Deadline: 15-Sep-2026
The Schram Foundation Neuroscience Grant supports early-career researchers at German universities and research institutions working in basic neuroscience, especially molecular and cellular neurobiology. It funds high-risk, innovative research projects with up to €120,000 per year for three years. The programme promotes scientific independence and uses a rigorous peer-review selection process.
Overview of the Programme
The grant is offered by the Schram Foundation to advance fundamental research in neuroscience.
It focuses on:
- Basic neuroscience research
- Molecular and cellular neurobiology
- High-risk, original scientific ideas
- Early-career scientific independence
- Advancing understanding of nervous system function
Since 2004, the foundation has supported over 30 research projects at leading German institutions.
Key Research Areas
Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
- Cellular mechanisms of the nervous system
- Molecular signaling in neurons
- Synaptic structure and function
- Neurodevelopmental processes
Basic Neuroscience Research
- Fundamental brain function studies
- Neural circuit mechanisms
- Experimental neurobiology
- Exploratory high-risk research
Innovative and High-Risk Science
- Novel hypotheses in neuroscience
- Early-stage conceptual research
- Breakthrough-oriented experimental designs
- Interdisciplinary neuroscience approaches
Objectives of the Grant
The programme aims to:
- Support cutting-edge basic neuroscience research
- Promote scientific independence among early-career researchers
- Encourage innovative and high-risk ideas
- Strengthen neuroscience research capacity in Germany
- Advance understanding of the nervous system
Eligibility Criteria
Who Can Apply
Applicants must be:
- Early-career researchers
- Based at German universities or research institutions
- Conducting independent research
Employment Requirements
- Applicant’s position must be fully funded for the entire project duration
- The grant does NOT cover the applicant’s salary
Application Requirements
Language requirements
- Application must be written in English
- Project title and lay summary must also be provided in German
Application structure
Part A (max 5 pages)
- Thematic classification of the project
- Used for reviewer selection
- Helps Scientific Advisory Board identify expertise match
Part B (max 15 pages)
- Detailed scientific proposal
- Basis for expert peer review
Total limit
- Maximum 6,000 words or ~20 pages combined
Funding Details
- Maximum funding: €120,000 per year
- Duration: up to 3 years
- Total per project: up to €360,000
- Number of grants: up to 3 awarded annually
Eligible Expenses
Funding may be used for:
- Research personnel (excluding applicant salary)
- Scientific equipment
- Laboratory consumables
- Travel and conferences
- Other project-related research costs
Review and Selection Process
Peer review system
- Rigorous scientific evaluation process
- External expert referees assess proposals
Reviewer suggestions
- Applicants may propose up to 5 impartial reviewers
- Must disclose conflicts of interest
Final decision
- Selection of reviewers and funding decisions made by foundation board
- Compliance with scientific integrity is mandatory
Objectives of the Programme
The grant aims to:
- Support innovative neuroscience research in Germany
- Enable early-career researchers to lead independent projects
- Promote breakthrough discoveries in brain science
- Encourage methodological and conceptual innovation
- Strengthen Germany’s neuroscience research ecosystem
How the Programme Works
Step 1: Proposal preparation
- Develop neuroscience research project
- Prepare Part A and Part B sections
Step 2: Application submission
- Submit in English with German summary components
- Include reviewer suggestions
Step 3: Peer review process
- External experts evaluate scientific quality
- Board oversees selection process
Step 4: Funding decision
- Up to three projects selected annually
- Funding awarded for up to 3 years
Step 5: Project execution
- Researchers implement independent neuroscience projects
- Funds used for research-related expenses
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Including applicant salary in budget
- Exceeding page or word limits
- Missing German lay summary requirement
- Weak focus on molecular or cellular neuroscience
- Not demonstrating independence as a researcher
- Failing to propose qualified reviewers
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who provides the funding
- The Schram Foundation
- Who can apply
- Early-career researchers in Germany
- Working at universities or research institutions
- Must have independent, fully funded positions
- What is the funding amount
- Up to €120,000 per year
- Up to €360,000 over 3 years
- What research areas are supported
- Molecular neuroscience
- Cellular neurobiology
- Basic neuroscience research
- High-risk innovative studies
- Can salary be included
- No
- Applicant salary is not covered
- How many grants are awarded
- Up to three per year
Conclusion
The Schram Foundation Neuroscience Grant is a highly competitive funding opportunity supporting early-career researchers in Germany. By prioritizing high-risk and innovative neuroscience research, it enables scientific independence and advances fundamental understanding of the brain and nervous system through strong financial and institutional support.
For more information, visit Schram Foundation.