FAQ
We have prepared a list of frequently asked questions to help you with the proposal preparation. Should you have any other questions or comments, contact us.
What is the Kellner Research Chairs Programme?
The Kellner Research Chairs Programme is a joint initiative of Charles University, the Charles University Endowment Fund, and The Kellner Family Foundation. It supports emerging researcher leaders who wish to establish or expand internationally competitive research groups at Charles University.
What is the objective of the programme?
The programme aims to attract researchers of international distinction, strengthen research excellence at Charles University, foster international collaboration, and support the development of future research leaders.
Is the programme open to all disciplines?
Yes. Applications are welcome from all scientific disciplines represented at Charles University.
How do I apply?
Application, including all required documents, must be submitted in English through the application form. LINK
Applications submitted by any other means will not be considered. No reminders will be sent by Charles University regarding missing documents; the applicant is responsible for timely submission and completeness of their application.
Eligibility
Who can apply?
Researchers of any nationality with demonstrated international excellence and leadership who wish to establish or expand a research group at Charles University.
Do I need to be employed at Charles University before applying?
No. Applicants are expected to take up employment at Charles University only if selected for funding.
Is there a mobility requirement?
Yes. Applicants must not have resided or worked in the Czech Republic for more than 12 months during the 36 months immediately preceding the call deadline.
Can researchers currently working in the Czech Republic apply?
Only if they satisfy the mobility rule described above.
Can I apply if I already hold a position at another institution?
Yes. However, successful applicants must commit at least 0.8 FTE to Charles University, and their total workload at Charles University may not exceed 1.0 FTE.
How much funding is available?
Each Chair may receive up to CZK 7.55 million during the initial three-year Foundation-funded phase.
What does the funding cover?
Funding may cover:
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Chairholder salary
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Junior researchers and support staff
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Research-related costs
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Travel and subsistence
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Publication and dissemination costs
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Access to research infrastructure
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Relocation costs
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Family support costs (where applicable)
Note: Major investment costs are not eligible.
What happens after the initial three-year funding period?
The programme is designed as a five-year Chair. Following the Foundation-funded phase, hosting faculties may provide support for up to two additional years, subject to programme conditions and institutional arrangements.
Am I expected to apply for additional funding?
Yes. Chairholders are expected to pursue external competitive funding, such as ERC Grants, Horizon Europe funding, or equivalent national and international schemes.
Do I need a host faculty before applying?
Yes. Every application must identify a host faculty or institute and include a Letter of Commitment from the host institution.
Can I choose my host faculty?
Yes. Applicants are encouraged to discuss potential hosting arrangements with relevant faculties or institutes before submitting their proposal.
What support will the host faculty provide?
Host faculties commit to providing:
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Employment and institutional affiliation
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Research facilities and infrastructure
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Administrative and project support
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Integration into the research environment
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Academic independence
Will I be able to build my own research team?
Yes. The programme is specifically designed to support the establishment or strengthening of high-performing research groups.
Application process
What documents must be submitted and in what language?
Applications consist of:
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Online administrative form
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Budget table
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Project Description
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CV and Track Record
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Ethics and Security Self-Assessment
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Letter of Commitment from the host faculty
All application materials must be submitted in English.
Can I modify my application after submission?
No. Once submitted, an application cannot be modified. Applicants wishing to revise their proposal before the deadline must submit a new application.
May I indicate evaluators whom I would prefer not to review my proposal?
Yes. Applicants may identify up to five individuals they wish to exclude from the evaluation process due to potential conflicts of interest.
Evaluation
How will proposals be evaluated?
Applications are evaluated in two stages:
1. Remote evaluation by international experts.
2. Interview with shortlisted candidates.
What evaluation criteria are used?
Proposals are assessed according to:
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Excellence (50%)
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Impact (30%)
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Implementation and Sustainability (20%)
Will I be invited for an interview?
Only the highest-ranked proposals that pass the evaluation threshold will be invited to the interview stage.
How long does the interview last?
The interview consists of:
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15-minute presentation
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15-minute discussion and Q&A
Is an ethics self-assessment required?
Yes. All applicants must complete the Ethics and Security Self-Assessment included in the application package.
Are there any research activities that cannot be funded?
Yes. Certain activities are excluded, including research involving reproductive human cloning, creation of human embryos for research purposes, direct military applications, and other activities prohibited under the programme’s ethics framework.
Relocation and Living in Prague
Is relocation support available?
Yes. Relocation costs may be included in the budget where justified.
Is support available for accompanying family members?
Family support costs may be requested where relevant and justified.
Does Charles University provide support for international researchers moving to Prague?
Yes. Successful applicants may use the services of the Charles University Staff Welcome Centre to facilitate their relocation and integration.
Is the project start date fixed?
Yes, projects shall start on 1st September 2027.
Is it possible to work part-time on the project (less than 1.0 FTE)?
Yes. Successful applicants must be employed at Charles University with a workload of at least 0.8 FTE within the Kellner Research Chairs Programme. The total workload of the selected researcher at Charles University across all types of employment may not exceed 1.0 FTE. Therefore, appointments between 0.8 and 1.0 FTE are possible, subject to agreement with the hosting faculty and the needs of the proposed research programme.
How to complete the Ethics Table?
When completing the Ethics Table, it is recommended to follow the guidance How to complete your ethics self-assessment provided by the European Commission.