Strategic Funding Measures
The University of Münster develops and implements strategic funding measures of its own which promote innovative, high-risk and collaborative projects.
Ideas Lab
The exploration of particularly innovative and potentially groundbreaking research ideas that fundamentally challenge established theories, potentially enrich research branches through unconventional hypotheses, methodologies, or technological innovations, or focus on entirely new research directions for the first time, is rarely made possible through the established national and international third-party funding opportunities. In order to stimulate and promote such projects at the University of Münster, the internal funding line "Ideas Lab" was established. Following the strategic triad of research, teaching, and transfer, the Ideas Lab will not only promote fundamentally new, creative, and innovative research projects during the explorative project start-up phase but also support outstanding innovative projects in teaching and transfer.
The Ideas Lab is open to all researchers at the University of Münster, starting from the postdoc level, who wish to explore a fundamentally new, creative, and innovative project idea in the fields of research, education, or knowledge transfer. During an exploratory phase participants are provided with the opportunity to obtain initial indications regarding the feasibility of their concept or its adaptability for educational or transfer purposes.
You can find a list of all currently funded projects here.
The next call for proposals for this funding line is expected to be published in the secons half of 2025.
Topical Programmes
The Topical Programmes are devoted to exploring the research focuses of the future at the University of Münster and possibilities for initiating large-scale, joint research projects. With these programmes, the University aims to strengthen ties to external researchers and other university and non-university research institutes, and so doing, promote international collaboration. The Rectorate is currently funding four topical programmes.
In addition to workshops, a wide range of other formats and concepts (for example international networking trips) are eligible for funding provided they are suitable to advance the project. The maximum grant of 40.000 € can be used according to need.
Applications for topical program projects can be submitted continuously as there is no fixed deadline. Interested researchers are invited to forward their proposals based on the template to zukunftslabor@uni-muenster.de. The rectorate will make a decision regarding the funding within three months. The decision will be based on an external review as well as a recommendation of the Rectorate Research Council.
Topical Programms initially run for a maximum of three years. Advanced projects are awarded subsequent, needs-based funding in the Science Incubator, in which applicants receive assistance with drafting their proposals.
Promotion of EU research initiatives
The University of Münster provides organisational and financial support to EU research projects coordinated at the University.
Grant proposal advice for EU-funded research and educational projects
The diversity of the EU research landscape is covered at the University of Münster by various counselling services.
Seed funding for EU project proposals (Seed funding EU)
With its programme Seed Funding EU, the Rectorate of the University of Münster supports academics who enhance the visibility of the University in the area of EU-funded research. Seed funding is available to those preparing Münster University-coordinated EU consortium proposals and project proposals for MSCA consortia. The aim of (pre-award) seed funding is to offer academics the best possible prerequisites for submitting high-quality proposals and thereby increase their chances of success. Additional (post-award) bonuses are available to successful coordinators of EU-funded projects.
More information on Seed funding for EU proposals