Scientific Retreat

This programme offers financial support to organise and run a Scientific Retreat at a location of the applicant’s own choice. The Scientific Retreat is an off-site meeting of a junior research group from the Zukunftskolleg and guests that is held in a relaxing atmosphere outside the university campus. It lasts between 2 and 4 days. On the one hand, the retreat provides opportunities for identifying and exploring new and innovative research directions. On the other hand, it encourages intensive and expert discussions and exchange with distinguished scholars in a relaxed climate, away from the pressure of deadlines and daily business.

By inviting esteemed scholars in their own field of research, the young researchers get the opportunity to socialise and build networks for future research collaboration. The retreat additionally aims to enhance research group homogeneity by providing an atmosphere for informal social exchange. In particular, fellows at the beginning of their career are encouraged to apply for a retreat as a project start-up. A Scientific Retreat could provide the ideal setting for both specifying sub-projects and strengthening competencies, such as research group coordination, coaching and leadership skills.

The fellows are free to choose the guests and location and so are responsible for the Retreat's programme. The Zukunftskolleg not only covers financing, but also offers some practical assistance in running the Scientific Retreat. The administrative staff counsel the host of the retreat in choosing the venue and arranging all organisational matters. The fellows are fully responsible for the scientific and logistic organisation on site.

Who may apply?

This funding programme addresses Research Fellows, Postdoctoral Fellows, Hector Pioneer Fellows and their research groups.

Application

Fellows of the Zukunftskolleg are invited to apply for a Scientific Retreat anytime. Applications should be directed to the Executive Committee of the Zukunftskolleg.

Applications should include the following documents:

• Project description: Topics and objectives of the Scientific Retreat (ca. 2-3 pages)
• List of potential guests (3 max.), including their CVs and contact details
• List of participants, stating job titles within the project or research group
• Projected costs

Please submit your application electronically as a pdf-file to: zukunftskolleg@uni-konstanz.de