Sandpit Workshops at the Conference Center of Villa Bosch in Heidelberg

The Sandpit workshop format at the conference center of Villa Bosch in Heidelberg offers interdisciplinary teams from the natural sciences, mathematics, and computer science a unique opportunity to develop novel research approaches in a creative atmosphere. In the modern facilities of the historic Villa Bosch, scientists from various disciplines and career stages come together to shape ideas as freely as in a sandbox. The Klaus Tschira Foundation covers all event costs, including room and moderation fees as well as travel, accommodation, and catering expenses. The aim of the format is to create synergies through open exchange and unconventional methods that break conventional conference structures and promote the emergence of innovative research projects.

Eligible for funding are educational institutions in Germany, while applications are open to interdisciplinary teams of researchers at universities, colleges, and non-university research institutes. A prerequisite is the involvement of participants from at least two of the disciplines natural sciences, mathematics, or computer science. The funding covers a period of up to eight months, starting from September 1, 2026. Application documents must be submitted by April 20, 2026. With this grant program, the Klaus Tschira Foundation aims to specifically encourage creative collaborations and enable the development of new research ideas in an inspiring setting.