A funded research visit lets you build hands-on collaborations across the TAM network, learn a new method in another lab, or lay the groundwork for a joint publication or future grant — all without leaving your own project on hold for long. Up to two weeks, fully supported.
| Funding | Incoming research visits of up to two weeks |
| Budget | €10,000 total programme budget for 2026 |
| Planning basis | 2 incoming visits as planning basis (average ~€2,500/visit); final number depends on requested costs and application quality |
| Eligible applicants | All TAM ECRs — PhD researchers and postdocs (all sites) |
| Application deadline | Extended to 15 September 2026 - for incoming only |
| Submission | Single PDF via email to Rebekka Volmer (TrainingHub Coordinator) |
About the Programme
The TAM Research Exchange Programme supports short-term incoming research visits that strengthen scientific collaboration, promote interdisciplinary exchange, and foster the professional development of Early Career Researchers within The Adaptive Mind. Visits may last up to two weeks and take you to a host institution of your choice, within or beyond the TAM network.
If additional funds become available during the year (e.g. unused Master Stipends or other budget reallocations), further visits may be supported beyond the initial planning scenario.
Application Documents
Applicants submit the following as a single PDF:
1. Project Proposal (max. 2 pages)
- Title of the proposed research visit
- Host institution and host researcher
- Planned duration of the visit (maximum two weeks)
- Description of the planned research activities
- Expected benefits for your scientific and career development
- Relevance of the proposed visit to the research objectives of The Adaptive Mind
- Expected outcomes (e.g. new collaboration, method training, joint publication, future grant proposal)
2. Estimated Budget
- Travel costs
- Accommodation
- Other anticipated expenses (if applicable)
3. Host Confirmation
- Either a short letter of invitation/confirmation from the host institution or researcher
- Or the completed TAM Exchange Agreement Sheet for incoming
Selection Criteria
Applications will be evaluated based on:
- Scientific quality of the proposed research visit
- Expected benefit for your career development
- Relevance to the research goals of The Adaptive Mind
- Feasibility of the proposed activities
- Availability of funding
Evaluation & Decision
Applications are first reviewed by the Quality Assurance Committee, which evaluates each proposal against the selection criteria above. Based on this evaluation, the TAM TrainingHub Operations Committee makes the final funding decision.
Timeline
| Call published | 15 July 2026 |
| Application deadline | 15 September 2026 |
| Evaluation | 15 September – 30 September 2026 |
| Notification | 30 September 2026 |
| Earliest start | October 2026 |
Submission
Please merge all documents into a single PDF and send it by email to:
Rebekka.volmer@uni-giessen.de