The proposals may be submitted by individual scientists or groups. To be eligible for funding applications, the main applicant must be a member of TRA Modelling, working independently in science (postdocs, junior research group leaders and above). 

All proposed projects and activities must be related to novel or planned trans-/interdisciplinary cooperation within mathematics, computer science, and their application areas, that are in line with the research profile of TRA Modelling.

The innovative and cross-disciplinary nature of the application is a major factor for funding and need to be convincingly outlined in the application. 

Applications must be based on our application template and follow the specified basic structure. The template also contains suggestions and notes in italic, to be replaced with your own details. Please note that the identical application template is used to address all four funding categories. Depending on the option selected, different information may be required, and not all suggestions/notes may apply. The template should be filled out completely to contain all necessary information without attachments. 

General remarks on the four categories of purposes for applications: 

• seed funding: is intended for projects that are already actively pursuing external funding opportunities. The applicant(s) should be able to demonstrate preliminary work and outline why additional support by TRA Modelling will increase the chances of a successful application for third party funding. The aim of a funding line for collaborative research is given priority over funding lines for individual researchers, in line with the TRA’s mission.  
• concept development: is intended for exploratory approaches and project ideas at an early stage, including ideas to develop one's own career (early-career support). The applicant(s) should outline the fundamental idea or question to be addressed and explain what makes it innovative, novel and unusual. A realistic assessment of feasibility, opportunities and risks, as well as the long-term outlook, will be viewed favorably in the decision-making process.
• networking, outreach and transfer: example of funding could be costs for organizing scientific conferences, workshops and network events or other events that promote science communication or outreach/transfer on topics related to TRA Modelling. If financial support is requested for an existing series of events and is not directly embedded in a novel TRA activity, the grant is limited to €3.000.
• other research needs: applies to special investments or purchases that advance your trans-/interdisciplinary projects. A short explanation is expected, as to why these costs cannot be covered by others funds and/or why the use of the University of Bonn’s central research infrastructure is not possible. General costs like publication or conference fees, travel costs, standard equipment like monitor, workstation, etc. can only be funded in exceptional cases. 

If you are not sure which category your idea fits into, please contact the TRA manager.

Importantly, the requested funds must be allocated to a realistic budget plan within 2026. It is not possible to transfer the budget to another year once the application has been approved. 

Following a streamlined review process, the Steering Committee of TRA Modelling will decide on acceptance. Decisions depend on the project content and availability of funds. Successful applicants will be informed by the TRA Manager and funds will be made available for use according to the project budget plan in the short term. 

In case of questions, do not hesitate to contact the TRA Manager Daniel Minge via tra-modelling@uni-bonn.de or phone +49 228 73 54462.