Frequently asked questions

Applicant and responsibilities

What is the definition of an «independent group leader»?

• Independent group leaders are people who have their own research group, address their own scientific questions, are responsible for their own research programs, and are fully autonomous, also in terms of budget. They commonly show internationally recognized excellence in their field of research and hold a professorship or similar position. Applicants should document that their position is secured at least for the duration of the project they apply for. The main employer of the independent group leader is an academic or acknowledged research institution.

What is the definition of “highest academic degree” and which degree is considered if the applicant holds two academic degrees?

• It is the title of PhD for biomedical researchers and the title of Dr. med. for clinician scientists. Should a person hold both titles (i.e. Dr. med. and PhD), the date of award of the title of Dr. med. is considered relevant. Titles of private lecturer (PD) and professor are not considered as academic degrees.

 

Budget

Can (part of) the budget be used to pay for the applicant’s salary?

• The eligibility criteria of secured employment status for the duration of the project implies that the applicant’s salary is covered already. The requested budget can consequently cover cost for additional salaries (e.g. PhD students, post-docs, technicians, study nurses), material costs and other costs directly related to the research project.

 

Application

Which language shall the application be in?

• Please submit the application in English. . 

Is a new application possible shall a previous application have been non-successful? 

• Yes, if all eligibility criteria are fulfilled, new applications are considered.