• Eligible applicants: Doctoral researchers and postdocs of the Faculty of Economics and Social Sciences (WiSo)
• Team applications: Joint projects with other junior researchers or assistant professors (up to the first evaluation) are also eligible
• Application limit: Each person may submit only one application per funding round
• Reapplication: Reapplication in future calls is generally possible; however, funded applicants may only apply again from the following year onwards

Funding is available for projects with clearly identifiable scientific added value, e.g.:

• Pilot studies to test new research approaches
• Research trips (e.g., to archives or research institutions)
• Purchase of datasets or software licenses
• Seed funding for experimental project ideas
• Research assistants to support research (e.g., extension of existing contracts or new hires with a minimum term of 12 months)

Not eligible for funding: conference travel, teaching research projects, and publication costs.

The funds must be used exclusively in accordance with the University of Potsdam’s guidelines on expenditures, use, and hiring.

Application

Please submit your documents as one single PDF file.

The application must not exceed 2 pages in total (plus 1 page CV). Applications that do not comply with these requirements cannot be considered.

In the header of the application, please include name, project title, and email address.

The application should include the following:

• Short project description (including scientific relevance, within the 2-page limit)
• Justification of funding needs: Why is funding necessary to implement the project? How does the project contribute to your academic development?
• Preliminary budget plan outlining the intended use of funds
• Timeline for project implementation
• Co-funding (if applicable): Indication of any additional resources or funding sources

and 

• a Curriculum Vitae (CV) max. 1 page (including, where applicable, information on care responsibilities)

The decision on funding is made by the Vice Dean for Research and the Academic Training Phase, as well as the Coordinator for Doctoral and Habilitation Studies. Representatives from the academic departments may be consulted in an advisory capacity as needed. The dGBA provides guidance and support throughout the selection process.

Evaluation criteria:

1. Innovative character & added value

2. Academic quality

3. Feasibility & resources

4. Potential for professional development

Congratulations on being awarded the grant!

Please note the following:

Upon acceptance of the Explorer Grant, you must complete an acknowledgment form. By doing so, you confirm:

• that you will acknowledge the Explorer Grant as a source of support in all publications,
• that you will submit a short report (150–200 words) upon completion of the project,
• and that you agree to give a short presentation of your project as part of the PhD and PostDoc Day.

Please also note the following guidelines for the Explorer Grant from the Faculty of Economic and Social Sciences at the University of Potsdam.