The context and aims of the CoMove programme.

If a scientist is offered a professorship or a group leader position, there is often no adequate career perspective at the same location for their partner, who is likewise pursuing a successful research career. As a consequence, research couples may decline the offer and choose a different location, or they accept the offer, but the accompanying partner cannot realise his/her full potential. CoMove aims to give outstanding dual career scientists the opportunity to develop an innovative research programme and to attain attractive, long-term career prospects when following their partner to a new location.

Who may apply?

If you wish to apply, you must fulfill the following criteria:

• 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.
• You propose an original and creative research programme that will significantly advance your field of research.
• You should have substantial international experience.
• You have a proven track record and can demonstrate international visibility of your scientific achievements.
• You have been offered a research position (R3 Established Researcher level as defined by the European Commission, i.e. researchers who have developed a level of independence) by your host organization, have accepted such a position, or have already started such a position at your host organization no more than 6 months prior to the date of application.
• Your host organization guarantees your position (R3 Established Researcher level) and access to laboratory and office space, infrastructure, as well as administrative support for your research team for the duration of the proposed CoMove funding period.
• Your host organization offers you a transparent career path beyond the proposed CoMove funding period. This could be, for instance, the conversion of your position to a permanent contract or a tenure-track option, right from the start or contingent on positive evaluation of your research group by your host institution (including external scientists and with the possibility to include a representative of the foundation as an observing guest) during the CoMove funding period.
• Your dual career partner has been appointed or has been offered an appointment for an R3 (see above) or R4 (Leading Researcher as defined by the European Commission, i.e. researchers leading their research area or field) researcher level position at an academic institution in Germany or in Austria that is located in the same region as your host organization of this application. Your host organization may or may not be identical to the institution that appointed your scientific dual career partner. In any case, the institution appointing the first partner (R3 or R4 level) must provide a statement of confirmation.
• You must not receive or expect to receive funding for the proposed research programme, or funding that has a similar purpose as the CoMove programme by any other organization.

Do you have any questions?

If there are any remaining questions after referring to the Guidelines for applicants and the CoMove FAQs, please call us or email us.