Einstein Center
Funding of cross-institutional interdisciplinary collaborations in Berlin: Establishment and operation of Einstein Centers with a duration of up to six years and a funding amount of up to €1 million per year.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The program enables Berlin research alliances consisting of at least two universities and additional non-university institutions to consolidate interdisciplinary focal points, address innovative questions at the boundaries of disciplines, strengthen early-career support, and establish platforms for science communication, industry cooperation, and public-private partnerships.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs for scientific and non-scientific staff
- Material costs (travel expenses, costs for guests, open access publications)
- Equipment investments (no construction measures)
Non-eligible expenses
- Construction measures
- Basic equipment
- Overhead/administrative costs
- Moving expenses
- Childcare flat rates
Eligible to apply
- Educational Institutions
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- At least two Berlin universities and Charité must be involved
- Involvement of additional non-university Berlin research institutions
Documents required for application
- Description of the planned center and its innovative strength
- List of initiators with brief CV and role
- Explanation of inter-/transdisciplinary collaborations
- Positioning within the Berlin scientific landscape
- Description of focus areas and methods
- Detailed work plan with interim goals
- Description of governance structures
- Detailed budget plan with co-financing
- Initiatives for equality and diversity
- If applicable, international collaborations and PPP concepts
- Designation of a contact person
Evaluation criteria
- Innovative strength of the center
- Interdisciplinarity of the consortia
- Relevance for the Berlin science location
- Concept for promoting young talent
Description
In Berlin, the Einstein Center offers outstanding opportunities for consortia comprising at least two of the four Berlin universities, the Charité, and other non-university research institutions to establish interdisciplinary flagship projects. Financial resources of up to €1 million per year are available over a period of up to six years, which may be allocated to personnel costs, material expenses (travel costs, open-access publications, guest expenses), and equipment investments—construction measures are excluded. The program aims to address forward-looking questions at disciplinary boundaries, support early-career researchers, and experiment with new forms of cooperation with industry, society, and international partners. Through public-private partnership models, the funding amount can be further increased, with early coordination with the program office recommended.
Applications must be submitted in English and will be decided upon following international peer review within approximately eight months. Funded are innovative concepts that include a clear governance structure, a detailed work plan with interim milestones, and a binding concept for equality and diversity. Evaluation criteria include innovativeness, interdisciplinarity, relevance to the Berlin scientific location, and quality of early-career support. Approved funds are disbursed via the eligible institutions through third-party funding procedures. In addition to strategic network building and visiting fellowships, this funding offers the opportunity to sustainably integrate thematic priorities into the Berlin research landscape and serve as an incubator for subsequent collaborative grant applications.
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