Aim The programme provides German universities with additional funds to successfully conclude appointment negotiations with outstanding researchers from abroad. Proposals can be submitted for researchers in career stages R3 and R4 who have been working outside Germany for at least three years at the time of application. A return to the place of doctorate is not possible.
Target Group German universities whose appointment negotiations with a specific candidate are nearing completion
Funding up to € 400,000 (tenure track, career phase R3) or up to € 800,000 (W2 or W3, career phase R4) for staff expenses and equipment as well as onboarding and dual-career measures
Internal Deadline Only one proposal per university may be submitted. The internal procedure is done through the dean's offices of the University of Cologne. They can send the completed template and the appendix (CV of the candidate) to d7.beratung@verw.uni-koeln.de by Friday, 21 November 2025 (deadline at the foundation: 15 January 2025) and by Monday, 9 February 2026 (deadline at the foundation: 31 March 2026).
