FAQs

There are no strict formal requirements for the PIs.

It is important that the projects are thematically anchored within the research field of the Competence Centre for Landscape Resilience, enhance the visibility of the Centre, and strengthen networking within the University.

No, the funds are not paid out as a lump sum at the beginning. Reimbursement is made based on actual expenses, for example via invoices, contracts, or travel expense claims.

All project funds must be spent within the approved project period, which may not exceed one year. This ensures clear budget management and timely completion.

The projects should aim for a balanced combination of the following aspects:

Scientific: Publications, new methods, models, or datasets
Practice-oriented: Workshops, policy recommendations, or pilot projects
Methodological: Formats for stakeholder participation, interdisciplinary tools

The results do not need to be large-scale. Even a well-conceived workshop at another university may meet the expectations. Particularly welcome, however, are projects that initiate longer-term scientific, political, or communication networks.

The project should be driven by a compelling scientific question or idea and aim to initiate further developments. Creativity, originality, and the potential to stimulate further reflection or cooperation are particularly valued.

Yes, personnel costs can be funded if they are directly linked to the approved project period. It is possible to hire new staff for a short, fixed period if this corresponds to the project duration. For academic staff, contracts must cover at least 50% of the regular working time and extend over the entire project duration. It is not permitted to employ someone for only part of the project period (e.g. one month in a two-month project). If a lower workload is required, researchers may instead be employed as student or research assistants. In this case as well, the contract duration must match the project period. All personnel will be employed through the department of the applying PI at the University of Göttingen. The Competence Centre Landscape Resilience is not an employing institution but provides the internal financial account for cost coverage. In the budget template, a category for personnel costs should be added or relevant personnel expenses entered, including specification (e.g. 20 hours/month student assistant for 2 months; 50% TV-L E13 for 2 months, etc.). Please note that personnel must be employed for the entire project duration.