin’s research environment;
• a brief outline of the key research the applicants have delivered over the last five years including a short CV and a list of up to ten publications reflecting the applicants’ most relevant research contributions;
• an outline of the proposed research to be carried out by the Research Unit, including details on its objectives, methods and possible forms of co-operation;
• details regarding intended inter- and transdisciplinary collaborations, as well as examples of ongoing collaborative projects and their expected research outcomes (joint publications, public events, etc.);
• a detailed description of the proposed Research Unit’s approach to cross-institutional collaboration and the impact of this approach on existing or proposed interdisciplinary fields of research in Berlin;
• an annual budget plan with explanations and justification;
• an approach on how to permanently establish the proposed field of study in Berlin’s research environment;
• a contact person.
   

VI. PROCEDURE

Submissions are reviewed by the Einstein Foundation Berlin on behalf of the BUA. Upon completing the review process, the Einstein Foundation Berlin will forward its recommendation to the BUA office. Based on this, the BUA will reach a decision on whether or not to fund the application, and the funds awarded. The approved funding may only be requested through the individual university or by the Charité in accordance with the regulations on third-party funding. Funds will be managed by the university designated responsible by the BUA and forwarded to the individual partners in accordance with the approved budget plan.

VII. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. Research

• quality and originality of the proposed research project in international perspective;
• coherence of the proposed research project;
• quality of previous contributions in the research field;
• positive impact on the future development of the field of study, or on opening new areas of research;
• contribution of the proposed research program to one of the BUA’s Grand Challenges.

2. Staff / Participants

• have proven their scientific excellence;
• deliver internationally competitive research;
• are adequately diverse in their composition;
• also include established societal actors and stakeholders.

3. Supportng structures and strategies at the Research Unit

• promote early-career researchers and incentivize their independence;
• enhance equal opportunities and diversity;
• include policies on management, quality assessment and outreach

4. Adequate budgeting