Aim of the programme
Application requirements and procedure
How to apply
Current programme

Aim of the programme:

In accordance with the recommendations of the Research Commission and the resolutions of the Faculty Board based on these recommendations, this funding line supports the procurement of large-scale equipment in accordance with Article 91b of the Basic Law , as the corresponding federal share can double the investment volume. Investments with a volume below the large-scale equipment limit of EUR 200,000 cannot be applied for in this programme; the Heidelberg Medical Faculty has set up a separate funding line for this purpose (see funding line 1). The call for proposals is published once a year.

The programme is primarily intended to enable the procurement of larger investments that represent innovative and original technologies and have a very positive impact on the research landscape of the MFHD (and the biomedical campus in the broader sense). Funding can only be provided for investments that guarantee the largest possible utilisation volume for a large number of users and are not redundant with appropriate infrastructure in existing core facilities and equipment. In this respect, the application submitted must contain clear statements about the availability of the relevant infrastructure and about accessibility for other working groups and facilities. The Medical Faculty of Heidelberg emphasises that the new large-scale equipment should be integrated into a core facility if possible, and that a well-founded core facility concept is expected. The Faculty suggests that existing or newly established core facilities should be linked to the university's Cellnetworks Core Technology Platform (CCTP) wherever possible. The CCTP is the umbrella organisation for core technology facilities in the life sciences at the university.

Application requirements and procedure:

Researchers who are employed full-time (usually with at least 50% of their employment) at an institution of the Medical Faculty of Heidelberg and are at least working group leaders (Junior Group Leaders of the Medical Faculty (MFHD-JGL) can be included in the application as co-applicants) are eligible to apply. The possible application volume is up to EUR 500,000 per application (faculty share).

The application procedure consists of two stages. In the first stage, the applications received by the deadline are assessed and prioritised by a selection committee approved by the Faculty Executive Board. The initiatives prioritised accordingly are informed in writing and then have the opportunity to submit a large-scale equipment proposal to the DFG in accordance with Article 91b of the Basic Law. The provision of faculty funds is dependent on the prompt submission of the major instrumentation proposal to the DFG as well as the positive evaluation of the major instrumentation proposal and funding of the procurement by the DFG.

Application:

This year's application deadline for this funding line is Friday, 10 October 2025, 12.00 noon .

Applications can only be submitted electronically via e-mail to Mrs Martina Manns. Please check that your documents are complete in accordance with the application guidelines; unfortunately, incomplete applications cannot be included in the review process.

Please note that in addition to the various parts of the application (scientific concept, information on third-party funding and publications, confirmations, etc., each in pdf format), a fully completed form must also be submitted.

• Application Guidelines (German Text)
• Application Form