Target group

The program is aimed at teams of 5 to 15 internationally outstanding researchers from all scientific disciplines, in particular from the humanities, social sciences, and cultural sciences, working at Austrian research institutions.

Funding goals

The main is to facilitate the establishment of research networks based on international standards through the autonomous creation of key research areas at one university location, or under certain conditions, at several universities.

The Special Research Area funding program supports the development of extremely productive, tightly interconnected research units for generally long-term and inter- or multidisciplinary work on complex research topics.

Funding period and funding amount

Funding period: 4 years, a second funding period is possible after an interim review (8 years in total)

Funding amount: about €1 million/year