Appointment Accelerator – Wübben Science Foundation gGmbH
Top-up funding for German universities to accelerate appointment negotiations with international researchers (R3/R4); up to €400,000 (R3) or €800,000 (R4) per appointment; applications possible until 31.03., 30.06., and 30.09.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
Support for German universities in accelerating appointment negotiations with international researchers by providing top-up funding for personnel, material, onboarding, and dual-career measures.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel expenses
- Material expenses
- Onboarding measures
- Dual-career measures
Non-eligible expenses
- Salary of the professorship
- Basic equipment
- Overhead costs
- Patent costs
Eligible to apply
- Educational Institutions
Funding requirements
- German university
- Appointment negotiations with candidates in career stage R3 or R4
- Completed internal selection procedure or planned direct appointment
- Candidates with at least three years of professional experience abroad
- Professorship offer not yet accepted
Documents required for application
- Program Information (PDF)
- FAQs (PDF)
- Funding Guidelines (PDF)
- Proof of Internal Selection
- Budget Plan
- Scientific Reviews
- Candidate's Curriculum Vitae
- Onboarding Plan
Evaluation criteria
- Scientific quality of the reviews
- Quality of the onboarding and dual-career measures
- Strategic relevance for the university
Description
The Appointment Accelerator of the Wübben Science Foundation gGmbH supports German universities in accelerating appointment negotiations with internationally renowned researchers at career stages R3 (Established Researcher) and R4 (Leading Researcher). Within the framework of this grant program, top-up funds of up to €400,000 (R3) or €800,000 (R4) per appointment are available to finance personnel and material expenses as well as comprehensive onboarding and dual-career measures. Application rounds take place on March 31, June 30, and September 30, 2026. In total, approximately ten million euros per year are reserved for all programs of the foundation. The funding aims to enable institutions to promptly finalize their attractive offers for internationally excellent researchers, thereby sustainably strengthening scientific exchange and strategic profile development.
Eligible to apply are all German universities engaged in advanced appointment negotiations with candidates at the R3 or R4 level, having completed an internal selection procedure or planning a direct appointment, and whose offer has not yet been accepted. Application documents include, among others, program information, funding guidelines, scientific reviews, the candidate’s CV, budget plan, and a detailed onboarding plan. Evaluation focuses particularly on the scientific quality of the reviews, the design of onboarding and dual-career measures, and the strategic relevance for the university. Decisions are made within three months after the application deadline. With this funding line, the Wübben Science Foundation offers a tailored framework to swiftly secure international top talents and optimally facilitate their integration into study, teaching, and research.
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