Deadline: 01-Oct-2026
The Klaus Tschira Boost Fund provides up to €115,000 in funding for postdoctoral researchers in Germany to pursue independent, high-risk, and interdisciplinary research projects. In addition to research funding, fellows receive career development support, leadership training, coaching, and access to a professional alumni network over a project period of up to 24 months.
What is the Klaus Tschira Boost Fund?
The Klaus Tschira Boost Fund is a research funding and career development program designed to support talented postdoctoral researchers working in Germany.
The initiative helps early-career scientists strengthen their scientific independence by funding innovative research projects while providing structured professional development opportunities. The program particularly encourages exploratory, interdisciplinary, and high-risk research that may be difficult to support through traditional funding mechanisms.
Funding Overview
Grant Amount
Successful applicants may receive:
- Up to €115,000 per project
- Funding period of up to 24 months
- Up to €67,000 gross salary support for the fellow
Use of Funds
The funding can be used for:
- Fellow salary costs
- Research expenses
- Project implementation costs
- Scientific collaboration activities
- Research-related travel
- Materials and resources required for the project
All expenditures must follow the approved budget and be reported through annual financial reports.
Research Areas Supported
The program supports non-clinical research in the following disciplines:
Biology
- Molecular biology
- Ecology
- Genetics
- Evolutionary biology
- Biotechnology
Chemistry
- Organic chemistry
- Analytical chemistry
- Physical chemistry
- Materials chemistry
Computer Science
- Artificial intelligence
- Data science
- Software systems
- Computational methods
Geosciences
- Earth sciences
- Environmental sciences
- Climate research
- Geological studies
Mathematics
- Pure mathematics
- Applied mathematics
- Statistical sciences
- Computational mathematics
Neurosciences
- Brain research
- Cognitive science
- Neurobiology
- Neural systems
Physics
- Experimental physics
- Theoretical physics
- Applied physics
- Quantum research
Key Research Priorities
The fund particularly encourages projects that are:
Exploratory
Research that investigates novel scientific questions and emerging ideas.
High-Risk, High-Reward
Projects with significant innovation potential that may involve greater scientific uncertainty.
Interdisciplinary
Research combining expertise from multiple scientific fields.
Internationally Collaborative
Projects that build international scientific partnerships and networks.
Additional Career Development Benefits
Beyond financial support, fellows participate in a structured career development program.
Leadership Development
Training includes:
- Leadership skills
- Team management
- Research leadership
- Strategic planning
Professional Skills Training
Workshops cover:
- Career planning
- Project management
- Communication skills
- Scientific leadership
Wellbeing and Self-Care
Participants receive support in:
- Personal resilience
- Work-life balance
- Sustainable career development
Coaching Support
Fellows gain access to professional coaching designed to support individual career growth and decision-making.
Alumni Network
Participants become part of a dedicated network of researchers, fostering future collaborations and professional opportunities.
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must:
- Be postdoctoral researchers
- Be employed at a public research institution in Germany
- Conduct research within one of the eligible scientific disciplines
- Be engaged in non-clinical research
- Demonstrate scientific excellence and independence potential
Eligible Host Institutions
Applicants may be employed by:
- State-funded universities
- Universities of applied sciences
- Federal research institutions
- Research organizations within the:
- Fraunhofer Society
- Leibniz Association
- Max Planck Society
- Helmholtz Association
- German Aerospace Center
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory
Who is Not Eligible?
Applicants are generally not eligible if they:
- Hold a permanent academic position
- Hold a tenure-track appointment
- Have already secured substantial external research funding
- Conduct primarily clinical research
Why This Fund Matters
Many postdoctoral researchers face challenges in obtaining independent funding while transitioning toward research leadership roles.
The Klaus Tschira Boost Fund addresses this gap by:
- Supporting scientific independence
- Encouraging innovative and risky research
- Promoting interdisciplinary collaboration
- Building leadership capabilities
- Strengthening international research networks
- Supporting long-term career development
The combination of funding and professional development makes the program particularly valuable for researchers preparing for future academic or research leadership positions.
How to Apply
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure you:
- Hold a postdoctoral position
- Work at an eligible institution in Germany
- Conduct research in an eligible discipline
- Meet all employment and funding requirements
Step 2: Develop a Research Proposal
Prepare a project that:
- Addresses an important scientific question
- Demonstrates innovation
- Shows potential impact
- Includes interdisciplinary elements where relevant
Step 3: Create a Budget
Develop a clear budget outlining:
- Salary allocation
- Research expenses
- Collaboration costs
- Other project-related expenditures
Step 4: Demonstrate Independence
Explain how the project will:
- Advance your independent research profile
- Establish new collaborations
- Contribute to your scientific career development
Step 5: Submit the Application
Complete the application process according to the fund’s guidelines and provide all required supporting documentation.
Tips for a Strong Application
Highlight Innovation
Clearly explain what makes the project novel and scientifically significant.
Show Interdisciplinary Value
Demonstrate how different fields or methodologies contribute to the research.
Focus on Impact
Describe potential scientific, societal, or technological benefits.
Demonstrate Career Development Potential
Show how the fellowship will support your transition toward greater research independence.
Present a Realistic Work Plan
Include achievable objectives and a clear project timeline.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting overly broad research proposals
- Failing to demonstrate scientific independence
- Providing an unclear budget justification
- Neglecting interdisciplinary opportunities
- Underestimating project risks without mitigation plans
- Focusing solely on technical details without explaining impact
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How much funding is available?
Researchers can receive up to €115,000 for a project lasting up to 24 months.
2. How much salary support is included?
A maximum of €67,000 gross may be allocated toward the fellow’s salary.
3. Which research disciplines are eligible?
Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Geosciences, Mathematics, Neurosciences, and Physics.
4. Can researchers outside Germany apply?
Applicants must be employed at an eligible public research institution located in Germany.
5. Are interdisciplinary projects encouraged?
Yes. Interdisciplinary and innovative research projects are a major priority of the fund.
6. Can researchers with permanent positions apply?
No. Individuals holding permanent or tenure-track positions are not eligible.
7. What additional benefits are offered beyond funding?
Fellows receive leadership training, career development workshops, coaching support, and access to an alumni network.
Conclusion
The Klaus Tschira Boost Fund offers a unique opportunity for postdoctoral researchers in Germany to pursue ambitious and interdisciplinary research while strengthening their scientific independence. With funding of up to €115,000, structured professional development, coaching, and networking opportunities, the program provides a comprehensive platform for researchers seeking to advance both their scientific work and long-term careers.
For more information, visit GSO.
