About the programme

About the Kellner Research Chair (KRC)

Charles University (CU), Charles University Endowment Fund (CUEF) in partnership with The Kellner Family Foundation (TKFF), invites applications for the Kellner Research Chair programme.

This prestigious initiative supports emerging researcher leaders of all nationalities who have achieved excellence abroad and wish to establish or expand their research groups at Charles University in the Czech Republic.

The programme aims to strengthen Charles University’s position as a centre of global academic excellence by attracting world-leading scientists, fostering international collaboration, enhancing the overall quality and international competitiveness of research conducted in the Czech Republic and promoting responsible and open research in line with the principles of the European Research Area (ERA).

Objectives of the programme

The Kellner Research Chairs programme will:

• Attract researchers of international distinction to Charles University.

• Establish internationally competitive research groups in any discipline.

• Increase CU’s participation in international funding programmes (e.g. Horizon Europe, ERC).

• Promote Open Science, FAIR data management, and gender equality.

• Ensure long-term institutional impact through mentoring and collaboration.

Eligibility Conditions

• Open to all disciplines.

• Applicants must demonstrate international excellence and leadership and must not have resided or worked in the host country for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before the call deadline

• Principal Investigators must commit at least

  80% of their working time to Charles University.

• Open Access publication in line with

  CU’s policy is required.

Funding and Duration

Each Chair is established for a five-year period, comprising:

• Three years funded by TKFF (i.e. foundation-funded phase, total support CZK 7,55 million).

• Two years of possible continuation funded by the hosting faculty (CZK 1M annually).

Investment costs are not eligible.

Each Chair is expected to secure external competitive funding (e.g. ERC or equivalent) during or shortly after the Foundation-funded phase.

Funding:

Chair holders may be affiliated with any of the following faculties or institutes.

Faculties:

Catholic Theological Faculty Protestant Theological Faculty Hussite Theological Faculty Faculty of Law Faculty of Humanities First Faculty of Medicine Second Faculty of Medicine Third Faculty of Medicine Faculty of Medicine in Plzeň

Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové Faculty of Arts Faculty of Science Faculty of Mathematics and Physics Faculty of Education Faculty of Social Sciences Faculty of Physical Education and Sport

University Institutes:

• Institute of the History of Charles University and Archive of Charles University

• Center for Theoretical Study

• Center for Economic Research and Graduate Education

• Environment Centre

How to apply

Applications must be submitted via the online form.

The call is open from 10th September, 2026 to 9th November, 2026 (deadline: 9th November 2026, 14:00 Prague time).

Required documents:

The information and documents necessary for submitting the application include:

1. Guide for Applicants - TBA

2. Annex A3 Budget table -TBA

3. Annex B1 Project Description- TBA

4. Annex B3 Ethics Issue Table Template - TBA

5. Annex C1 Letter of commitment - TBA

6. Frequently Asked Questions

Steering Committee

Composition

1. Vice-Rector for Research (Chair)

2. 2 representatives of TKFF

3. 1 representative of CUEF

4. 3 external disciplinary representatives (SSH, SCI, MED)

Relocating to Czechia

Are you curious about what it’s like to work at Charles University and live in the Czech Republic? Would you like to know what needs to be arranged before your arrival, upon arrival, or during your stay? Visit the website of the CU Staff Welcome Centre, dedicated to ensuring that all incoming academics and researchers have the smoothest possible start in the Czech Republic.

Charles University has 17 faculties and 4 institutes, located in 3 Czech cities. Discover more about the Czech Republic and the cities where you can carry out your research projects – Prague, Pilsen, and Hradec Králové.