What is covered: Short-term contract funding for student assistants to actively support your research project setup, data collection, or laboratory maintenance.

Your Benefit – Focus on Your Research: To support you during intense periods of high workload, you can bring student assistants into your project. The basic framework typically covers up to 120 working hours per doctoral researcher.

Important Application Rules & Budget Guidelines

To keep the process fair, transparent, and efficient, please keep the following framework in mind when planning your funding requests:

• First-Come, First-Served: Funding is awarded strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Individual budgets are not reserved or pre-allocated in advance. Once the total available funds for the period have been exhausted, further funding cannot be guaranteed—so please submit your requests early!
• Need More Hours? If your project requires support beyond the standard 120-hour scope for student assistants, you are welcome to apply for it. Just ensure you include a clear, detailed justification with your application.
• Independent Review: All funding applications are reviewed and approved directly by the CRC Coordination. Approval is based on project needs and available budget, entirely independent of your regular activities or participation level in the GRK.
• Are you a member of the IRTG IQS? PhD researchers associated with the IRTG 2676 may have access to additional, separate funding opportunities for student assistants. Please contact the responsible IRTG coordination directly for further information.

What is covered: Funding for travel, accommodation, and hospitality expenses to bring international experts, early-career researchers, or collaborators directly to our institute.

Your Benefit – Take the Initiative: This track is specifically designed to foster intense scientific exchange. As a PhD student, you are highly encouraged to actively invite guests—for example, to present at the Graduate Colloquium, give keynote talks at our Workshops, or engage in hands-on research collaborations in your lab. The RTG completely covers the financial framework for your invited guests.

What is covered: Travel expenses, accommodation, and registration fees for national and international conferences.

Your Benefit – Expand Your Horizon: Participation in conferences is a core element of your doctoral training. To boost your international visibility, the RTG can provide you with additional travel support that goes beyond the normal activities and budgets of your individual working groups.

What is covered: Funding of registration and tuition fees for external soft-skill courses, specialized subject-related language courses, individual coaching, and professional career counseling.

Your Benefit – Personal Growth: Your PhD is more than just lab work. We support your individual development by covering the costs of external training modules that prepare you for your future career path.

Important Restriction on Language Courses: Please note that according to DFG guidelines, general language learning cannot be funded. Language courses must have a clear professional/academic focus directly related to your scientific work (e.g., Scientific English, Technical German for Physicists, or advanced academic writing/presentation in a foreign language).