Helmholtz Investigator Groups

Helmholtz Investigator Groups & Helmholtz Innovation Exploration Groups

We support outstanding researchers in taking the next step towards scientific independence: The Helmholtz Investigator Groups (HIG) and Helmholtz Innovation Exploration Groups (HIEG) offer postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to establish and lead their own research group at a Helmholtz Center.

Following a competitive selection process, around ten research groups are selected for funding each year. Each group receives a total funding volume of at least 1.75 million euros over five years, jointly provided by the Helmholtz Association and the hosting Helmholtz Center and, where applicable, its partners.

The program offers two complementary tracks, both designed to support scientific excellence, independent research and leadership development:

Helmholtz Investigator Groups (Investigator Track) enable outstanding researchers to establish their own independent research group and develop a distinct scientific profile. The groups work closely with a partner university, allowing their leaders to gain valuable experience in teaching and doctoral supervision, strengthen their scientific networks and further establish themselves in their field of research. Depending on the career perspective agreed with the hosting Helmholtz Center, a positive evaluation may lead to a permanent position at the Center.

Helmholtz Innovation Exploration Groups (Exploration Track) support researchers who aim to develop an independent leadership profile at the interface of science and innovation. The groups explore and validate promising scientific and technological ideas with potential for future application and societal or economic impact. Alongside advancing their research, group leaders develop the skills required for technology transfer, collaboration with industry or other pathways towards application and innovation.

In both tracks, group leaders benefit from access to Helmholtz's research infrastructure and scientific networks, as well as structured leadership development through the Helmholtz Leadership Academy.

Target group

The program is aimed at outstanding postdoctoral researchers from Germany and abroad who demonstrate scientific excellence and the potential to lead an independent research group.

Applicants must have a maximum academic age of six years following their doctorate. 

Selection Procedure

1. Application at a Helmholtz Center: Candidates apply directly to the Helmholtz Center where they wish to establish their research group. Each Center conducts its own internal pre-selection process.
2. Nomination: The Helmholtz Centers nominate their most promising candidates, who are then invited to submit a full application.
3. Final selection: Candidates present their research proposals to interdisciplinary panels of international experts. Based on the panels' assessments, around ten Helmholtz Investigator Groups and Helmholtz Innovation Exploration Groups are selected for funding each year.

For further information on eligibility requirements, application procedures and deadlines, please refer to the current calls for applications