Einstein Circle

The Einstein Circle program supports thematic networks to strengthen profile development within the Berlin scientific community. Initiators are Berlin universities or Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin in collaboration with at least one non-university research institution. Funding is provided for circle meetings of ten to twenty scientists over a period of up to three years, with a maximum funding amount of €150,000. The funds may be used for multi-day working meetings, including travel and accommodation costs for external members, coordination efforts (up to 0.5 full-time equivalent or student assistants), as well as exploratory projects for data collection and proof of concept. Basic equipment and overhead costs are excluded.

The goal is cross-institutional, self-organized cooperation with a clearly defined outcome at the end of the project, such as a joint publication, preparation of a follow-up application, or the establishment of an Einstein Center. Applicants submit their documents – application form, financing plan, as well as the prescribed usage guidelines and reporting templates – via the respective research departments of the eligible institutions. Submission deadlines are published on the Einstein Foundation Berlin website. The funding aims to create a sustainable network that promotes exchange in the fields of science, research, and innovation in Berlin and contributes in the long term to the visibility and competitiveness of the participating institutions.