Shaping the Research Area

Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation: The Helmholtz Association's Strategy

In launching the Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation, Germany's federal and state governments have made an important decision on how to proceed in the future. The annual 3% increase in funding serves to ensure the efficiency of our research and simultaneously opens up the freedom that we need for our activities and developments. In return, we, in our capacity as partners in this innovation campaign, have made a firm commitment to contribute to growth and prosperity: by concentrating on excellence, by creating new forms of cooperation and networking, by promoting young scientists and researchers, and by encouraging innovation through new approaches.

We use three instruments to achieve our shared goals: centre-embracing, programme-oriented funding, the development and operation of complex infrastructures and unique large-scale facilities, plus the Helmholtz President's Initiative and Networking Fund.

More information on the Joint Initiative for Research and Innovation launched by the federal and state governments is available at

Joint Initiative for Research an Innovation (in German)