Overview of funding opportunities

The majority of our funding is provided through current tenders. Our funding focuses on the key topics of artificial intelligence, resource efficiency and life science technologies. Furthermore, we offer non-thematic formats across the entire spectrum of STEM subjects.

8

Calls for application

Target group
Institution type

    15 programmes available

    CZS Prisma CZS Endowed Professors - University, University of Applied Sciences Active funding

    Short description programme

    The programme provides fast, non-bureaucratic support for CZS endowed professors who are already receiving funding from us.



    Call for application: "CZS Prisma"

    CZS Prisma supports endowed professors of the Carl Zeiss Foundation and is offered on a permanent basis. Application forms can be digitally filled out and submitted via email until December 31, 2023.

    CZS Fund Professors - University Active funding

    Short description programme

    The programme supports German universities in the international competition to attract the best minds and is implemented in cooperation with the German Scholars Organization.



    Call for application: "CZS Fund – Talents for Germany"

    Funding is provided for the appointment of top international researchers. Applications are accepted all year round and must be exclusively submitted via the German Scholars Organization. Universities from the three funding states are eligible to apply.

    CZS Meet & Work CZS Alumni - University, University of Applied Sciences, Non-university research institution Active funding

    Short description programme

    The programme is aimed exclusively at former grantees (CZS alumni). It offers them the opportunity to invite scientists from abroad to their institution for a scientific exchange.



    Call for application: "CZS Meet & Work"

    The CZS Meet & Work programme is advertised on a permanent basis. A limited amount of funding is available per calendar year. If this amount is exhausted, the programme will be re-advertised at the beginning of the next year. Application forms can be filled out digitally and submitted via email.

    CZS Summer School CZS Alumni, CZS Endowed Professors, Junior professors, Junior research group leaders - University, University of Applied Sciences, Non-university research institution Active funding

    Short description programme

    This program allows CZS alumni and current CZS Endowed Professors as well as Junior professors and research group leaders, to apply for funds to organize a CZS Summer School.



    Call for application: "CZS Summer School"

    The CZS Summer School programme is offered on a permanent basis. A limited amount of funding is available per calendar year. If this amount is exhausted, the program will be advertised again at the beginning of the next year. Application forms can be filled out digitally and submitted via email.

    Carl Zeiss Humboldt Research Award Professors, Scientists - University, University of Applied Sciences Active funding

    Short description programme

    The research award honours top international scientists whose discoveries, theories or understandings have had a lasting impact on their field and contribute to diversity issues.



    Call for application: "Nomination in the Humboldt Research Award Programme"

    Nomination and selection for the Carl Zeiss Humboldt Research Award takes place in the Humboldt Research Award Programme. Nomination via the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung is not possible. Applications can be submitted throughout the year.

    CZS Transfer Professors - University of Applied Sciences Active funding

    Short description programme

    In the ‘CZS Transfer’ programme, the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung promotes outstanding research at universities of applied science.



    Call for application: "CZS Transfer: Resource efficiency – Sustainable material innovations"

    The call for proposals promotes application-oriented research in the field of resource efficiency. Interdisciplinary project teams are to research sustainable material innovations for a resource-conserving circular economy.

    CZS Wildcard Professors, Junior research group leaders, Postdocs - University, Non-university research institution, University of Applied Sciences Active funding

    Short description programme

    Within the framework of the ‘CZS Wildcard’ programme, the Carl Zeiss Foundation supports unconventional research projects from interdisciplinary groups comprising at least three scientists.



    Call for application: "CZS Wildcard: Programme to encourage unconventional ideas"

    With this call for proposals, the Carl Zeiss Foundation is enabling interdisciplinary research groups to pursue a shared idea over a period of two years. The scientists who are involved are given maximum freedom.

    CZS research boost Professors - University of Applied Sciences Active funding

    Short description programme

    The program is designed to enable newly appointed professors at universities of applied sciences to successfully start their first research activities.



    Call for application: "CZS research boost: Call for application for newly appointed HAW professors"

    With this call for proposals, the Foundation enables newly appointed professors to carry out specific research projects during their first two years at a university of applied sciences. The funds do not have to be used exclusively for the research project.

    CZS Breakthroughs Professors - University

    Short description programme

    Within the framework of the ‘CZS Breakthroughs’ programme, the Carl Zeiss Foundation funds top international research from Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate and Thuringia.

    CZS Endowed Professorships Professors - University, University of Applied Sciences

    Short description programme

    The Carl Zeiss Foundation is one of the largest sponsors of endowed professorships in Germany.

    CZS German scholarships Students - University, University of Applied Sciences

    Short description programme

    Germany needs highly motivated and well-trained young researchers to shape the scientific breakthroughs of tomorrow. That is why we support more than 150 scholarship holders at a total of 20 universities.

    CZS Nature Masterclasses Professors, PhD students, Postdocs, Junior research group leaders, CZS Endowed Professors, CZS Alumni - University, University of Applied Sciences, Non-university research institution

    Short description programme

    In partnership with Springer Nature, the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung offers virtual workshops to its current and former funding recipients.

    CZS Nexus Postdocs - University, Non-university research institution

    Short description programme

    The funding programme supports outstanding young scientists who wish to implement exciting ideas at interfaces between various STEM fields.

    CZS Prototypes Professors, Postdocs - University, University of Applied Sciences

    Short description programme

    The programme is intended to help scientists to develop prototypes from their research projects.

    CZS Special Fund Ukraine Scientists - University, Non-university research institution, University of Applied Sciences

    Short description programme

    With the CZS Special Fund Ukraine, the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung supports refugee scientists from Ukraine by providing short-term funding at a host university or research institution in Germany.