Else Kröner re-entry Funding for Researching Physicians 2025

The aim of the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation's call for applications is to enable doctors who are particularly qualified in clinical practice and research to effectively re-enter and continue their promising careers after a longer period of family or care leave with flexible and individually applicable funding. To this end, the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation is offering up to three grants for the year 2025.

Applications are open to doctors working at university hospitals in Germany with a doctorate or habilitation,

• who are in a family phase at the time of application,
• who have significantly reduced their clinical and research activities at university hospitals in Germany during this family phase for a maximum of three years at the expense of research (to a maximum total of 0.3 full-time positions p.a.),
• who wish to return to clinical and research activities by July 1, 2026 at the latest and have at least an 80% position or a job offer for this purpose,
• who wish to and are able to devote at least 50% of their working hours to research,
• who meet the following criteria:
  • Experience in personnel management
  • Acquisition of competitive external third-party funding (e.g. DFG, DKH, BMBF)
  • At least one publication in a leading journal in the field.

The funding is endowed with a total of up to €400,000 for 36 months. The funds can be applied for all measures that lead to the achievement and further development of the previous level of research performance (e.g. personnel and material resources for research projects, funds for short-term research stays, methodology courses, conference participation, mentoring, etc.).

Application outlines can be submitted by July 7, 2025 by e-mail to antrag-wissenschaft@ekfs.de. The applications will be reviewed by a scientific selection committee. The Board of Trustees is expected to decide on the awarding of funding in the 4th quarter following the committee's recommendation.

The call for applications, information on how to apply and contact details for the Else Kröner-Fresenius Foundation can be found at: 

https://ekfs.de/aktuelles/ausschreibungen/else-kroener-wiedereinstiegsfoerderung-2025