General Funding: Research Projects (Gerda Henkel Foundation)
Funding of time-limited research projects in the historical humanities (archaeology, history, art history, etc.) with resources for personnel, travel, materials, and scholarships. Applications for larger projects possible until 28.05.2026; smaller funding amounts up to €30,000 at any time.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Funding of collaborative research projects in the historical humanities to address and publish scientific questions in archives, excavations, or other research contexts.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs (scholarships for project staff)
- Travel expenses
- Material costs
- Family allowance
- Foreign allowance
Non-eligible expenses
- Social security liable positions (salaries)
- Overhead costs
- Tuition fees or semester contributions
- Retroactive costs
Eligible to apply
- Educational Institutions
- Individuals
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Proof of doctorate or habilitation
- Application only digital in German or English
- Own contribution in the research team
- Full-time scholarship without concurrent salary
- Application form matching the type of funding
Documents required for application
- Description of the project (max. 8 pages) with bibliography
- Schedule (if applicable with travel plan)
- Detailed cost calculation
- Tabular CV and list of publications of the applicant
- Academic certificates (Master's degree, doctorate, habilitation)
- Expert opinion with signature
- CVs and certificates of the project staff
Description
The Gerda Henkel Foundation supports nationwide, time-limited group research projects in the historical humanities – from archaeology and history to art and legal history. Funding is provided for personnel costs (scholarships for project staff), travel expenses, material costs, as well as, if applicable, family allowances and foreign supplements. Applications for extensive projects can be submitted until May 28, 2026, while smaller funding amounts up to 30,000 euros can be applied for at any time through a simplified procedure. The maximum project duration is 24 months, with a minimum duration of one month. The funding aims to address collective research questions in archives, excavations, or other scientific contexts and to publish the discussed results in an appropriate form.
The program is aimed at doctoral or postdoctoral researchers as well as academic institutions wishing to explore scientific questions as a team. Requirements for a successful application include, among others, proof of a doctorate or habilitation, a contribution from the research team, and the submission of all required documents (project description, schedule, budget, CVs, and certificates) digitally in German or English. Scholarships may only be granted full-time and without concurrent salary income; social security positions or overhead costs are not eligible for funding. Careful adherence to formal requirements and the appropriate application form ensures a prompt review. Teams with an interdisciplinary orientation are encouraged to take advantage of the opportunity for scientific funding and to submit their project proposals on time.
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