Funding programmes (ELAN)

ELAN

ELAN pilot projects provide particular funds for junior researchers from the entire Faculty of Medicine, as start-up, pilot and/or interim funding for a period of up to 12 month.

Purpose of pilot funding

  • The purpose of pilot funding (ELAN) is to provide temporary support for work on a scientific project:
  • in advance of planned third-party funded projects (start-up funding),
  • for developing working groups (support for young researchers),
  • for new innovative projects (pilot projects),
  • as interim funding in case of time gaps between individual funding periods (bridging projects)

Applications and requirements

Applications can be submitted by young researchers with a doctorate (without leadership) for the support of staff and consumables in their research projects. At least one original publication as first author in a peer-reviewed journal is necessary.

Funding is primarily available to applicants who have not yet reached the age of 38 at the time of application. Maternity leave, parental leave and care periods extend that limit. This does not include newly appointed professors without a management function, who can apply regardless of age, usually within the first two years after they have started their position. Additional funds are also available for applicants outside the age limit.

Change December 2025:

ELAN projects end when the project manager leaves. The project management can therefore no longer be transferred.
Resignation is also assumed if the person works less than half-time at UKER or FAU (Faculty of Medicine) and is not on maternity or parental leave.

Funding volume

Staff

  • Postgraduate scientist or

  • Technical assistant
Consumables15 T€
OthersParticipation in Travel, Publication Pool, Travel Sholarships
Duration
max. 12 months

For bridging projects, the funding limit for staff and consumables is max. 50 T€ (hiring of new staff, especially doctoral students, is not intended) with a duration of approx. 6 months. Applicants who have not yet reached the age of 38 at the time of application can also apply for 100% funding of their own position for a maximum of 6 months or 50% funding for a maximum of 12 months if, at the time of application, an external third-party funding proposal has already been submitted for the further funding of the position (as own position or ad personam postdoc position applied for).