Exploration Grants – Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation
Funding for outstanding basic researchers in biology, chemistry, and medicine with up to €210,000 for 2 years. Applications possible by March 15 and September 15 each year.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The Exploration Grants are intended to enable young emerging group leaders to explore new research directions in their laboratories and to scientifically prepare unconventional ideas or surprising results, in order to subsequently secure larger funding (e.g., from DFG or ERC).
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs
- Material costs (e.g., consumables, small equipment)
Non-eligible expenses
- Funds for own position
- Funds exclusively for equipment or consumables
- Projects as a logical continuation of existing research
Eligible to apply
- Educational Institutions
- Individuals
Funding requirements
- PhD completed less than 10 years ago
- Substantial international research experience
- Leadership of an independent research group at an academic institution in Germany for ≥2 years
- Outstanding publication record as corresponding and/or last author
- Project must enable a new research direction
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Documents required for application
- Guidelines for Applicants
- Cover Letter
- Academic CV
- Certificates (Doctorate, University Degree)
- Complete Publication List
- Five Most Important Publications
- Project Description (Outline and Proposal)
- Employer Confirmation of Independence
- Cooperation Agreements
- Cost Estimates for Equipment > €10,000
Evaluation criteria
- Scientific excellence
- Innovation potential
- Independence of the group
- Potential for reorientation of the research profile
Description
The Exploration Grants of the Boehringer Ingelheim Foundation support outstanding early-career group leaders in the life sciences in Germany who obtained their doctorate less than ten years ago and have been leading an independent research group at an academic institution for at least two years. In the form of a non-repayable grant, up to €210,000 is provided over a period of 24 months for personnel costs and consumables. With applications possible twice yearly on March 15 and September 15, researchers receive the financial freedom to test unconventional hypotheses and carry out crucial preliminary work for subsequent funding projects (e.g., DFG, ERC). The funding rate is 100%, and the project must start within six months of approval.
The call is aimed at scientists who can demonstrate substantial international experience and an outstanding publication record as corresponding or last author. Funded projects must open a new research direction in the laboratory and must not be considered a logical continuation of already ongoing projects. Evaluation criteria include scientific excellence, innovation potential, independence, and the potential to reorient the research profile. The application includes, among other documents, a scientific CV, proof of doctorate and publications, a project outline, and an employer’s confirmation of independence. The decision is made by the Board of Trustees following external expert reviews.
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