Graduate & Professional Training Center Ulm

Ulm Postdoc Research Grant

Funding for Postdoctoral Researchers at Ulm University

News:
Call is open now! 
Call ends: Wed., 06 May 2026
Funding starts: 01 Jul 2026 

Through the Ulm Postdoc Research Grant, Ulm University supports postdoctoral researchers in establishing independent research projects. The aim of the program is to give researchers in the early postdoctoral phase the opportunity to carry out key preparatory work for a competitive external funding application and to further refine their academic profile.

Funding is provided for project-related expenses that directly serve the preparation of a larger external funding application. Please refer to application guidelines to see how exactly the funds may be used.

Funding is provided for up to 12 months. The maximum funding amount is EUR 20,000.

Funding period: 01 July 2026 to 30 June 2027

 

Who is eligible to apply?

Postdoctoral researchers up until they submit their habilitation of the following faculties of Ulm University:

o    Faculty of Engineering, Computer Science and Psychology
o    Faculty of Mathematics and Economics
o    Faculty of Natural Sciences

Additional requirements:

  • Employment relationship with Ulm University or a scholarship based there until at least the until the end of the funding period
  • The doctoral degree must not have been obtained more than five years prior to the start of funding (parental leave and caregiving periods are taken into account).
  • Must not have previously received Start-up Funding A.
     

You can find an overview of the funding programs for early-career researchers of the Medical Faculty here. 


Selection Process

The selection of funded projects is carried out through a competitive process by the ProTrainU Executive Board. The evaluation is based on the following criteria:
•    Academic quality and feasibility of the project
•    Contribution to scientific independence and profile building

A prerequisite for funding is a convincing prospect of securing a larger third-party funded project.


FAQ

Here you will find frequently asked questions.

 

Information Session on the Application Process

Would you like to submit an application but still have questions about the program or the application process?
Then we invite you to join our online information session on the Ulm Postdoc Research Grant.

During the session, you will receive a brief overview of the funding program as well as practical tips on how to apply. You will also have the opportunity to ask your questions directly.

Dates

  • April 23 | 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. | German
  • April 23 | 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. | English

Registration

Both sessions cover the same content and differ only in the language of the event.

 

Schedule

Call for ProposalsMarch 2026
Information Session April 23
Application DeadlineMay 6, 2026
Selection DecisionJune 2026
Funding Start DateJuly 1, 2026
End of FundingJune 30, 2027

 

How can you apply?

Please follow these steps when submitting your application:

1.    Read the funding guidelines carefully and verify that you meet the application requirements.
2.    Attend the information session and read the FAQ to clarify any questions you may have about the application process.
3.    Complete the application form in full and sign it.
4.    Prepare the required additional documents and attach them to your application.
5.    Submit your complete application by the deadline 
o    electronically as a single PDF document to: protrainu@uni-ulm.de
o    additionally in printed form via internal mail to ProTrainU.