Field Study Fellowship (FSF)
ForecastedInternal — Helmholtz Association only
Field Study Fellowship (FSF) supports Helmholtz scientists in testing customer and user needs through interviews and market research to bring user perspectives into research and prepare spin-off ideas for market entry.
Funder: Helmholtz Association
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to €25,000 for three months, plus €5,500 centrally reserved for mentoring; no Center co-funding required
Summary: Supports Helmholtz scientists in testing customer needs for prospective spin-offs through interviews and market research.
Key Information: Funded researchers must be employed at a Helmholtz Center throughout the funding period.
Description
The Field Study Fellowship is an independent module of Helmholtz Enterprise, the Helmholtz Association’s internal entrepreneurship program, funded through its Initiative and Networking Fund. It supports scientists at Helmholtz Centers and their institutes in identifying customer and user needs through interviews and market research. The aim is to bring user perspectives into research, explore its economic, social or environmental applications, and prepare prospective spin-off ideas for market entry.
The fellowship funds customer discovery rather than the establishment of a start-up team, which is supported through the separate Spin-off Program. Fellows receive tools for customer interviews and support from a field study mentor. Applications to the two modules are independent: completing a fellowship does not oblige researchers to apply for the Spin-off Program.
