doc.funds.connect

The funding program doc.funds.connect supports Austrian universities and universities of applied sciences in the joint development and implementation of structured doctoral programs in cooperation with the Christian Doppler Research Association. The goal is to establish and expand international, excellent doctoral structures through a consortium consisting of at least one university, one university of applied sciences, and five faculty members engaged in scientific or artistic-scientific work. The focus lies on linking basic research and applied research, strengthening research competence at universities of applied sciences, and establishing sustainable synergies. Doctoral candidates are jointly supervised, and the programs include subject-specific courses, transferable skills modules, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, as well as mobility opportunities. A balanced gender ratio of at least 40% of the underrepresented gender within the consortium is to be aimed for; deviations must be justified, and gender equality measures can be funded with up to €20,000 per year. The organizational integration into the regular operations of the participating institutions and the provision of necessary infrastructure, rooms, and workspaces are mandatory.

Personnel costs for five to eight doctoral candidates may be requested for a maximum of 48 months according to FWF personnel cost rates, as well as training costs of up to €5,000 per position and year. In addition to the project documents, a scientific abstract, proposal including financing justification, CVs of the faculty members, publication records, descriptions of the dissertation projects, and a supervision list must be submitted. Applications can only be submitted online via the elane portal by 26.02.2026 (2:00 p.m., Vienna time). The decision is made based on an international peer-review process, hearings, and a recommendation by the doc.funds.connect jury; funding can commence from November 2026 onwards. The support offers an attractive career perspective for early-career researchers and sustainably promotes networking between universities and universities of applied sciences in Austria.