Second call for joint proposals in 2026 is open
Since CASUS’ inception, collaborative research projects have been a major element to connect the new institute with established scientific institutions. After eleven finished and three ongoing projects, the successful Open Projects program continues also in 2026. Proposals for joint research projects can be submitted as of now.
The Open Projects initiative provides financial support for collaborative research, with an emphasis on building and strengthening scientific partnerships with CASUS researchers. Applicants interested to benefit from the interdisciplinary spirit at CASUS in Görlitz are therefore encouraged to apply for funding to host a PhD student at CASUS – with the costs fully covered by CASUS.
The procedure is first to acquaint yourself with the research topics of the CASUS team leaders and contact suitable ones. The CASUS team leaders will process incoming open project requests with priority. Then, a research consortium – including one such CASUS team leader – is formed that submits a concise, free-form project proposal. The text articulates the project’s scientific objectives within the context of the current state of the art. It should also outline the anticipated scientific impact of the collaboration.
Additional information:
Dr. Hossein Mirhosseini
Scientific Manager
Center for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS) at HZDR
Press contact:
Dr. Martin Laqua
Officer Communications, Press and Public Relations
Center for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS) at HZDR
If successful, the applicants can fund a PhD position for three years within the CASUS Open Projects program 2026. The PhD candidate will prepare a single PhD thesis and perform a single thesis defense according to the regulations of the applicant’s institution. That said, at least one of the applicants must be qualified for the conferral of a doctoral degree.
The proposal should include a well-defined timeline with clearly delineated milestones to ensure effective tracking and evaluation of the project’s progression. While applications may be submitted at any time, evaluations at CASUS are done only biannually (next in September 2026 with all proposals handed in until the end of August).
Decisions on the current cohort are expected to be communicated to the applicants in October with the public announcement of the funded projects of both 2026 calls happening at the CASUS Science Day in late autum. In addition to the regular conditions for doctoral students at the HZDR, the selected doctoral students have access to extra travel funds so that they can regularly visit the non-CASUS supervisor. The doctoral student will of course take advantage of the joint CASUS benefits like the International Office.
A summary of the CASUS Open Projects is available here.