CZS Focus 2027: Domains

Goals

The CZS Focus (form. CZS Transfer) program supports outstanding application-oriented research in specific STEM fields at universities of applied sciences. The program is designed to help these institutions develop a strategic profile in these areas. 

As part of its priority area “Artificial Intelligence,"  the CZS aims to help improve and expand understanding of artificial intelligence.

The CZS Call for applications 2027: Domains calls for proposals for research projects that address the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in specific application domains and the associated challenges.
 

What are the application requirement specifications?

• The project must align with the strategic orientation of the higher education institution.
• The project must strengthen an already established area of research at the higher education institution.
• The project must contribute to long-term strengthening of competencies in the research area.

Who is eligible to apply?

The following public universities of applied sciences are eligible to apply (numbers indicate number of possible applications):

• Baden-Württemberg: Esslingen, Furtwangen, Heilbronn, Karlsruhe, Mannheim, Ravenburg-Weingarten, Reutlingen, Stuttgart (Hochschule der Medien), Ulm (1 each)
• Rheinland-Pfalz: Bingen, Kaiserslautern, Koblenz, Mainz, Trier (1 each)
• Thüringen: Erfurt (1), Jena (2), Schmalkalden (1)
   

A university of applied sciences can submit a joint application with other scientific institutions (universities, universities of applied sciences or non-university research institutions). In this case, the institution submitting the application must take the lead.

Downloads (only available in German)

Duration

The funding period is three to four years. The project can start on 1 May 2027 at the earliest and must start by 1 September 2027 at the latest.

In addition to the project funding applied for, the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung will pay an overhead lump sum of 20 per cent of the funding amount.

Application

Letters of intent and applications can only be submitted digitally via our application portal. Registration is required for this.

Questions?

For general questions, we are offering Q&A sessions via Microsoft Teams on the following dates:

• Monday, July 27, 2026, 10:00 to 10:45 a.m.: dial-in link
• Friday, July 31, 2026, 1:00 to 1:45 p.m.: dial-in link
• Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 4:00 to 4:45 p.m.: dial-in link