UMAXplore: A Funding Line of the University of Mannheim

What is UMAXplore?

Vier Forschende sitzen an einem Tisch und unterhalten sich miteinander.

Advancing collaborative research ideas

The new UMAXplore funding line provides researchers at the University of Mannheim with the space, resources, and support to collaboratively develop ambitious research ideas and prepare proposals for large-scale collaborative research projects, such as Collaborative Research Centers and Clusters of Excellence.

Collaborations with researchers from other institutions can further enrich the development of innovative research ideas. The selection committee therefore also welcomes collaborative projects involving external partners.

Vier Foschende sitzen an einem Tisch und unterhalten sich miteinander.

Supporting research teams from the start

The funding line strengthens the development of successful research teams, creates optimal conditions for collaboration, and provides the resources needed to support their work.

In addition, the Research Support team (Division I) assists researchers in securing complementary external funding to further develop preliminary work and enhance the prospects of success for larger funding applications.

Take the opportunity to strategically advance your research projects and build strong collaborations for future excellence funding initiatives.

Timeline

Application deadline: 31 August 2026
Funding decisions: Expected in early October 2026
Start of funding: 15 November 2026

	Key facts about the funding line
Target group	Professors at the University of Mannheim Partnerships with external researchers and institutions are welcome.
Funding scope	UMAXplore may provide funding for the following resources: Personnel: For example, funding for academic staff members, student or research assistants, or project coordination positions. Non-personnel costs: For example, external coaching, workshops, invited guests, or pilot studies.
Objectives	Building strong research teams. Supporting the conceptual and structural groundwork for planned collaborative research proposals.
Selection criteria	The selection criteria include: the academic quality and innovative potential of the proposed project, the applicants' preliminary research and preparatory work, the project's potential to develop into a Collaborative Research Center or Cluster of Excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration across multiple disciplines at the University of Mannheim and, where appropriate, in cooperation with external partner institutions and universities, its contribution to strengthening and further developing the University of Mannheim's research focus areas.
Selection process	Projects are evaluated by the Research Strategy Committee. The final funding decision is made by the President's Office.

Contact

Credit: Katrin Glückler

Dr. Silvia Luber

Forschungsförderung

Research Strategy Commission, DFG – Collaborative Projects

University of Mannheim
Division I – Research Services and Quality Management
L 1, 1 – Room 353
68161 Mannheim

Phone: +49 621 181-1460
E-mail: silvia.luberuni-mannheim.de
Web: www.uni-mannheim.de