Center for Research Strategy and Support

Medical Scientist Programme

of the Medical Faculty of Ulm University

Current call for proposals

dated November 2, 2026 for the 2027/30 funding period

Application deadline: January 7, 2027
Planned start of funding: May 1, 2027

Guidelines

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the application portal of the Medical Faculty. All documents and forms relevant to the call for applications are available for download there.

To the application portal

​​​​​​​The application procedure is structured in 2 stages. After reviewing the written applications (stage 1), the Clinician/Medical Scientist Board will decide which applicants will be invited to present their project (stage 2). This presentation round is expected to take place in mid-March 2027. Once a date has been set, it will be announced here.

The Medical Scientist Programme (MSP) of the Medical Faculty of Ulm University offers excellent non-clinically active postdocs a clearly structured career perspective with the aim of qualifying them for a professorship. It is aimed at researchers who wish to take a next, visible step towards independent research leadership and to further develop their scientific profile in a targeted manner.

The programme addresses postdoctoral researchers with a doctoral degree who join the programme at the earliest three years after completing their PhD and who already have independent research experience. A change of institution after the doctorate, ideally including international experience, as well as relevant publications and successfully acquired third-party funding are generally expected. A central prerequisite for admission is a convincing scientific project with clearly defined objectives and a realistic milestone plan.

The programme is designed for up to six years based on a 3+3 model and includes an interim evaluation in the third year. Regular intra-annual evaluations ensure that project progress, scientific qualification, and clinical responsibilities remain continuously aligned.

A central element of the MSP is a clearly structured supervision and mentoring concept. Each Medical Scientist is accompanied by one supervisor from basic research and one from clinical-translational research, and is additionally supported by an independent personal mentor. Together, they develop an individual qualification and career plan and regularly reflect on the strategic further development of the research and academic profile.

Within the framework of the MSP, the Medical Faculty typically funds up to three positions per year. The funding covers 50% of a Medical Scientist position, a doctoral researcher position, as well as consumables and mobility funds. In addition, co-funding by the respective institution is expected to ensure the sustainable integration of Medical Scientists into the structures of university medicine.

Selection takes place in a two-step process: after reviewing the written application documents, selected candidates are invited to present their project in a scientific talk followed by a discussion.

Download documents

An annual progress report (no more than 3 pages) must be submitted. Please submit this to the coordination office by email at least 2 months before the end of the respective project year.

The relevant form for download will be available here as soon as possible.

Progress reports from the 2026/2029 funding period onwards will be submitted via the application portal of the Medical Faculty.

In the third year (after 2 years and 6 months) there is an interim evaluation with submission of an interim report and presentation to the Clinician/Medical Scientist Board and Advisory Board.

The relevant form for download will be available here as soon as possible.

Interim reports from the 2026/2029 funding period onwards will be submitted via the application portal of the Medical Faculty.

Grant holders are required to submit a final report within six months after the end of the funding. Please use the form provided and send the document per e-mail to the coordination office.

The relevant form for download will be available here as soon as possible.

Final reports from the 2026/2029 funding period onwards will be submitted via the application portal of the Medical Faculty.

International Mobility Fund

The International Mobility Fund of the Medical Faculty supports grant holders on the Ulm Career Track during short research visits of up to three months at international host institutions. The aim is to acquire new methods, establish robust international collaborations and become involved in internationally recognised research environments – as an integral part of scientific career development. The Medical Faculty generally covers up to 15,000 EUR per stay; applications may be submitted at any time. Each year, the faculty allocates a total of 100,000 EUR to the International Mobility Fund.

ProTrainU

The Graduate & Professional Training Center Ulm (ProTrainU) is the central point of contact for supporting early-career female researchers at the University of Ulm—including in the areas of general advising and career development. ProTrainU also offers numerous training programs and courses on interdisciplinary skills (e.g., key competencies, communication, project management). Take advantage of these opportunities to enhance your professional profile and advance your career!

Retreats

Every two years, we take a break from the daily grind and head off on a retreat! Together with colleagues from the Clinician Scientist Programme, we meet – usually at Villa Eberhardt in Ulm – to facilitate exciting projects, new ideas and plenty of discussion. Among those taking part are also, for example, clinician and medical scientists from the Else Kröner Research Training Group POTENTIAL, the FePro Centre for Young Researchers or the German Centre for Child and Adolescent Health (DZKJ).

Our scientific early-career researchers present their work in talks or poster presentations. This gives you a good insight into the research currently being carried out in the Medical Scientist Programme. Alongside the programme, there’s always plenty of time for a relaxed get-together – ideal for networking, initiating collaborations and simply exchanging ideas in a pleasant atmosphere.

A look back at our retreats