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Collaborative Research Centres
- Promoting Young Researchers through the Collaborative Research Centre Programme
Promoting Young Researchers through the Collaborative Research Centre Programme
Options for Integration into a CRC
There are various options for young scientists to become involved in a CRC:
Doctoral and Postdoctoral Researchers in CRCs
Doctoral and postdoctoral researchers can achieve additional qualifications through working in CRC projects. As research assistants in CRC projects, they contribute to the CRC’s success. They are closely integrated into the projects and have access to the entire project infrastructure. The university in question may also offer advanced opportunities for the structured training of doctoral researchers, for example within the framework of a Research Training Group, integrated Research Training Group (see below), graduate school or other institution.The CRC or CRC project leader in question is responsible for announcing and appointing project staff. Applications may not be submitted directly to the DFG's Head Office.
Project Leadership Opportunities in CRCs
Highly qualified and renowned postdoctoral researchers may also undertake the role of project leader within a CRC. In addition to achieving further scientific qualifications, these researchers also assume leadership responsibilities, provided they occupy these positions for the duration of at least one funding period (four years) at the universities involved.It is not possible for postdoctoral researchers to apply for funding for their own positions within the framework of a CRC or CRC project.
Emmy Noether Independent Junior Research Groups in CRCs
It is possible to integrate Emmy Noether independent junior research groups into a CRC in order to enable these young researchers to benefit from the excellent scientific environment provided by the centre. Members of the independent junior research group benefit from the opportunities funded by the centre’s central funds (such as hosting visiting scientists and attending conferences). The leaders of the independent junior research groups can also attract additional projects to the Collaborative Research Centre.Collaborative Research Centres are encouraged to approach suitably qualified young researchers and to make them aware of the benefits of integrating an Emmy Noether independent junior research group. One important incentive is the solid career prospects (tenure track) available to independent junior research group leaders who have successfully passed an interim evaluation. These opportunities are offered with the aim of building up local structures.
Integrated Research Training Group for Doctoral Researchers
Doctoral researchers working in a Collaborative Research Centre should be integrated into a structured doctoral training programme. If no suitable programme (such as a Research Training Group, graduate school or similar university programme) exists at the Collaborative Research Centre’s location, it is expected that an integrated Research Training Group will take on this task. The CRC may request extra funds specifically for this purpose. Integrated Research Training Groups can make Collaborative Research Centres even more attractive to young researchers.
Student Participation in CRCs
Students can also be employed as student assistants in Collaborative Research Centres. This gives them the opportunity to learn more about scientific practices, to make their own contributions to research and to travel to conferences. Each CRC or CRC project leader is responsible for announcing projects and employing their own project team members. Applications are not accepted by the DFG’s Head Office.
RISE: North American Students Support Dissertation Projects in CRCs
Through the RISE programme, doctoral researchers can invite students from North America to collaborate on dissertation projects for three months.
