AgileTeams@UTN

Innovative research through targeted funding of interdisciplinary projects

With the AgileTeams@UTN funding program, we actively support internal, interdisciplinary research projects across UTN labs. The aim of this competitive funding instrument is to provide systematic incentives for connecting research areas and researchers from different disciplines and, in a further step, to support the initiation of collaborative projects.

AgileTeams@UTN provide funding for two doctoral positions for a period of 3+1. In this way, they support the establishment of activity fields and make a significant contribution to building the profile of the UTN. Thanks to their interdisciplinary orientation, the AgileTeams@UTN also offer innovative support structures for early career researchers.

Each team consists of one professor from different departments. The funding for the two doctoral students comes from the UTN’s Research and Transfer Fund.

Eligibility and selection procedure

Every professor at the UTN can apply for projects. The two-stage procedure consists of a project outline and a project pitch in front of a selection panel headed by the Vice President for Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

Assessment criteria

Clearly defined interdisciplinary project that significantly contributes to the UTN’s profile.
Creative and convincing ideas for the development of the doctoral candidates supported by the program.
Concept for cooperation and distribution of tasks between the professors involved.
Convincing proposal to further develop the project into a larger collaborative project.
Appropriate in-kind contributions.

Project conclusion

At the end of the project, the results and findings of the project work will be presented and discussed at a symposium. This offers all participants the opportunity to exchange ideas and highlight the impact of the research.

Instead of a traditional final report, an initial outline for a larger collaborative project is drawn up within six months of the end of the project. This outline forms the basis for future interdisciplinary research projects and ensure that the further development of the results will be sustainably achieved.