Sustainable technologies through new materials: Joachim Herz Foundation initiates transfer center

The Joachim Herz Foundation would like to enable top researchers to realize research projects and pursue the transfer into practical application. Applications are open to German universities with scientific excellence in the field of new materials. Applications can be submitted until January 31, 2024.

Concrete solutions to social challenges such as resource scarcity and climate protection can only be developed with sustainable technologies. New materials in particular, which have the same good properties as existing materials but can be produced and disposed of sustainably, play a key role. They help to conserve resources, reduce emissions and minimize the environmental impact of products and their manufacture. However, the German university system has some catching up to do when it comes to making scientific findings usable for business and society. By providing institutional funding for an interdisciplinary transfer center on the topic of "New materials for sustainable technologies", the Joachim Herz Foundation aims to provide an example of how systemic transfer structures can be developed and consolidated.

Objective of the transfer center

"The Joachim Herz Transfer Center is intended to offer outstanding scientists an ideal environment in which to realize transfer-relevant research projects and make the results usable. This is because innovations require competitive market conditions, which often do not match the public-law conditions at our universities," says Sabine Kunst, Chairwoman of the Joachim Herz Foundation. "The Joachim Herz Transfer Center aims to remove obstacles in the transfer process and create structures to accelerate knowledge- and technology-based innovation."

Financial support and framework conditions

The Joachim Herz Foundation supports the establishment and implementation of the transfer center with up to 3 million euros annually over a maximum period of ten years.

Application procedure and deadlines

The application process consists of two stages: Universities can submit an expression of interest and a draft proposal by January 31, 2024. If they receive a positive assessment from a panel of experts, they will be invited to submit a full proposal by April 30 at the beginning of March. The decision on which university will receive funding will be made in summer 2024.

You can find more information here.