DeZIM.Co-Work

DeZIM.Co-Work – What is it?

DeZIM.Co-Work is a program that promotes exchange and collaboration within the DeZIM community by funding research stays at the various DeZIM institutes (DeZIM-I and DeZIM-FG). It serves as both an incubator and a catalyst for new ideas and research agendas. Essential elements of academic collaboration include discussing and reflecting on research questions, addressing methodological challenges, interpreting data, and developing publication ideas or research projects with colleagues. These processes thrive on personal exchange.

DeZIM.Co-Work offers researchers at various career stages (starting from pre-doc) the opportunity to spend up to five days (either consecutively or spread out) at one of the partner institutes of the DeZIM research community or at the DeZIM Institute, in order to, for example:

• collaborate with researchers at the host institute on a specific topic,
• develop joint publications, or
• prepare a research proposal.

The stay can also be used to

• present one’s own research projects and results, or
• gain deeper insights into the work processes and research topics of other institutes.

The DeZIM research community provides annual travel funding for six DeZIM.Co-Works (up to €520 each) and supports participants throughout the process. The host research organization will provide suitable workspaces.

Who can apply?

Researchers from the DeZIM research community and the DeZIM Institute at all career stages are eligible to apply.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted jointly by the cooperating researchers using the attached form. They should include a brief description of the purpose of the cooperation (approx. 200 words), the period and scope of the planned visit(s), a short biography, including representative publications (approx. 200 words), and the contact details of all participating researchers. The networking coordinators of the participating research institutes will provide support throughout the application process.

What is the deadline?

There is no deadline. Applications for projects taking place in 2025 and 2026 are accepted on anongoing basis.

Evaluation and Reimbursement

A selection committee, composed of members of the DeZIM Research Community and the DeZIM Institute, will evaluate the applications, and applicants are typically informed of the decision within two weeks.

Travel expenses actually incurred and properly documented in accordance with the German Federal Travel Expenses Act (Bundesreisekostengesetz) will be reimbursed by the DeZIM Institute up to €520. A form will be provided for this purpose. Reimbursement requires the submission of a short report (1–2 pages) summarizing the meetings (interim) results, and future prospects of the collaboration.

Selection criteria

In the selection process, both the coherence of the proposed collaboration and a balanced distribution among the participating institutes, as well as the research experience of the applicants, are taken into account.