Saxony-Anhalt SCIENCE – Equality, Qualification, Nachwuchs (ESF+)

The ESF+ program "Saxony-Anhalt SCIENCE – Equality, Qualification, Nachwuchs" provides funding with a grant of up to 100% of eligible expenses for measures at universities and non-university research institutions in Saxony-Anhalt. The focus is on improving structural conditions for equal opportunities and strengthening early-career researchers. Funding is provided, among other things, for positions and scholarships for women in STEM fields, qualification offers for early-career researchers, as well as events with a focus on equality, aiming for a high proportion of women. Furthermore, the program supports the expansion of international graduate schools, participation in European top research networks, and measures for accompanying research in social sciences, humanities, law, and economics. Eligible costs include gross personnel expenses, material costs, and scholarships in the form of a lump sum (20% of directly funded personnel costs) as well as documented expenses for events and other project-related costs.

Eligible applicants are universities, non-university research institutions, and affiliated institutes based in Saxony-Anhalt. An application-oriented research focus is mandatory; basic research is excluded. Selection is based on professional suitability, the quality of the project concept, and relevance to equality and early-career support by an accompanying committee. The project duration is up to 36 months. Applications were submitted via the IB customer portal; late submissions are no longer possible. Binding requirements include compliance with the prohibition of better treatment, separation of non-economic and economic use, as well as extensive documentation and reporting obligations. The funding creates incentives in Saxony-Anhalt for sustainable career paths in science and research and strengthens international competitiveness.