Network Research Visits

The Zukunftskolleg provides funding for up to 5 x short Research Visits for Early Career Researchers lasting one to three months and based at the Zukunftskolleg Konstanz.

Aim

Research Visits at the Zukunftskolleg support temporary research stays of 4 -12 weeks by international early career researchers who are currently fellows at one of the partner Institutes for Advanced Studies, e.g. within UBIAS or NetIAS. The aim of the Research Visits is to provide an opportunity to engage in a research project at the University of Konstanz, ideally in collaboration with a Zukunftskolleg fellow. No limitation is placed on the area of research within the humanities, natural and social sciences. Interdepartmental and interdisciplinary research is encouraged. The guiding principle of the programme is an academic gain for both the researcher as well as the non-German home institution and the Zukunftskolleg.

Visiting researchers receive a shared working space in the Zukunftskolleg with all the usual research facilities and are expected to participate in all Zukunftskolleg’s activities. Experimental projects in the natural sciences can only be supported if arrangements for lab space are made with the respective departments, since the Zukunftskolleg does not have any laboratory space of its own.

Benefits for visiting researchers

• Access to events organised by the Zukunftskolleg during the on-site visit;
• The opportunity to present your research work to an interdisciplinary community at the
  Zukunftskolleg’s weekly Jour fixe;
• Interaction with a lively international community of peers and support with contacting other researchers in your area of research;
• Access to library resources and IT services;
• Shared work space at the Zukunftskolleg.
• Finances: Travel expenses (economy class flights for overseas, preferably train/bus within Europe), up to 800€ per month for accommodation in Konstanz, living allowance of 400€ per month (no employment contract), family support provided depending on individual need and availability

Obligations for visiting researchers

• Reside in Konstanz or nearby throughout the Research Visit (the Welcome Centre of the University of Konstanz will gladly provide support with all organisational aspects of relocating to Konstanz);
• Contribute actively to interdisciplinary dialogue at the Zukunftskolleg, e.g. during the weekly Jour fixe meetings;
• Engage with fellows and researchers in relevant departments at the University of Konstanz;
• Acknowledge Zukunftskolleg support in any publications resulting from the stay;
• A short report on your activities and achievements (within 6 months of completing your Research Visit).

Eligibility

• Applicants for Research Visits are affiliated with one of the Zukunftskolleg’s international partners  or are members of the European NetIAS or the worldwide UBIAS network (outside Germany).
• They hold a doctorate or equivalent professional qualification. Consideration will be given to the academic record and the publications of all applicants as well as their interest to disseminate their views among an interdisciplinary community.
• Candidates should provide evidence of any contact they have had with researchers at the Zukunftskolleg or at the University of Konstanz, and of the proposed collaboration during and beyond their stay at the Zukunftskolleg. Applicants who have initiated such contact before requesting funding will have a competitive advantage. Preference may be given to applicants who plan to collaborate with current fellows of the Zukunftskolleg.

Application

Please submit your application documents in English as a single PDF file to
zukunftskolleg-international@uni-konstanz.de . Applications should include the following materials:

• A letter of motivation including a brief description of the project´s collaborative objectives. The description should be written for an interdisciplinary decision-making committee (max. 2 pages);
• A research project description (maximum 5 pages including references);
• Timeline for the proposed activities starting in 2025. A central aim of the research visit is to create networks with fellows and other researchers at the university, thus the majority of your research stay should fall within the lecture period (Mid April – Mid July, Mid October – Mid Feb, break for Christmas/ New Year);
• CV (including the current status at an Institute for Advanced Studies)
• a copy of your doctoral certificate (within max. six years of the award)
• A short letter of support from a fellow at the Zukunftskolleg or a researcher employed at the University of Konstanz;

Deadline: 15 January 2025