“BATTERY PIONEERS” project receives DAAD funding
BACCARA is breaking new ground in recruiting and supporting international doctoral researchers
BACCARA, in close collaboration with the International Office of the University of Münster, has successfully secured funding of approximately €700,000 from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) for the project “BATTERY PIONEERS: Global Green Mobility Talent in Battery Research.”. The project aims to attract highly qualified international doctoral researchers to battery research in Münster while also increasing the proportion of women in this field. Running from June 2026 to the end of 2029, the project is financed through the DAAD funding programme, “Academic Horizons – Attracting Global Minds”.
„Battery Pioneers“ aims to attract high-achieving Master's graduates in materials science, chemistry, physics, and electrical and energy engineering from the European Union (EU), the United Kingdom, Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and North America. Three project pillars are planned: In the area of “Recruitment”, an annual introductory week for potential doctoral candidates will be organised, and a digital platform for targeted outreach will be created. The “Careers and Retention” pillar will see the development of a modular programme, including a science communication lab that will enable doctoral researchers to create their own science communication under professional guidance. The “Arrival and Integration” pillar will encompass the creation of a digital “onboarding hub”, offering AI-assisted advisory services and individual support with challenges such as finding accommodation or dealing with contractual matters. Additionally, a support programme dedicated to female researchers in the field will enhance their visibility, career development, and networking opportunities. These measures are intended to be implemented on a sustainable basis, allowing them to be used across organisational boundaries in the medium- and long-term.
“In addition to the innovative nature of our application, the strategic advantage of ‘Battery City Münster’ was also a decisive factor in securing the funding. At the University of Münster, international talent will find excellent doctoral opportunities and diverse, long-term career prospects through the wider network,” emphasises Dr Astrid Burgbacher from the International Office, who was part of the application team alongside Dr Julia Quante from BACCARA. The "Battery City Münster" innovation hub comprises the MEET Battery Research Centre, BACCARA, the Department of Chemistry and Pharmacy, the Helmholtz Institute Münster of Forschungszentrum Jülich, the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Battery Cell Production (FFB) and research groups at Münster University of Applied Sciences, as well as various companies and start-ups in Münster and the surrounding area. All of these organisations depend on highly trained graduates. “With BATTERY PIONEERS, we are adding another important building block to this network by creating the structures needed to attract the brightest minds from around the world to our research and retain them in the long term. The major challenges of energy storage can only be solved by diverse, international teams,” says Prof Martin Winter, project leader and joint head of BACCARA, together with Prof Frank Glorius.
The DAAD funding programme, “Academic Horizons – Attracting Global Minds”, is part of the Federal Government's 1,000 Talents Initiative. Aimed at German universities, it seeks to attract outstanding international researchers specialising in key technologies to Germany. Funding is provided for activities relating to recruitment, integration, and career development.
Further information:
Münster Electrochemical Energy Technology (MEET) at the University of Münster