Career perspectives and funding phases

Essential considerations of the VRG program are the contractual relationship of the VRG group leader with the host institution, as well as his/her position within the host institution with particular focus on the future career path of the VRG leader. The steps leading to a tenured position (or an equivalent career path) must already be specified in the proposal. This includes that WWTF expects a qualification agreement (“Qualifizierungsvereinbarung”) to be signed within three months after the start of the project.

It is important that the prospective host institution in Vienna provides a well-defined career plan for the candidate, including allowing for independent supervision of PhD candidates upon commencement of the contract. These details will be the basis of the contract in the case of funding.

The funding period of the Vienna Research Group is between six to eight years and has two phases:

In the first up to five years, the group is mainly financed by the WWTF (in general about 70-80% of the funding). Before the end of the first phase, an evaluation (“interim evaluation”) takes place. This evaluation will consider the publication record as well as the research profile of the group leader, as well as further criteria defined by the host institution. The interim evaluation should be co-organized by WWTF and the host institution. Involvement of an international reviewer, nominated by WWTF, is mandatory. The evaluation step usually takes place in the fourth year and at the latest at the beginning of the fifth year. Earlier dates are possible.

In case of a positive evaluation, the second phase will run for one to three years. This phase is characterized by a tenured position of the VRG leader and is mainly financed by the host institution. This means funding from WWTF should be supplemented by a significant increase in financial contributions from the host institution and/or other third party funding, in the second phase of the grant (after the interim evaluation, usually years 5-8, depending on the duration of the grant). In case of a negative result in the interim evaluation, the funding of the group will be discontinued after a “phasing out” period (max. 1 year).