Expanding Networks with Universities

The Instrument

Helmholtz Virtual Institutes are cross-locational, cross-disciplinary and cross-institutional. They mainly aim to unite the competencies and resources of participating universities and Helmholtz Centres. Virtual Institutes generally involve three to four institutions, but can include fewer or more, depending on the task at hand. Since the third call for proposals, the programme has also made it possible to integrate foreign partners.

Helmholtz Virtual Institutes have their own executive and management structure and develop special measures to qualify their young researchers. Over a three-year period, Virtual Institutes receive up to a maximum of 300,000 euros per year from the Initiative and Networking Fund. These institutes can be used, for example, to prepare the way for larger collaborative networks such as the Helmholtz Alliances.

The Application Process

Applications for the creation of a Helmholtz Virtual Institute can only be submitted in response to a call for proposals by Helmholtz Association Head Office and must include at least one Helmholtz Centre. Approvals are based on a competitive process with external review. The fourth call for proposals for Virtual Institutes was successfully completed in 2007.

Helmholtz Virtual Institutes in Practice

Three calls for proposals have been completed so far, with grants worth a total of some 55 million euros being awarded to 87 Virtual Institutes in which almost 217 university partners from 55 German universities are actively involved.