CALL FOR PROPOSALS: INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH IN GROUPS
The Center for Interdisciplinary Research (ZiF) is Bielefeld University’s Institute for Advanced Study. It offers opportunities—with respect to time, space, and funding—for outstanding interdisciplinary research. ZiF is open to scholars from all disciplines post-PhD, based in Germany and abroad. They can propose a research project to be conducted with a curated group of (preferably) international colleagues.
Interdisciplinary research projects funded by ZiF are primarily dedicated to theoretical reflection and aim at generating new insights in the disciplines involved, very much in the sense of basic research. Projects with an essential fieldwork component cannot be supported by ZiF. To support the work of groups on-site in Bielefeld, ZiF allocates financial resources and provides infrastructure as well as organisational support. If their collaborative application is successful, ZiF will host
these groups on its campus, offering ideal working conditions.
WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING FORMATS:
– Visiting Groups
Duration: one stay at ZiF of 1 to 3 months
Funding Amount: up to EUR 50,000 to cover the costs for travel and accommodation as well as workshops and conferences; personnel expenses (buy-outs) cannot be covered
Visiting Groups can, for example, explore new research topics and partnerships, finalise interdisciplinary publications or conduct small research projects during their stay at ZiF.
– Resident Groups
Duration: one stay at ZiF of 4 to 6 months
Funding Amount: up to EUR 400,000 to cover the costs for travel and accommodation as well as workshops, conferences, and personnel expenses (e.g. in the form of buy-outs)
Resident Groups may conduct more extensive research projects, which require intensive collaboration over an extended period, during a joint stay at ZiF.
– Long-Term Groups
Duration: several visits to ZiF over a period of up to three years; these recurring visits may add up to a total of ten months
Funding Amount: up to EUR 200,000 to cover the costs for travel and accommodation as well as workshops and conferences; personnel expenses (buy-outs) cannot be covered
Long-Term Groups offer great organisational freedom and flexibility to meet the needs of long-term projects; the set-up of the group work is based on the needs of the individual project idea. An overarching project design and coherent approach to planning the group are essential for a successful application.
A Long-Term Group must not consist of a series of individual events. Questions or topics should be addressed in a series of coherent, interrelated meetings. A substantial share of the members of a Long-Term Group should participate in all events; varying experts can be invited if required for the discussion.