Research Projects / Funding – Scholarships and Project Support

The Friedrich-Christian-Lesser Foundation supports scientific doctoral and post-doctoral projects through its funding program, focusing on the regional history of Nordhausen, Mühlhausen, and the entire state of Thuringia. As a public-law foundation based in Nordhausen, it places special emphasis on deepening regional historical questions that would otherwise receive little attention. Private individuals, especially doctoral candidates and post-docs, may submit applications continuously—subject to the foundation’s available funds. The sponsorship funding type allows for flexible financing, which is adjusted according to the financial situation and thematic relevance of the projects.

Eligible for funding are enrolled doctoral candidates or post-docs with clearly defined research projects, whose scientific qualifications and contributions to the study of regional historical topics serve as decisive evaluation criteria. The foundation assesses the extent to which the project content reflects the cultural and historical particularities of Nordhausen, Mühlhausen, or Thuringia. Young researchers thus receive not only a financial foundation but also the opportunity to expand their network in the field of research & innovation and to integrate their results into the regional knowledge landscape over the long term. The continuous application process facilitates uncomplicated planning and implementation of promising research initiatives.