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.