CIDAS supports young scientists at an early stage of their career to independently develop projects and to create a perspective to work independently for several years at the Göttingen Campus in the field of Data Science. In particular, the collaboration between methodological or theoretical researchers and applied scientists at the Göttingen Campus and within CIDAS should be promoted. It is assumed that fellows will apply for independent funding (e.g. Emmy Noether, ERC Starting Grant, or similar) within the funded period. Applications should clearly outline the applicant's career prospects and the planned steps toward scientific independence and independent third-party funding.

Outstanding young scientists who are in their early postdoc phase with an idea for their own research project in the field of Data Science. This can be in the fundamentals of Data Science, applied Data Science, or in the social science aspects of Data Science. The project should be a collaboration with at least one member of CIDAS. Other collaborations with groups outside CIDAS are also possible and encouraged. To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must submit a letter of recommendation, including a workplace at the Georg August University of Göttingen commitment (incl. infrastructure) for the period to be funded. The mentor should not have previously served as the applicant’s PhD supervisor. If the applicant is not already a CIDAS member, they will become members upon approval of the application. The funds are made available as application support for own third-party funded projects or a junior research group.

The funding of the Fellowship includes up to approximately €85,000 each, which can be used, for example, to fund the applicant's own position*. If a separate and newly prepared full proposal is submitted to an external third-party funding organization (e.g. DFG, ERC etc.) within the funded period (up to one year), an extension of funding for up to one year can be applied for at CIDAS. An extension request must be submitted at least two months before the end of the first funding period. (*Decision subject to personnel law possibilities)

1) Description of the research idea (max. 5 pages), including:
- Clearly defined content-related goals, a clear and well-structured time and cost schedule
- Concrete roadmap to scientific independence within the funding period or thereafter
- Planned collaboration with CIDAS members and other scientists
- Innovation of the proposal
2) CV (curriculum vitae)
3) Letter of recommendation from the supervisor or mentor, including a workplace at the Georg August University of Göttingen commitment (incl. infrastructure) for the period to be funded. The mentor should not have previously served as the applicant’s PhD supervisor.

In the case of a subsequent extension request to CIDAS, these documents must be updated again and a confirmation from the third-party funding organization that a full proposal has been submitted.

Deadline for applications: Sunday, November 8th, 2026
Please submit your application via email to: cidas@uni-goettingen.de

The applications received will be reviewed by the CIDAS Board and its representatives immediately after the deadline. At the time of application, CIDAS membership is not required. Candidates whose applications are shortlisted will be invited for an interview consisting of a short presentation on their planned research project and a Q&A with the selection panel. The final decision will be made based on the application documents and the interview presentation. The funds for the fellowship become available immediately after approval and are to be spent within one year. The funds will be allocated by CIDAS/Georg August University of Göttingen.

For any questions, please contact the head of the CIDAS office, Dr. Isabelle Matthias: isabelle.matthias@uni-goettingen.de