Funds the creation and testing of novel scientific instruments for basic research, supporting prototype development and early-stage pilot studies.
Funder: German Research Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (proposals accepted at any time)
Funding Amounts: Funding supports prototype development and pilot studies; specific amounts not stated, varies by project scope.
Summary: Funds the creation and testing of novel scientific instruments for basic research, supporting both prototype development and early-stage pilot studies.
This program supports the development of new, innovative scientific instruments intended for basic research. Funding is provided for building and testing a functional laboratory prototype to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the new technology via a "proof of principle" experiment. Upon successful demonstration, applicants may request additional funding to construct a demonstrator suitable for real-life use and to conduct pilot studies aimed at generating initial research results. Proposals must clearly explain how the new instrument will enable novel research approaches and scientific discoveries that are not possible with existing market technologies. Incremental improvements to current instruments typically do not qualify.