Programm „Forschungskooperation Niedersachsen – Israel“

Yes. A ranking by the university management is not required. The former pre-selection by the Israeli institutions has been omitted.

Researchers from all universities in Israel, namely Ariel University, Bar-Ilan University, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, The Open University of Israel, The Technion – Israel Institute of Technology, Tel Aviv University, The University of Haifa, The Weizmann Institute of Science are eligible to apply. The eligibility of other institutions is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Scientists and academics employed at universities in the state of Lower Saxony in accordance with § 2 NHG and at non-university research institutions funded by the state are eligible to apply.

No. We strongly advise, though, to check your individual eligibility to submit applications to external funding agencies with your respective university management.

No.

In principal yes. However, the Lower Saxon-Israeli cooperation has to be significant.

No, as long as the thematic focus lies within the disciplinary categories addressed in the given year. As there a separate calls for applications from “Life Sciences and Medicine”, these disciplines are excluded from the calls addressing “Natural Sciences, Mathematics, Engineering Sciences” (for interdisciplinary projects, see next question).

Yes, but the thematic focus of such projects has to lie within the disciplinary categories addressed in the given year. Usually, the main methods applied are a helpful indicator for an appropriate categorisation.

No.

A mere temporary extension is not possible. In case there are obviously new research questions or objectives as a result of the funded project the cooperation partners may apply for a new project. The differences of such two projects should be explained clearly in the application. Please take into account in this context that the set-up of new cooperations within the framework of this funding program will be given priority.

Yes. The program explicitly addresses scientists and scholars at an early stage in their careers, therefore preference will be given to applicants who have defended their PhD within the last seven years (from the deadline). For female researchers providing childcare this period will be extended by two years per child, and for male researchers by one year (without documentation). Male researchers who provide childcare beyond the one-year period can also be eligible for a max. two-year extension per child provided appropriate documentation is given. The maximum extension is six years. Children under the age of 12 when the period begins who live permanently in the same household as the applicant are included.

In line with the aim to support genuine cooperations funds should be adequately distributed (while taking into account the different levels of staff costs). Both partners are eligible to apply for all budget categories (be it personnel costs, material costs and/or travel costs). Each partner has to submit a separate cost plan (Lower Saxon applicant and Israeli co-applicant). All funds will be granted to the institution in Lower Saxony, which then forwards the respective partner shares.

The participation of PhD students is not mandatory. However, the involvement and further qualification of junior scientists is certainly welcome. This refers to master students, doctoral students, and postdocs.

No.

In principle, it is possible to apply for research equipment. The equipment must be advanced and highly specialised and specifically needed for the conduct of the project and not of a general kind for basic needs of the institute. The acquisition needs to be justified comprehensibly and be appropriate in relation to the total application sum. For investments higher than EUR 10.000, a quote has to be enclosed.

Computer equipment can only be applied for in exceptional cases, e. g. for research staff newly employed for the project. However, the applicants must justify why this investment cannot be provided by the institution(s).

In case you work with large data sets: yes. Please use either the template for a DMP provided on this website or the DMP of the repository of your choice.