The Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung Center for Synthetic Genomics (CZS-SynGen, www-syn-gen-de) supports sustainable investments in synthetic genome research in Heidelberg, Karlsruhe, and Mainz. Synthetic genomics, as we define it, aims to move genomics research to the next level, towards the creation, programming, and synthesis of large, complex DNA sequences, including complete genomes.

Support by the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung concentrates on two central research facilities and promotes innovative research of the next generation of junior researchers at each location. In Heidelberg, the Carl Zeiss Foundation Center "Synthetic DNA Accelerator Laboratory (SynGen DNA lab)" is currently being established at the ZMBH, while the "Synthetic DNA virtual material design (VirtMat)" is being developed in Karlsruhe.

To support synthetic genomics research further, the CZS-SynGen also provides seed funding money.

With this we aim to fund new projects and initiatives related to synthetic genomics, in the area of artificial intelligence, DNA synthesis, genome engineering, and the creation of synthetic genes and genetic landscapes. The aim of this funding is to stimulate new ideas and projects across sites by providing financial resources to allow new ideas to be tested and support students or scientists who wish to explore new ideas within the field of SynGen during their studies or doctoral or postdoctoral research.

The funding format is flexible as long as the focus of the project aligns with the goals. The program is particularly geared toward supporting young scientists and initiatives in the fields of synthetic biology and synthetic genomics. The funding is not limited to scientific     lab projects or computational work but may also include projects in ethics and philosophy, travel and lab-visits. Examples include proposals for bachelor’s or master’s theses, projects for international synthetic biology competitions (iGEM), or other endeavors. Projects may also be developed in collaboration with one of the two facilities of the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung Center for Synthetic Genomics. Interested individuals are warmly encouraged to contact the scientists from the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung Center in advance before applying (www.syn-gen.de).

The application format is open but must not exceed two A4 pages (Arial 11 pt, line spacing 1.15, 2 cm margins). For projects involving scientists from research groups, the approval of the group leader is required. No funding of PhD or PostDoc salaries but funding of Master or Bachelor Thesis or support for testing new ideas within a PhD or postdoc project is possible.

Projects are strictly evaluated based on their quality, innovation, and contribution to synthetic genomics research at the three locations. Existing projects will not be funded unless a new focus and research question related to synthetic genomics is evident. Funding aimed at proof-of-concept experiments and project that partners researchers from more than one of the three locations are highly encouraged but not required. Grants may range from three-digit to lower five-digit amounts and must be justified.

 

Contacts:

Prof. Sylvia Erhardt (sylvia.erhardt@kit.edu)

Prof. Michael Knop (m.knop@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de)

Prof. Edward Lemke (edlemke@uni-mainz.de)

 

Who can apply: researcher from KIT, UNI-HD, EMBL, DKFZ, Uni Mainz

Deadline for Submission: 31st January 2025

 

Proposals (Subject: “Seed funding”) should be submitted to:

In Heidelberg:          office-syngen@zmbh.uni-heidelberg.de

In Karlsruhe:             office-syngen@zoo.kit.edu

In Mainz:                  office-syngen@zoo.kit.edu

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Check out our website for more information: https://www.syn-gen.de/

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