Volkswagen Stiftung – Circularity with recycled and biogenic resources | Research Funding

This funding initiative aims at original and practice-relevant research projects that advance the closing of raw material-product loops. At the same time, this initiative aims to qualify and to build up expertise for a sustainable resource transition.

Interdisciplinary research of two to three groups with demonstrated expertise in sustainable raw materials and product life cycles is fundable. The research objective is to demonstrate options how to close the loop for a concrete example. Preference is given to systems approaches and upscaling concepts for raw material-product systems for which no sustainable recycling strategy has been established yet.

Funding:       max. €1.3M (for 2-3 partners)

Duration:       max. 4 years

Eligibility: Funding can be provided for the constitution of international research groups comprising 2-3 principal investigators (PIs). The main applicant needs to be affiliated with a German university or research institution. Scholars at all career levels post-PhD are eligible to apply.

How to Apply: The two-stage application process begins the proposal submission on the electronic application system, with a deadline of 01 March. Shortlisted applications will be notified in May and will be invited to interview with the review panel in June. Final decisions are expected in August-September. For any assistance with proposal elements such as the budget, budget justification, DMP, or institutional declaration of eligibility, please contact the Research Office.

Deadline:      01 March 2024 (2 pm CET)

Further information

• More information about the program is available here
• The Information for Applicants document can be found here
• The application portal can be found here
• For any other questions, please contact the Research Office