M5 Creative Units

Creative Units are groups of researchers who join together to mutually pursue the development of new lines of research. These groups enable the University to regenerate also in segments outside its high-profile research areas. The funding offer is open to researchers in all the University’s faculties. Creative Units have a maximum of freedom to develop their research creativity and to mutually develop new lines of research. 

WHO CAN APPLY? The funding offer is open to all researchers in all faculties of the University of Bremen. Applications can only be lodged by full-time professors of the University of Bremen. As a general rule, Creative Units must comprise at least three professors of the University. 

WHAT CONDITIONS HAVE TO BE MET? Creative Units are expected to produce an above-average number of publications, submit applications for DFG funding, build up research groups and collaborative research projects, and support the thematic regeneration of the University. They support the promotion of young researchers by integrating post-docs in their work, and internationalization by receiving visiting scholars and scientists. The participating researchers are leading authorities in their subject area. Creative Units lend themselves equally for disciplinary innovation as for interdisciplinary approaches. In accordance with the University’s policy of gender mainstreaming, they encompass female and male researchers. 

FUNDING CONDITIONS: Creative Units are equipped with an annual budget of up to 250,000 Euros over a three-year period. The money can be used flexibly, e.g. to fund academic staff positions, equipment, or the stays of visiting researchers. 

PROCEDURE: Having approved three Creative Units so far, further approvals of one Creative Unit in each 2014, 2015 and 2016 are planned. The deadline for funding in 2014 is 1st February 2013, 11:59 p.m.

Groups of researchers who apply for the funding of a Creative Unit will be evaluated externally. A symposium in May or June 2013 serves this purpose. Please contact Referat 12 (Department 12) for information concerning the evaluation format. 

The decision to establish a new Creative Unit lies with the Rectorate. The Rectorate will request the Research Commission of the Academic Senate to make accordant recommendations on the basis of the expert opinions.