science x media Tandems 2026
Funding for tandems of Berlin life scientists and media professionals to develop innovative science communication projects (2–9 months, up to €15,000 per month). Concept notes by 07.11.2025, full applications by 30.01.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The goal is to enable scientists from Charité and the Max Delbrück Center (MDC), together with media professionals, to develop high-quality and innovative science communication, to promote mutual insight into the logics of science and media, and to strengthen trust in the life sciences.
Eligible expenses
- Personnel costs (release time, fees)
- Material costs (materials, training expenses, travel expenses)
Eligible to apply
- Educational Institutions
- Individuals
Funding requirements
- Joint application by a tandem from science and the media sector
- Employment relationship of the scientists at Charité or MDC throughout the project duration (doctoral candidates excluded)
- Completion of the doctorate must not occur before the end of the project
- Media professionals from all media sectors, employed or freelance
Documents required for application
- Project description
- Work and schedule plan
- Financial statement
- Resumes of the tandem participants
Evaluation criteria
- Quality and novelty of the project
- Potential to improve science communication
- Inclusion of social groups
- Fit of idea, medium, and target audience
- Feasibility and potential for sustainability
- Qualifications of the tandem participants
- Compatibility of the tandem participants with each other
- Expected gain in understanding of science and media
Description
The Charité Foundation supports tandems of Berlin life scientists and media professionals in developing innovative science communication projects. Funding is provided for projects with a duration of two to nine months, which can be carried out flexibly in phases. Tandems receive up to €15,000 per month for personnel costs (releases or fees) and material costs (e.g., training, consumables, travel expenses). Eligible to apply are one scientist from Charité (including BIH and DHZC) or the Max Delbrück Center and one media professional, regardless of career stage or employment status. An optional idea phase allows for the submission of short outlines until November 7, 2025; the full tandem application must be submitted by January 30, 2026. The earliest possible project start date is June 1, 2026.
The initiative aims to deepen mutual understanding of scientific and media working methods and to develop high-quality communication formats that consider societal diversity. Evaluation criteria include the novelty and feasibility of the project, the alignment of idea, medium, and target audience, the potential for sustainability, as well as the qualifications and synergy of the tandem partners. A selection committee composed of life scientists, media representatives, and science communication experts makes funding recommendations, which are decided by the Foundation Board. The application requires a project description, a work and timeline plan, a financial statement, and short CVs of the tandem partners via the online portal. This funding is aimed at all those who wish to pioneer the communication of life science research.
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