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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.

6

Calls for application

Target group
Institution type

    15 programmes available

    Add-on module CZS Science Communication currently funded, CZS Endowed Professors - University, University of Applied Sciences, Non-university research institution Active funding

    As part of this call for applications, funding for science communication measures can be applied for. Precondition is an existing funding from the Foundation.

    Add-on module CZS Transfer currently funded - University, University of Applied Sciences, Non-university research institution Active funding

    As part of this call for applications, applicants may apply for supplementary funding for technology transfer. To be eligible, applicants must already be receiving funding from the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung.

    CZS Plus CZS Alumni - University, Non-university research institution, University of Applied Sciences Active funding

    Short description programme

    CZS Plus is an exclusive funding programme for scientists formerly funded by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung. Outreach and exchange projects can be funded.



    Call for application: "CZS Plus: Call for application for CZS Alumni"

    Alumni of the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung can apply for funding for outreach, communication and exchange projects throughout the year to accompany their research and teaching activities.

    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 professors at universities of applied sciences"

    The CZS research boost call for applications is aimed at newly appointed professors at universities of applied sciences (HAW). The goal of the program is to support the launch of research activities in the fields of mathematics, engineering, natural sciences, and technology (STEM).

    CZS Focus (form. CZS Transfer) Professors - University of Applied Sciences Active funding

    Short description programme

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



    Call for application: "CZS Focus 2027: Domains"

    The call for applications "CZS Fokus 2027: Domains" is aimed at research projects that address the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in specific application domains and the associated challenges.

    CZS Innovation Teams Scientists - University of Applied Sciences, University, Non-university research institution Active funding

    Short description programme

    As part of the “CZS Innovation Teams” program, the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung supports technology transfer from the scientific community.



    Call for application: "Call for applications for startup teams from the academic community"

    As part of this call for applications, startup teams from the academic community can apply year-round for funding to commercialize their research findings.

    CZS Center Professors, Institution - University, Non-university research institution, University of Applied Sciences

    Short description programme

    The CZS Centres are cross-location, interdisciplinary research collaborations in the Foundation's focus topics. They serve to establish and expand innovative, internationally visible research centres in the CZS funding states.

    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 19 universities.

    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 Nexus | Changed application process 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 endowed professorships at universities of applied sciences Institution - University of Applied Sciences

    Short description programme

    The Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung is providing funding for professorships at universities of applied sciences as part of the “CZS Professorships at Universities of Applied Sciences” programme.

    CZS-endowed professorships at universities Professors - University

    Short description programme

    Within the framework of the programme ‘CZS endowed professorships at universities’, the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung provides funding for professorships at universities for up to ten years.

    CZS training Professors, PhD students, Postdocs, Junior professors, Junior research group leaders, CZS Endowed Professors, Scientists, CZS Alumni - University, University of Applied Sciences

    Short description programme

    In cooperation with external partners, the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung offers further training with different specialisms for its current and former funding partners.

    CZS Wildcard Professors, Junior research group leaders, Postdocs - University, University of Applied Sciences

    Short description programme

    One ‘Wild’ Idea – Three Scientists – Maximum Freedom – With the CZS Wildcard funding programme, the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung gives interdisciplinary teams the opportunity to freely bring forward unconventional research ideas at a very early stage.

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

    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.