Socio-ecological Junior Research Groups for Sustainable and Resilient Urban-Rural Regions

This funding measure is aimed at scientific institutions in Germany and seeks to support socio-ecological junior research groups that address the design of sustainable and resilient urban-rural regions. The program promotes the qualification of young researchers in inter- and transdisciplinary sustainability research.

Research work by interdisciplinarily composed socio-ecological junior research groups is funded. These groups are to develop innovative ideas and solutions to make cities viable for the future, with a focus on sustainable and resilient urban-rural regions. The funding includes measures for qualifying junior scientists and for close collaboration with practical partners.

The funding program supports projects as a non-repayable grant for a period of generally up to five years. The funding amount can be up to 100 percent of the eligible expenses, and an additional project flat rate is granted for certain research projects.

Specific conditions must be met for applying for and implementing the funding, particularly regarding the qualification of the group leader, the interdisciplinary composition of the junior research group, and collaboration with practical partners. The utilization of research results and compliance with state aid rules are also regulated.

The application procedure is two-stage. First, a project outline is submitted, which, after positive evaluation, leads to the submission of a formal funding application. Submission is done via the electronic application system easy-Online, and the submitted outlines and applications are evaluated according to specified criteria.

The funding is based on a specific guideline from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) for the support of socio-ecological junior research groups and is regulated by the Federal Budget Code and other administrative regulations of the BMBF. There is no legal entitlement to funding; grants are awarded at the discretion of the Ministry within the framework of available budget funds.