CZS Fund

The programme is intended to help attract top German and international scientists abroad for Germany as a centre of science and research (or inspire them to return to Germany). That is why we support universities in creating competitive offers. Funding is provided for acquiring outstanding German and international scientists in STEM subjects and business studies who have been working abroad for at least two years at the time of application.

Up to 200,000 euros are available per professorship. This sum is divided into up to 120,000 euros for the person to be appointed and up to 80,000 euros for their partner (dual career).

Applications must be exclusively submitted via the German Scholars Organization.
Public universities in Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate and Thuringia are entitled to make an application. In case of shared appointments, non-university research institutions may be involved.

The application may only be submitted if a call has been issued but not yet accepted by the candidate. Only appointments to permanent W3 professorships or W1/W2 professorships with tenure track to W3 can be supported. 

The funds can be applied for by the university on a flexible basis in order to meet the individual requirements. 

Among others, the following are eligible:

• staff positions
• material and investment funds
• travel expenses 

Selection procedure

The funded appointments are selected through competition and are supported by external experts. The selection process is organised by the German Scholars Organization.

New: Dual career

The dual career component guarantees additional support for the life partner through start-up financing in order to open up long-term career prospects in Germany for both partners. 

Prerequisites are that the partner is abroad at the time of the appointment and that the funds are requested from university management as part of the main application.

Applications can be submitted at any time via the German Scholars Organization.