Exploration Funds

The call for proposals for the Exploration Funds 2023 is open to all topics. An orientation towards current social challenges - e.g. under the keyword upheavals - is welcome, but not a prerequisite for an application.

• ​Innovative research project​​​​
• Demonstrated previous work of the applicant(s)
• Interdisciplinary research approach, at least within the Humanities and Social Sciences
• Proven expertise on the proposed topic must be located in Tübingen
• An institutional connection is expected
• The goal should be the continuation of the research topic presented in the proposal through subsequent third-party funding (CRC, research unit, etc.).

• Start-up funding for a project up to a maximum duration of 3 years, in the form of:
  • Personnel (1 postdoc position, student assistants)
  • Running costs (e.g. for workshops, retreats, seminar series etc.)
• The actual amount of funding depends on the needs as presented and justified in the proposal
• Doctoral positions cannot be funded within the framework of the Exploration Funds

Requirements and Structure

10-12 pages total (excluding bibliography) preferably in English (Arial, 11 pt., 1.5 lines), comprising:

• Cover sheet:
  • Applicant(s) (including the name of the main contact person)
  • Requested funding period (earliest possible start: end of 2023)
  • Total amount requested
  • Abstract (max. 100 words)
• Research field and research questions as well as theoretical and methodological orientation
• Description of the project schedule (half-yearly milestones as well as concrete measures)
• Detailed budget in table format
• Justification for the requested budget
• Has the same or a similar project previously been submitted for third-party funding? 
• Attachment:
  • Short CV (max. 1 page) of the applicants
  • List of publications (at least 5 relevant publications)
  • Bibliography (sources cited in the application; does not count into the 10-12 pages in total)

The proposal should answer the following questions

(also decision criteria)

1. What is the added value of the project and a possible follow-up project for the Humanities and Social Sciences profile of the University of Tübingen?
2. What is the relevance and topicality of the project for society?
3. In which way does the project relate to current scientific debates?
4. Explain the applicant’s suitability to successfully implement the project (e.g. through preliminary work, publications, etc.) and to develop it into a (larger) third-party funded project application (e.g. consortium project)?
5. Networking potential: which structures are already in place, which are planned (within the University, nationally, internationally)?
6. How should the medium- and long-term perspective of the project be secured? Which applications for (third-party) funding are specifically planned? Justify the potential of your project for third-party funding.

 The application must be submitted in one PDF. Incomplete applications cannot be approved for review.

Application

Applications must be submitted via the University’s Online Application Tool (Submission possible from 1^st July 2023).

Review

First, the project proposals are checked for completeness and formal criteria by the Excellence Strategy team. All applications that meet the formal requirements will be reviewed by external experts/ peer researchers. Based on these reviews, the Advisory Board for the Humanities will make the final decision on funding.

Application deadline 

July 31, 2023

Project start

from end of 2023