Research at Universities of Applied Sciences

As part of "FHprofUnd", funding is provided for research cooperations between universities of applied sciences and partners from industry and science. In this context, a stronger emphasis is to be put on knowledge and technology transfer as well as qualifications close to research. The participation of companies (particularly SMEs) in planning, conducting and implementing the research projects is absolutely essential taking transfer aspects into consideration and regarding the subsequent economic use of the results. From 2008 until 2010, funds amounting to € 30 million are planned annually.

Objective and subject matter

Funding is provided for interdisciplinary and university-wide networks in which universities of applied sciences cooperate with partners from industry, science and other areas. Here, attention is focused on cooperation between universities of applied sciences and SMEs.

Institutions eligible for funding

Universities of applied sciences are eligible for funding (except for internal administrative universities of applied sciences) if they offer education and research in the area of engineering sciences, natural sciences and economics.

Amount of funding

Funding amounts to 100 % of the eligible expenses and is granted for a period of up to 36 months. As a rule, funding per project amounts to a maximum of € 260,000.

 

Information on the application procedure and dates

Universities of applied sciences submitting an application must cooperate with at least one commercial enterprise and at least one other partner (e.g., another company, a university, non-university research institution etc.) within the framework of a project. The project must be under the leadership of the university of applied sciences. One proposal round is advertised each year.

The application procedure consists of two stages.

Further funding lines

In addition, BMBF is funding young engineers at universities of applied sciences with the "Young Engineers" funding line.

Moreover, support is to be provided for a higher participation of universities of applied sciences in the specialised programmes such as microsystems technology or optical technologies with the planned "Profile NT" funding line. Information for universities of applied sciences will be specified in the respective funding guidelines.

 

 

Calls for proposals