Christian Doppler Laboratories

The Christian Doppler Research Association (CDG) enables a close integration of science and industry at the highest level through the funding instrument of the Christian Doppler Laboratories (CD-Labs). At universities as well as non-university research institutions, compact research groups of three to twenty persons form temporary units conducting application-oriented basic research. The duration of a CD-Lab is a maximum of seven years, with applications accepted continuously and decision bodies convening four times a year. Prerequisites for funding include a scientific proposal in English, proof of corporate partnership, a letter of consent from the university or research institution, a cover sheet, and a justified list of reviewers. The selection process is based on a positive evaluation by at least two external experts and the final decision of the CDG’s Board of Trustees and Senate.

This grant funding is aimed at companies, educational institutions, non-profit organizations, start-ups, foundations, and public institutions throughout Austria that wish to collaborate with committed scientists on practice-relevant issues. The CD-Labs aim to accelerate technological innovations, exploit digital potential, and strengthen knowledge transfer. A rigorous scientific and financial evaluation, including reviews every two and five years as well as annual reports, ensures the quality of the research outcomes. By combining public funding with industrial co-financing, the innovative capacity of Austrian companies is sustainably strengthened, laying the foundation for pioneering collaborations.