FOSTER - Funds for Student Research
The Funds for Student Research (FOSTER) program is part of the “TUD 2028 – Synergy and beyond” Excellence Strategy (EXU priority area: TALENT). FOSTER supports student research and raises its profile.
Just how diverse is student research at TUD? For seven years, FOSTER has supported students in bringing their own research ideas to life. To mark the end of this initiative, the exhibition showcases exciting projects, international research trips, academic competitions, and personal success stories.
Curious? Visit the exhibition from November 2 to December 11, 2026, in the foyer of the Fritz-Foerster Building and discover seven years of excellent student research at TUD!
Please note: The exhibition is presented in German on site. English translations of the exhibition posters are available via the following link.
The Goals of FOSTER
- Introducing students to research and academic cultures
- Strengthening interdisciplinarity
- Establishing university-wide incentive structures for student research
- Recognizing faculty members’ commitment to student research projects
- Attracting outstanding early-career researchers
We offer financial and non-financial support for
TUD students who are passionate about research and wish to conduct their own research projects, organize (student) research conferences, or present their research findings at research conferences and competitions.
TUD faculty members and early-career researchers who wish to initiate teaching and learning formats to strengthen student research or supervise student research projects and need resources and support to do so.
Eligible Projects
FOSTER’s regular funding program includes the following funding lines (please note that, as part of the funding program in cooperation with the StuRa, only STATA and STUDENTRESEARCH projects are eligible for funding):
FOSTER promotes participation in student research competitions for TU Dresden.
FOSTER supports student events for student research at TU Dresden. One particular example is the StuFoExpo.
FOSTER promotes the implementation of student research activities at TU Dresden.
FOSTER promotes participation in conferences and congresses.
FOSTER promotes research-oriented teaching and learning activities at TU Dresden (support for formats such as modules, summer schools, tutorials, projects, simulation games, etc.).
On our website, you’ll find further information on the application process as well as a detailed overview of all funded projects. Feel free to browse through and be amazed by the diversity of student research at TU Dresden.
Feel free to contact us with additional project ideas. You can reach us at .
Non-Financial Support with FOSTER
In addition to financial support, FOSTER also supports student research in terms of professional development. Workshops are offered exclusively to funded students—for example, on academic writing or project management. Our current partners for these professional development opportunities are the Writing Center and the Center for Key Competencies.
In addition, several networking events take place throughout the year, and our OPAL group facilitates an exciting exchange that transcends the boundaries of various departments. Faculty members also receive guidance in an annual workshop on the creation and development of didactic concepts for their teaching and learning formats.
Your contact person
© TUD | Michael Kretzschmar
Research Associate
NameDr. Franziska Schulze-Stocker
Funds for Student Research (FOSTER)
Send encrypted email via the SecureMail portal (for TUD external users only).
Visitor Address:
Fritz-Foerster-Bau, K 43.2 Mommsenstr. 6
01069 Dresden
Deutschland
Funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) and the Free State of Saxony as part of the Excellence Strategy of the Federal and State governments