Strategic Third Party Funding Acquisition - Module 1: Project design and funding landscape - How do I find the suitable funding program for my proposal?

Successful third party funding acquisition is one crucial performance indicator in science. Designing a successful scientific project requires not only a clear research idea (a vision and mission on where do I come from and where do I want to go) but also strategic planning, resource management and an understanding of the funding landscape. 

Awareness of available funding opportunities and their requirements is essential to maximize the feasibility, impact and sustainability of research projects. A solid project design is the blueprint for conducting scientific research efficiently and effectively.

The module will address the following questions/aims:

• Who am I as a scientist? Where do I come from? What do I have to offer? Where do I want to go?
• How do I get there? What is my vision regarding my research? Which questions do I want to answer?
• Which funding program suits me best in my current situation?
• What can I apply for? What is feasible and realistic based on my personal expertise?

The participants will:

• Become aware and reflect upon their role as a principal investigator of a scientific project.
• Develop their own project idea and develop a plausible project concept.
• Get an introduction to the funding landscape in Germany (including EU funding).
• Search for funding options.

Date: 11 September 2026, 09:00–13:00h
Location: online via Zoom
Target group: Postdocs from all research fields of the UA Ruhr Universities (max. 12 participants)
Trainer: Prof. Dr. Annette Kolb 
Registration deadline: 25 August 2026
Contact for organizational Questions: event@rs.ruhr-uni-bochum.de

Further information and registration