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Cheiron Fellows
The Cheiron Fellows programme supports internationally leading scientists who wish to continue their research laboratory beyond the statutory retirement age. It is intended for individuals who can demonstrate outstanding scientific achievements and who have proven exceptional commitment to supporting early-career researchers. The Cheiron Fellows scheme provides funding for a highly original research programme, competitive by international standards.
The context and aims of the Cheiron Fellows programme.
Through the Cheiron Fellows programme, the Boehringer Ingelheim Stiftung provides experienced and exceptionally productive leading scientists with the space for creative research at an academic institution in Germany, even after reaching the statutory retirement age. Those funded make a decisive contribution to advancing their respective fields of research. At the same time, they draw on their expertise and experience to support the academic and personal development of the next generation of researchers. The aim of the Cheiron Fellows programme is to enable new and significant research findings and to encourage the transfer of valuable knowledge to future generations.
What can be funded?
You may apply for up to 2,500,000 EUR in research funds as well as 500,000 EUR for overhead costs for a maximum duration of 5 years in order to advance a highly original research programme. Funding will initially be granted for 3 years. A second phase of an additional 2 years of funding will be granted contingent on a positive evaluation in year 3.
Funding may be used for scientific personnel, consumables, project-related equipment, as well as travel and publications. Costs incurred in connection with the mentoring of early-career researchers are likewise eligible for funding. Should the senior professorship be established at a new institution, the funding may also contribute towards the costs of relocating the research laboratory.
How and when can you apply?
There are two deadlines per year: 15 March and 15 September. The online application opens four weeks prior to the deadlines.
To start your online application for the Cheiron Fellows programme, please click here.
Who may apply?
If you wish to apply, the following criteria must be met:
- Your research focuses on fundamental questions in the biological, medical, and chemical sciences. The foundation accepts only proposals that focus on research of broader relevance to the biosciences, for instance, studies in basic biology, biophysics, computational biology, medicine, biochemistry, and chemical biology. The foundation particularly encourages applications with the potential to yield novel insights into fundamental processes. It does not support research in classical zoology or botany, or pure organic or inorganic chemistry, or clinical studies.
- You are an internationally recognized top-level researcher who has made outstanding contributions to their field and are acknowledged by the global scientific community.
- You propose an original and creative research programme that will significantly advance and shape the direction of your field of research.
- You have a proven track record in developing the next generation of scientific leaders in your field, originating from your own and from outside of your own laboratory.
- You will reach the statutory retirement age within the next two years. However, Cheiron Fellows funding can only begin after the date of your statutory retirement age.
- You wish to install a senior professorship at a university or academic research institution in Germany.
- Your chosen host organization supports your application and guarantees access to laboratory and office space, infrastructure, as well as administrative support for your research team for the duration of the proposed Cheiron Fellows funding period.
- You must not receive or expect to receive funding for the proposed research programme, or funding that has a similar purpose as the Cheiron Fellows programme by any other organization.
What cannot be funded by the Cheiron Fellows programme?
- Researchers located at privately funded research institutions cannot be funded.
Do you have any questions?
If there are any remaining questions after referring to the Guidelines for applicants, please call us or email us.