Volkswagen Foundation
VolkswagenStiftung Momentum 2027
Annual deadline ~early April; closes 6 Apr 2027 12:00
Last verified:
VolkswagenStiftung Momentum funds professors 3-5 years into their first tenured position at German universities to develop and establish their independent research strategy, with up to €850,000 in phase 1 and €200,000 in phase 2 (total €400,000-€1,050,000 over ~6 years). The call targets early-tenured scholars across all disciplines who are building distinctive research profiles and institutional leadership. This is a Germany-only programme with a narrow eligibility window; applications are single-stage, closing in early April each year.
Details
| Funder | Volkswagen Foundation |
| Budget | Up to €850,000 (phase 1) + up to €200,000 (phase 2) |
| Deadline | 6 April 2027 |
| Duration | Up to ~6 years (two phases) |
| Consortium | No — individual professor |
| Application | Single-stage |
| Frequency | Annual (~early April) |
| Next round | 2028-04 |
| Eligible countries | DE |
Eligibility & scope
VolkswagenStiftung Momentum funds professors 3-5 years after their first tenured (full) professorship at a German university to develop their research strategy. Narrow career window; Germany-only.
Who Should Apply
- •Professors in their first tenured (full) position at a German university
- •Scholars 3-5 years into that first tenure appointment
- •Researchers across all disciplines with a clearly articulated research direction
- •Early-career faculty establishing independent research groups and institutional visibility
Key Dates
- •Deadline 6 April 2027 at 12:00 GMT; annual call with next round expected April 2028
- •Single-stage written application
- •Two-phase funding: up to 6 years total (phase 1 up to €850,000; phase 2 up to €200,000)
Tips for Applicants
- ✓Emphasise research distinctiveness and intellectual independence from your PhD and postdoctoral mentors; the panel looks for emerging identity, not continuation.
- ✓Detail your institutional embedding strategy, committee roles, mentoring, infrastructure development, not only publications; Momentum values faculty leadership, not just labs.
- ✓Germany-only: must hold a tenured professor position (full professor equivalent, *Universitätsprofessor/-in*) at a recognised German university at application time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does VolkswagenStiftung Momentum pay?
Up to €850,000 in phase 1 plus up to €200,000 in phase 2, totalling €400,000-€1,050,000 over approximately six years.
Who is eligible for VolkswagenStiftung Momentum?
Professors 3-5 years after taking up their first tenured (full) professorship at a German university; Germany-only eligibility.
When is the VolkswagenStiftung Momentum deadline?
The annual deadline is early April; the 2027 deadline is 6 April 2027 at 12:00 GMT.
What is the application process for VolkswagenStiftung Momentum?
Single-stage written application; no interview or pre-proposal stage.
Is VolkswagenStiftung Momentum a recurring programme?
Yes, it runs annually with calls closing in early April; the next round is expected April 2028.
Summary generated by AI based on published grant information. Always verify details on the funder's website.
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