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Funding Opportunity for Reviewers: Programme to Continue

mehrere Würfel mit Symbolen, darunter einer mit der Aufschrift Fördermittel

Stockwerk-Fotodesign via stock.adobe.com

Over the next three years at least, the Foundation’s reviewers will continue to be eligible to receive a grant of 10,000 euro by lottery. No application is required; participation is automatic upon undertaking the role of reviewer.

With this unusual initiative, the Volkswagen Foundation aims to recognise the vital work carried out by its peer reviewers – whilst also fostering academic exchange. The earmarked funding can be used for activities that promote networking, dialogue and international cooperation. The programme was launched in July 2023 as a field experiment and has been very well received. 

For my chair, this fund has been extremely beneficial, in that it funded international travel and collaboration.

Quote from a grant recipient

Feedback indicates that the funding is perceived as both a gesture of appreciation and a meaningful initiative in its own right. "Researchers are used to carrying out a wide variety of peer reviews without receiving any remuneration; at most, a small personal fee is offered in some cases. However, the fact that we are used to this situation does not mean that we consider it fair. This programme was a very pleasant surprise, and I am sure that it has proved invaluable for many projects, not just our own,” said one grant recipient.

Initial findings from the field experiment (2023–2025) 

  • The initiative was received with great interest within the academic community.
  • Other funding bodies also took an interest in the results of the field experiment.
  • Under specific conditions, the potential funding acts as an incentive for peer review, for example in the case of written reviews.
  • Recipients reported various positive effects: PhD students received valuable feedback on their research, existing collaborations were strengthened by face-to-face meetings for the first time and were able to coordinate their work more effectively, and new collaborative funding applications could be prepared.

How can I take part?

At the start of the following year, 25 people are selected at random from all reviewers who have worked for the Volkswagen Foundation during the course of the year, regardless of whether they work in Germany or abroad. A separate application is not required.

Those selected may receive up to 10,000 euro each for a project that supports or further develops international cooperation. In a one-page application, they describe the academic purpose for which the grant is to be used. Following an internal review, the Foundation will approve the application.

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