Funding program of LIFE
Current funds & awards within LIFE
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Illustration LIFE Research funding
Illustration: Franziska Eberl edited by Dania Rose-SperlingFunds by the LIFE profile:
Illustration for the LIFE-Connect fund
Illustration: Franziska Eberl (Network by pixabay)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: 31.03.2025
- Funding: 15.000 €/ 20.000 €/ 25.000 €
Please find all information under LIFE "Connect"pdf, 87 kb
Illustration LIFE-Conference Fund
Illustration: Dania Rose-Sperling (Conference Illustration by pixabay)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 all information under LIFE "Conference"pdf, 81 kb
LIFE "Assist"-Fund
Illustration: Franziska EberlLIFE "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 beschäftigt oder eingeschrieben sind
- Deadline: none - application possible at any time
- Funding: up to 75 % of the expenses (max. 10.000 €)
Please find all information under LIFE "Asisst"pdf, 79 kb
LIFE Talent Award
Image: AI generated by Dania Rose-SperlingThe 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).
Winners will be announced in early 2026 and participate in LIFE outreach initiatives (social media, website features, interviews).
Information & Application form LIFE "Talent" Awardpdf, 111 kb
Dania Rose-Sperling, Dr
Scientific Coordinator | LIFE profile
