This scheme was established by a Memorandum of Understanding between Universities Australia and the German Academic Research Exchange (DAAD) in December 2014.
The scheme funds travel and living costs, enabling Australian researchers to spend time in Germany working alongside their German counterparts and bringing German researchers to Australia to work in local research institutions. Proposals must provide opportunities for exchanges between early career researchers.
With a budget of 430 million euros per year, the DAAD is the largest funding organisation in the world for international academic exchange.
“We are delighted to be offering all Universities Australia members the opportunity once again to take part in this research exchange with one of the world’s research powerhouses,” said Universities Australia Chief Executive, Belinda Robinson.
“Germany is Europe’s largest national economy and for many Australian universities, it is already one of the top priority countries for international research collaboration. This scheme will improve on established links and make way for new partnerships to develop,” Ms Robinson said.
The DAAD President Professor Margret Wintermantel said that “the agreement sets the stage for far-reaching collaboration between Germany and Australia.”
During the 2015 application round, 100 projects shared in a total funding allocation of $3.5 million.
In 2016, 36 of Australia’s 39 universities have chosen to participate. The scheme is open to Australian researchers at participating Australian universities in all academic fields involved in a collaborative project with German research partners.
Applications for funding under the Australia-Germany Joint Research Cooperation Scheme are invited from 4 April to 17 June 2016.
Further information is now available on the Universities Australia website.
