European Regional Development Fund

The EFRE.NRW 2014-2020 (ERDF.NRW 2014-2020) programme was approved by the European Commission on 17 October 2014; its objective is to strengthen “investment and growth” in the European Union. The operational programme of the structural funds follows four priority axes, with the first priority axis, “strengthening research, technological development and innovation”, being particularly relevant in terms of research funding at Paderborn University.

The research funding is awarded on a competitive basis in the following NRW leading market competitions:

• Media & creative industries
• Energy & environment
• New materials
• Health
• Mechanical & plant engineering/production technology
• Mobility & logistics
• Life sciences
• Information & communications

The calls for applications for the leading market competitions comprise several submission rounds. Current information on the competitions and deadlines can be found on the website of the EFRE.NRW administrative authority and the LeitmarktArgentur.NRW website.

The application process generally involves 2 steps. Both in the project outline phase and when submitting the full proposal, you are required to submit legally binding signed documents. Therefore, please make sure to contact the research department early on during the process.