The IRTG Internal Grants Program supports networking and enables early career researchers to build up their own scientific network and implement their own ideas. It is open to all IRTG members, who are invited to apply for different IRTG funding opportunities. During the application process, the IRTG members submit their applications, including their motivation and a statement of support from their supervisors, to the IRTG office. The (AC)³ Scientific Steering Team (SST) makes the final decision based on the review and recommendation of the IRTG coordination team. The successful applicants submit a short report on their activities for the (AC)³ website.

Purpose: Travel, Guests, Outreach

Within the program, the IRTG offers travel grants for conference, workshop or training attendance attendance and for early career researchers to visit an international or national laboratory or research group (short or medium term stays abroad) in order to expand their scientific knowledge and research network. Travel grants for conference attendance generally require active participation in the conference (oral or poster presentation); exceptions should be justified by the supervisor.
In addition, we offer guest grants to invite scientists (from fellow PhDs to internationally renowned researchers) from national and international research institutions for research stays of several weeks at (AC)³ institutions or to participate in the winter school.
One of the goals of the IRTG is to train early career scientists in science communication and outreach activities, so the IRTG members are encouraged to get involved and can apply for funding for their own activities through the internal grants program. The growing public interest in Arctic-related climate change has been addressed though the development of the (AC)³ fact sheets, authored by IRTG members.

Submission and evaluation

Applications can be submitted anytime using the IRTG Grant Application Form, which is available for download below. Applications will be evaluated by the IRTG coordination team based on the following selection criteria: motivation and relevance of the event to the applicant’s project or professional development, and feasibility of the proposed activity. The Science Steering Team (SST) will make the final decision on the distribution of funds and the amount of funding awarded to each successful applicant, subject to the availability of funds.

Reimbursement and reporting

Successful applicants for IRTG travel or guest grants must apply for reimbursement through the UoC Travel Reimbursement Office (Reisekostenstelle). The necessary forms are available on the (AC)³ data sharing portal. All documents, including all travel receipts, must be submitted to the IRTG coordinator in a timely manner. The University of Cologne will only accept applications for reimbursement up to 6 months after return! Direct costs for outreach activities can be reimbursed after the event or paid directly by invoice.
A short written report, preferably with an illustrative photo for publication on the (AC)³ website, must be submitted to the IRTG four weeks after return or after the event.