Research Grant for Correlated Workflows

The MAPEX Center for Materials and Processes via the MAPEX Core Facility for Materials Analytics (MAPEX-CF) invites Researchers from MAPEX to apply for research grants to perform exploratory projects for the correlation of different material characterization methods available in the MAPEX-CF. These correlated workflows are meant to test, image and analyze the same sample regions across several, mutually complementary instruments and length scales.

The work performed must use at least two different characterization methods and be related to at least one of the following materials’ analytics areas of MAPEX-CF: 3D Materials Analytics, Electron Microscopy, Surface Analytics, Spectroscopy, or X-ray Diffraction. A combination of different areas of the Core Facility is encouraged. The originality of the idea is an important factor in the evaluation of proposals, the projects should establish new connections between the characterization methods. For a successful application, a strong connection of the project to current topics within the MAPEX research landscape is essential.

This funding scheme aims to establish and foster interdisciplinary collaborations between different groups from MAPEX. It is also meant to showcase examples of correlative workflows possible in the framework of the MAPEX-CF for all MAPEX members and emphasize the potential of the instrumentation available in the Core Facility as well as the benefit of cooperation between the different research areas.

ELIGIBILITY:

The grants are open to all researchers (doctoral researchers, postdocs, and principal investigators) from MAPEX research groups. Preference will be given to projects which initiate new collaborations between research groups and to members of groups who have not yet benefited from a MAPEX-CF grant. Preference will also be given to applications from early career researchers and projects which aim to correlate more than two different characterization methods.

CONDITIONS:

The grants will be awarded up to a maximum of 15.000 € according to a calculation included in the application. Funding can be requested for materials analysis support, software, personnel, and minor equipment / consumables (e.g. redesigned sample holders) required to adapt the existing instruments to the new correlated workflow. The grant can be used for minor additions to instruments (e.g. detectors), if these additions are required for the envisaged correlated workflow.

Under specific circumstances and after proper justification elucidated in the proposal text, the maximum amount of funds can exceed 15.000 €. Proposals connected to projects with third-party funding that are already running cannot be funded. Proposals must be submitted until April 30th 2024.

 

 

PROCEDURE:

1. Applications must be submitted in electronic form to the MAPEX-CF Executive Committee, represented by the MAPEX-CF Instrument Manager, Dr. Seemann. Candidates are strongly encouraged to contact Dr. Seemann before the application for details on the funding availability.

2. Evaluation: A committee appointed by the MAPEX-CF Executive Board will decide whether to fund the proposal or not, depending on the scientific qualification of the candidate, the quality of the proposed project, and availability of funding. The result of the proposal assessment and the granted amount will be communicated to the applicant usually within three weeks from the deadline to which the application was submitted.

3. Report: After their measurements or research stay, the funded candidates must provide a written report (one to two A4 pages) to the MAPEX-CF. Furthermore, they must provide a short paragraph summarizing their experience and a picture for the MAPEX-CF website.

APPLICATION:

Please create a single PDF document comprising the following documents:

  1. Text of the proposal following the guidelines and not exceeding four A4 pages
  2. Curriculum Vitae (max. two pages) including a list of the most relevant publications and conference contributions related to the project
  3. A letter from the principal investigators of all instruments used in the proposed project, including a statement confirming the feasibility of the experiments as well as that the facilities and the workspace needed to realize the proposed project will be available
  4. For doctoral candidates: A letter of recommendation from your direct supervisor or group leader (MAPEX member)
  5. A signed declaration that
    (a) the candidate agrees to adhere to the standard rules of good scientific practice set by the DFG
    (b) in case of publications of results obtained during the research stay or obtained with measurements funded by this grant, funding through the MAPEX-CF research grant will be explicitly acknowledged
  6. For doctoral candidates: proof that you are actively pursuing a degree at the University of Bremen.

Applicants who do not comply with the formal rules above will not be considered for funding.

A limitation on the number of funded proposals per MAPEX research group may take place to assure a fair distribution of the grants. Female and diverse applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applications must be submitted via email to:

Dr. Wilken Seemann

mapexcfprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de

Contact

Dr. Wilken Seemann

University of Bremen
IW3, Room 2190
Am Biologischen Garten 2
28359 Bremen
Phone: +49 421 218 64954
E-Mail: mapexcfprotect me ?!uni-bremenprotect me ?!.de

Downloads

Updated by: MAPEX