The funding program of the LIFE profile

Current funds & awards within LIFE

Laptop

Image: Pixabay license

Information

Before submitting your application, we recommend consulting the Service Centre for Research and Transfer. You can find the appropriate contact person here (FSU Jena) and for Jena University Hospital hereExternal link (JUH Jena).

At the core of strategically impactful measures within the LIFE profile is the continuous development of its scientific profile, strengthening research networks, supporting early-career researchers, and enhancing the international visibility of Jena.

Central to this is the network- and structure-building character: Measures aim to create synergies across faculties and disciplines, both within the university and with external partners. This includes collaborations with renowned institutions such as the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology (HKI), the Leibniz Institute for Age Research – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), the Max Planck Institute for Chemical Ecology (MPI-CE), the Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry (MPI-BGC), the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering (IOF), and the Leibniz Institute of Photonic Technology (IPHT), as well as networking potential with the LIGHT and LIBERTY profiles.

Through the following funding lines, the LIFE profile currently supports researchers at the University of Jena in their scientific and coordinating activities to shape the profile.

LIFE "Connect"

The LIFE “Connect” funds enable the development of scientific projects that have to potential for successful application for third-party funding. New cooperations between researchers of different groups, institutes and disciplines shall be established to stimulate top-level research.

Applicants: researchers at any career stage (doctoral researchers to Professors)
Deadline: 30.09.2025
Funding: 15.000 €/ 20.000 €/ 25.000 €

Please find more information under LIFE "Connect"External link

Project outline information (not exceeding five pages)
1. Please describe the research project you are applying with, including a brief summary.
What are the main objectives of the project? Which scientific questions does the project seek to address? What potential impact could outcomes of the project have?
2. How does the project integrate different disciplines? How will the project foster new collaborations and networking opportunities?
3. How does your research promote sustainability and what larger projects are to be initiated?
4. Please provide a budget plan and a timeline (12 months) outlining the key milestones for the project.

LIFE "Conference"

Do you want to create opportunities for scientific conversations? The LIFE “Conference” funds will support your planned conference. During the conference, a LIFE satellite event such as a panel discussion or a world café related to the conference topic must be implemented.

Applicants: all researchers at the FSU or UKJ within the life sciences
Deadline: none - application possible at any time (at least 3 months before the conference)
Funding: max. 2.000 €

Please find more information under?LIFE "Conference"External link

LIFE "Assist"

Our support ensures that you can continue your research even in difficult times. Fast and uncomplicated – so you can focus on other things! This fund helps with unexpected expenses due to illness, pregnancy, or equipment breakdowns that other funding sources do not cover. A co-payment of 25% of the costs is required, and for young researchers, additional support from the chair is expected.

Applicants: alle Forscher an der FSU oder UKJ aus den Bereichen der Lebenswissenschaften und Medizin, welche dort besch?ftigt oder eingeschrieben sind
Deadline: none - application possible at any time
Funding: up to 75 % of the expenses (max. 10.000 €)

Please find more information under LIFE "Asisst"pdf,?79?kb

What happens after approval?

Upon approval, the allocated funds are typically available immediately, allowing for prompt initiation of the project.?
The approved funds are generally to be utilized within one year from the date of approval (12-month duration).
The execution of the positively evaluated proposals is the sole responsibility of the researchers who submitted the proposal. Throughout the project, the LIFE profile coordinator can provide organizational support to facilitate the project's progress.?

By accepting the funding, the responsible researchers commit to delivering a presentation at the LIFE Symposium, sharing their research outcomes and experiences.

LIFE Talent Award - Recognition for Excellence in Life Sciences

The LIFE Talent Award honors outstanding achievements in the life sciences, supporting early-career researchers with a focus on innovation, scientific excellence, and societal impact.

Eligibility: Early-career researchers in life sciences at Friedrich Schiller University Jena or affiliated local institutions (including Jena University Hospital).
Award Amount: €5,000 per category
Categories:
- Doctoral research
- Postdoctoral research
- Independent research (habilitation candidates & junior faculty, non-tenured)
Application Deadline: January, 2026
Required Documents: Cover letter addressing criteria (max. 2 pages), CV with publication list, and recommendation letter (for doctoral candidates & postdocs).