Application and Selection Procedure for 'Change of Course'

Within the funding initiative 'Change of Course – Exploring New Research Territories between the Life Sciences and Science or Engineering', the Volkswagen Foundation supports group leaders and professors in Germany who want to pursue a comprehensive concept for an in-depth qualification beyond their own field together with a small team. In order to establish contacts to a distant discipline and to jointly specify an inherently interdisciplinary topic, 'planning grants' are available.

1. Planning Grant – Orientation Phase (optional)

Apply for a planning grant to build a network with project team members and to specify new research areas as well as the qualification elements.

Submit the application online (summary, three to four-page application, short CVs, budget plan), see 'Change of course' for the next deadline.

Pre-selection by the Volkswagen Foundation’s funding team: Which applications generally meet the program criteria and formalities?

Selection of the best projects (maximum 8-10) by the review panel.

Upon approval: Start of the orientation phase to specify the project and to formulate the application for a Full Grant.

2. Full Grant – Qualification Concept

As a life scientist, you have the opportunity to make a digression into a mathematical, science, or technical discipline. Vice versa, representatives of the so-called 'hard' disciplines can gain experience and inspiration by immersing themselves in the life sciences.

Submit the application online (summary, 5-6-page project application, short CV, budget plan), see 'Change of course' for the next deadline.

Pre-selection by the Volkswagen Foundation‘s funding team: Which applications generally meet the program criteria and formalities?

The review panel discusses the scientific quality of the proposals and recommends the most convincing eight to ten concepts for approval.

The Board of Trustees reaches a decision.