Coffee Lectures for Young Researchers 2025/26
Research funding opportunities for beginners
Sooner or later, questions arise in the scientific field regarding the financing of research projects.
In this short coffee lecture series, we want to take a look at the first steps in acquiring third-party funding.
Who could be a potential funding organisation for my project?
We will look at examples from the German Research Foundation (DFG) as well as funding from federal ministries (e.g., the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR)). In addition, we will look at the KU's internal research funding program and some research funding institutions and private foundations (e.g., the Fritz Thyssen Foundation, the VW Foundation, and the Gerda Henkel Foundation).
How does the application process work?
We provide a brief overview of the funding agencies' objectives, their funding programs, and the respective application procedures—all tailored to those new to the application process.
Who can help me?
We welcome your questions and requests. Stop by for a virtual coffee and learn more about research funding! The ZFF offers information, advice, and other assistance.
Lectures (each 13:00 - 13:45, per Zoom):
- October 27, 2025 - DFG for beginners: Overview of funding opportunities and procedures
(DFG = Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/German Research Foundation) - November 10, 2025 - DFG for beginners: Funding for individual projects – Application Procedures Explained Simply
(DFG = Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft/German Research Foundation) - November 17, 2025 - proFOR+ for beginners: KU internal research funding explained simply
- December 1, 2025 – BMFTR for beginners: Funding opportunities and procedures explained simply
(BMFTR = Bundesministerium für Forschung, Technologie und Raumfahrt/Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space) - Januar 19, 2026 – Research funding Institutions and foundations for beginners
Language:
English on demand
Zoom link for all lectures:
Registration is not required.
Contact:
Presentations and materials related to the Coffee Lectures can be found here.
(Last update September 2025)