I3 Program

- Interdisciplinarity and Innovation in Engineering -

At TU Hamburg, interdisciplinary research projects are specifically supported through the competitive I3 program (“Interdisciplinarity and Innovation in Engineering”). The goal is to use internal seed funding to strengthen projects so that they can subsequently secure external funding (e.g., from the DFG, the EU, or the federal government). At the same time, the program aims to help identify new research priorities at an early stage. The I3 program is a central component of the university’s development and is structured into several funding lines with different conditions

I³-Labs  support projects by four experienced scientists for four years, each with one researcher position plus material resources. After this, the project partners should be in a position to apply for a DFG research group, for example, and become a new scientific pillar of TU Hamburg in the future. The first calls for proposals in the I³-Program took place in 2018. As a result, five I3 Labs were set up. One of the funding conditions requires an interim evaluation to take place after around 2.5 years, the result of which determines funding for the fourth year of funding.

I³-Projects fund projects by two scientists for two years, each with one researcher position plus material resources. An interim report is due after one year. After this, a follow-up application as an I³-Lab or the acquisition of external funding is conceivable.

I³-Junior Projects  are aimed at young scientists who receive funding for one year. A report is due at the end of the project period.