Research Funding

Would you like to present your research work at a meeting or conference? Would you like to attend a congress or a summer school? Are you planning a reserach stay? Participation in scientific events is highly beneficial: You will collect (international) research experience, learn from leading experts, expand your personal network, get to know new methods and get a different perspective within your field of research.

The exchange with other researchers and the networking that takes place at scientific events is of central importance for young scientists. Sometimes it is not possible to finance such a trip with third-party funding. In such cases, the GGN can support its early career researchers with a travel grant of up to EUR 500.

Who can apply?

Applications are open to doctoral students and postdocs at JLU who are members of the GGN.

What is funded?

Expenses for traveling to conferences, meetings, congresses or symposia (with own contribution), a participation in summer schools or workshops as well as research stays longer than one week. The GGN will cover a maximum amount of EUR 500 of the total cost of the trip. The professorship or the institution to which the applicant belongs, or the applicant himself, must bear the additional costs incurred.

What needs to be submitted for application?

Please submit the following documents:

• Reason for travel grant application (topic, description and objectives of the planned project)
• Personal data sheet (cv)
• Title and abstract of own contribution (if applicable)
• Cost calculation
• Declaration by the professorship or the institution the applicant is assigned to that it is not possible to adequately finance the planned trip from third-party funding.

When do the documents have to be submitted?

Please submit your application at least four weeks before the start of your travel and so that a decision can be made before cost-incurring obligations are entered into. Please send the necessary documents to the GGN office (Leihgesterner Weg 52, 35392 Gießen, mail@ggn.uni-giessen.de ).

Who is deciding?

The Executive Board of the GGN.

Notes

• As an employee of JLU, you have to submit a travel notification before the trip. If your application is successful, you will receive a letter of confirmation that the GGN will bear the costs as announced. After the trip, please send the application for reimbursement of travel expenses, including all original bills and receipts, the approved travel notification, the letter of confirmation and the confirmation of participation, directly to Department D.
• Funding is limited to two trips per person per calendar year. The maximum total amount of funding per person is EUR 1500.

What are the evaluation criteria?

The awards will be granted based on the following criteria:

1. Acquisition of a third-party funded project of established funding organizations and first peer-reviewed publications on the research subject.
2. A notable commitment and a high level of quality in teaching. This may be expressed by the use of digital technologies in a way that promotes learning, by a successful combination of research and teaching, or by the implementation of innovative concepts constructively applied to challenging teaching situations.
3. An exemplary action and voluntary work for, and/or, with society beyond one's own qualification work for science and the visibility of the discipline, for example in the field of science communication, reciprocal transfer or citizen science.
4. An outstanding PhD project (ongoing or completed) which is expected to make or has already made a significant contribution to the respective scientific field. This may be a widely acclaimed publication, the development of an innovative process or method, etc.

The project does not have to meet all evaluation criteria. The detailed description of the project should address all evaluation criteria that the project fulfills particularly well.

Who can apply?

Applications under points 1 to 3 are open to all GGN members who are at an early stage of their scientific career. Applications under point 4 are open to all doctoral students of the JLU who are members of the GGN and are pursuing a doctoral degree in the natural sciences (Dr. rer. nat.) or have been awarded this title by JLU Giessen in 2023 or 2024.

What documents must be submitted?

• Short cover letter (1-2 pages)
• Short CV
• Two letters of recommendation (each 1 page), at least one from a researcher with scientific expertise
• Detailed report of the project or the commitment to be awarded the grant (3 pages)
• Supporting verification, if applicable/possible (publication, press article, …)
• Proof of status as a doctoral student or of completion of the doctorate

Who decides on the applications?

All applications will be processed by the GGN managing office. The decision on the award is made by a commission. The commission represents the range of the natural sciences at Justus Liebig University and consists of four PhD supervisors (with deputies) and two postdocs.

Deadline and submission

Applications received by June 7, 2024 will be considered. All documents must be submitted in a single PDF document to mail .

Applications can be submitted in German or English.