The University of Fribourg has updated the rules governing the Research Pool and the Research Promotion Committee. This overview highlights the main changes affecting eligibility, funding categories and the assessment process.

Applicant Eligibility

Applicants must be employed by the University of Fribourg at a minimum rate of 50%. Researchers may submit a new application no more than once every two years, except when resubmitting a revised application that was previously rejected. For applicants on fixed-term contracts, the proposed project must be completed within the duration of their employment contract.

Applicants receiving support to prepare an external funding proposal must submit that proposal to an external funding organisation within 18 months of their initial Research Pool application. Failure to do so will result in exclusion from future Research Pool funding.

Proof-of-Concept studies and prototype projects require prior approval from the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Service (KTT).

Funding categories and applications

The same project may not be submitted simultaneously to the Research Pool and another research funding organisation. This restriction does not apply to Matching Funds applications.

Matching Funds are reserved for competitive funding applications where an internal contribution from the University is explicitly required by the external funding organisation.

Support for preparing external funding proposals may also cover interdisciplinary and collaborative projects involving at least two researchers from two different departments.

Assessment and decisions

Research Pool and Doc.Mobility applications are now assessed with reference to the recommendations of DORA and the principles of CoARA, supporting a broader and more responsible assessment of research.

For Research Pool applications, the Commission for the Promotion of Research submits its recommendation to the Rectorate. The Rectorate issues the formal, reasoned decision, together with information on the available legal remedies.

We encourage applicants to review the updated Commission Regulations and Implementation Guidelines before preparing their proposal. The Research Promotion Service is available to help with any questions about the new requirements or the application process.