Deadline: 31-Dec-2025
The CORE (Collection Research) Program offers funded short-term research visits for international scientists to access one of Austria’s largest natural history collections at Oberösterreichische Landes-Kultur GmbH (OÖLKG). The program supports taxonomy, phylogenetics, biodiversity, and palaeontological research by providing accommodation, travel support, and weekly allowances, with projects scheduled during 2026. Applications close on 31 December 2025.
The CORE (Collection Research) Program is a competitive research visit scheme designed to support scientists conducting collection-based biodiversity and palaeontological research. Hosted by Oberösterreichische Landes-Kultur GmbH (OÖLKG) in Austria, the program enables short-term access to globally significant biological and fossil collections, strengthening international research collaboration and scientific output.
About the CORE Program
The CORE Program invites researchers to undertake short research stays focused on taxonomy, systematics, phylogenetics, biodiversity studies, and palaeontology. It aims to reinforce OÖLKG’s role as a leading center for collection-based research while supporting European research infrastructure initiatives. The program aligns with OÖLKG’s active participation in CETAF (Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities) and DiSSCo (Distributed System of Scientific Collections), ensuring high scientific standards and data integration across Europe.
About Oberösterreichische Landes-Kultur GmbH (OÖLKG)
OÖLKG manages one of Austria’s most extensive natural history collections, comprising more than 15 million historical and contemporary specimens. These collections span botany, zoology, palaeontology, and geosciences, offering a robust foundation for comparative, regional, and global research.
Botany Collections
The botany collections include over 1.2 million specimens of plants and fungi. The geographic focus covers Upper Austria, Costa Rica, Europe, the Mediterranean region, and Turkey, enabling studies on floristic diversity, biogeography, and fungal taxonomy across multiple ecosystems.
Invertebrate and Entomology Collections
The invertebrate collections, excluding insects, contain approximately 8.5 million specimens, with globally important holdings of Mollusca and Protista alongside diverse other invertebrate groups. The entomology collection includes around 5.5 million specimens, with a strong emphasis on Hymenoptera, making it particularly valuable for insect systematics and evolutionary research.
Vertebrate and Geosciences Collections
The vertebrate collection comprises more than 45,000 specimens, primarily birds and mammals from Upper Austria. The geosciences collection includes over 60,000 objects, focusing on vertebrate fossils from the Northern Alpine Foreland Basin and Mesozoic cephalopods from the Northern Calcareous Alps, including the recently acquired Schaffer collection.
Funding and Support Provided
The CORE Program offers comprehensive financial and logistical support to facilitate research visits.
• Free accommodation in OÖLKG guest rooms for the full duration of the stay
• Coverage of travel costs
• A subsistence allowance of €400 per week for applicants who are not permanently employed or working as freelancers
Who Is Eligible?
The program is open to international researchers who meet the following criteria.
• PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and other qualified scientists
• Applicants must be based outside Austria
• A documented research record relevant to collection-based biodiversity or palaeontological research
The program welcomes both early-career researchers and established scientists seeking access to extensive museum collections.
Why This Program Matters
Natural history collections are critical for understanding biodiversity, evolutionary processes, and environmental change. The CORE Program enables direct access to primary specimens, supports reproducible science, and strengthens international research networks. By integrating visiting researchers into OÖLKG’s scientific environment, the program contributes to high-quality publications, data sharing, and long-term scientific impact.
How the CORE Program Works
The research visit process is structured to ensure effective use of collections and facilities.
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Identify the relevant OÖLKG collection aligned with your research topic.
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Contact the head of the collection and a potential OÖLKG scientist to act as your host.
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Confirm material availability and required museum facilities.
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Complete the online application form and upload all required documents according to the terms and conditions.
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Coordinate visit dates with the host if selected.
Timeline and Key Dates
Application deadline: 31 December 2025
Notification of results: January 2026
Project start: From January 2026
Project completion: Within the 2026 calendar year
Research visit schedules are arranged in coordination with the assigned OÖLKG host.
Tips for a Strong Application
• Clearly define your research objectives and explain why OÖLKG collections are essential.
• Contact your prospective host well in advance to align expectations.
• Demonstrate how your project contributes to taxonomy, biodiversity science, or palaeontology.
• Ensure all documents are complete and submitted before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the CORE Collection Research Program?
It is a funded research visit program supporting short-term access to OÖLKG’s natural history collections for international scientists.
Who can apply for the CORE Program?
PhD students, postdocs, and other scientists based outside Austria with a documented research record are eligible.
What expenses are covered by the grant?
The program covers accommodation, travel costs, and a weekly allowance of €400 for eligible applicants.
Which research fields are supported?
Taxonomy, systematics, phylogenetics, biodiversity research, and palaeontology are the primary focus areas.
When do selected projects take place?
Projects begin from January 2026 and must be completed within the 2026 calendar year.
Is contacting a host mandatory before applying?
Yes, applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the relevant collection head and host scientist before submission.
Conclusion
The CORE Collection Research Program provides a valuable opportunity for international scientists to conduct high-impact research using one of Europe’s most comprehensive natural history collections. With structured funding, expert hosting, and access to millions of specimens, the program supports rigorous, collection-based science and advances global biodiversity and palaeontological research.
For more information, visit Upper Austrian State Culture GmbH.
