Programme aim

The Technische Universität Braunschweig supports trips by scientists to initiate projects and expand existing collaborations as part of the ‘Seed Funding TU Braunschweig/Taiwan Tech’ programme

The cooperation with the National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, which has existed since 2008, has so far included a long-term student exchange programme and a DFG-funded research project at the Institute of Particle Technology on the subject of battery research.

Taiwan is of outstanding importance for Germany, the EU and the western world, particularly in the field of battery research, but also in the research and production of semiconductors. Strengthening scientific co-operation beyond these areas is of fundamental interest to TU Braunschweig.

The aim of the Seed Funding Programme is to strengthen the importance of this cooperation, to anchor it more firmly at TU Braunschweig and to attract new specialist areas and players to participate.

Eligible measures

The universities finance the costs for the joint publication and preparatory proposal activities (in particular travel of their own outgoing scientists or administrative staff, consumables, and student assistants to support the projects). (additional personnel and investments are not funded)

The maximum budget per University research group in the proposal should not exceed Euro 6,000 or NTD 200,000 respectively.

TU Braunschweig finances the travel expenses of (its own) outgoing researchers or administrative staff. For the 2026 financial year, a total of 25,000 euros is available for all funded measures, subject to the allocation of funds by the university management.

Fields of specialisation

The programme is open to all subject areas.

Authorised applicants

All scientists and administrative staff at TU Braunschweig and Taiwan Tech are eligible to apply. Applications from persons who have already been funded in a previous call can only be considered if the objective of the new application has changed/expanded substantially and/or additional content/cooperation partners are integrated.

The objective of the previously funded application must have been achieved.

Application

Applications must be submitted electronically to Dr. Dominik Baumgarten, Recruitment and Strategic Partnerships Officer, and Mr. Chen, Yang-Di from Taiwan Tech with the subject TU Braunschweig/Taiwan Tech Seed Funding by 30 September 2025 to the email address d.baumgarten@tu-braunschweig.de and akeletheon@mail.ntust.edu.tw as a pdf document (max. 5 MB).

A complete application  (max. 8 pages, see template) includes the following documents:

• Names and addresses of the applicants (TU Braunschweig and Taiwan Tech)
• Project description (informal) including a description of the objectives of the visit, the contact details on both sides and the added value of the future project in terms of content, as well as the period of the trip
• Calculation of travel and accommodation costs
• CV of the applicant
• Invitation letter from the contact person at Taiwan Tech and at TU Braunschweig.

The application documents relevant to the selection process must be submitted by the application deadline. No documents will be requested after the application deadline and no subsequent submissions or amendments will be considered. Incomplete applications will be excluded from the selection procedure.

Selection process

A committee consisting of members of the Executive Board, university lecturers with proven expertise and the Head of Research Services decides on the funding of applications.

The commission is organized by the Head of Research Services of TU Braunschweig and the Dean of the Office of Research and Development of Taiwan Tech.

The approved project budget for each proposal is subject to the assessment results.

All applicants receive written notification of the selection decision by email.

Legal basis and reporting obligation

A business travel authorisation is required for a trip abroad. The Lower Saxony Travel Expenses Act applies to the use and settlement of funds.

All funded persons must submit a report on the activities carried out and the output for future projects to the Research Service by email no later than 4 weeks after their return. (approx. 2-3 pages)

Contact

Research Services

Responsible for the programme:

Andreas Hebbelmann

a.hebbelmann@tu-braunschweig.de

Tel. 0531 / 391 4276

Project coordination and contact for queries:

Dr. Dominik Baumgarten

d.baumgarten@tu-braunschweig.de

Tel. 0531 / 391 4273

Academic Collaborative Center, Office of R&D

Mr. Chen,Yang-Di

akeletheon@mail.ntust.edu.tw

Tel. +886- 2-2733-3141#521