Empower your research trajectory with flexible funding and robust career support. The Klaus Tschira Boost Fund offers postdoctoral and early-career scientists in Germany the chance to launch bold, independent, and interdisciplinary projects—while enhancing leadership skills and global collaboration.↚
Accelerate Independent Research: Klaus Tschira Boost Fund for Postdocs 2026
Eligibility & Who Should Apply
This fully funded program is open to early-stage postdoctoral researchers (no permanent contract) employed at a public university, university of applied sciences, Fraunhofer, Max Planck, Helmholtz, DLR, Leibniz, EMBL, or similar German institutes. Eligible disciplines include biology, chemistry, geosciences, computer science, mathematics, neuroscience, and physics. You must not have already secured tenure or led your own junior research group
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Fellowship Structure & Benefits
Selected postdocs are awarded up to €120,000 over a project period of up to 24 months. Funding covers project-specific costs, with a maximum of €67,000–80,000 permitted for salary as per institutional guidelines. Fellows participate in a four-part career development workshop series, receive mentoring, and join an exclusive alumni network
Why It Matters
This fund is designed to accelerate your scientific independence, foster international collaborations, and equip you with leadership and grant-writing skills. It supports ambitious research initiatives that might otherwise be deemed too interdisciplinary or risky—offering a player’s edge in shaping an impactful academic career
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Timeline & How to Apply
The next application window opens on 2 June 2025 via the GSO online portal. The deadline for full submissions is 1 October 2025 at 23:59 CEST, with project start dates allowed between 1 May and 1 October 2026 An informational webinar is scheduled for 7 July 2025 to guide prospective applicants