Research funding & consulting

Your success is our goal

We offer you a comprehensive consulting network so that you can concentrate on your research. From the acquisition of suitable funding to the professional management of your research data and the visible publication of your results: We are at your side with expertise and practical help.

The funding landscape

From the initial idea to the submitted application: we support you in acquiring third-party funding. Whether regional funding (Saxony), federal programs (BMBF) or EU projects - we will help you find the right program and overcome the formal hurdles.

  • Funding from the Free State and the EU. Take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Structural Funds for your research:

    • ERDF: European Regional Development Fund (Investment & Innovation)
    • ESF Plus: European Social Fund (personnel & young talent)
    • Preliminary research: Special funding for HAWs in Saxony
    Current funding freeze for preliminary research

    Unfortunately, no new applications for preliminary research can be approved for 2026. Are you looking for alternatives? Take advantage of our advice on other state or federal programs.

    Important links:

  • Nationwide funding programs

    Calls for Proposals from Federal Ministries and Project-Funding Agencies:

    • BMFTR: Research at Universities of Applied Sciences (specific rounds)
    • DFG: General Research Funding (open to all topics)
    • ZIM / AiF: Innovation funding for small and medium-sized enterprises (collaborative projects)
    Databases & Portals:

  • Funding for cross-border cooperation and excellence research (e.g. Horizon Europe).

    Important portals & advice:
Requirements (Gender Equality Plan)

Important for EU grant applications:

Gender Equality Plan: A gender equality plan is mandatory for many EU funding programs (e.g., Horizon Europe). In 2023, the HSZG University Executive Board adopted a voluntary commitment to equal opportunity, thereby fulfilling this requirement for all HSZG researchers.

Download: Gender Equality Plan
Don't miss a thing!

Current calls for proposals and deadlines directly to your mailbox: Subscribe to our research funding info letter exclusively for HSZG members.

To the registration
  • The Research Compass (internal to the HIP)
    Your central guide on the intranet: the research compass navigates you safely through the entire research process - from the initial idea to the completion of the project. It brings together all the information on funding programs, internal resources and the right contacts for your success.
    Learn more
  • Publishing in Open Access
    Increase the reach and visibility of your research results through Open Access. The University Library (HSB) provides comprehensive advice on publication strategy and supports you in the selection of suitable journals and the corresponding licensing. We also examine financing options for you via the Publication Fund or existing publishing contracts (DEAL).
    Learn more
  • Research data management
    Good data is the basis of excellent research. We are currently working on a new information service on research data management (RDM) and the connection to the OPARA repository.
    Learn more

Your contact person

If you have any questions about funding programs or the application process, please feel free to contact us for advice:

Photo: Lutz Haberland, Diplom in Biophysics
Biophysicist (Diplom)
Lutz Haberland
L.Haberland(at)hszg.de
University Executive Board / Research Division
02763 Zittau
Theodor-Körner-Allee 16
Building Z l, Room 1.63
1st floor
+49 3583 612-4682