Project Call: 'ScienceServe: Boosting Research Software at Helmholtz'
An online information event on the call will take place on 25 June 2026. Further details are available here: https://events.hifis.net/event/4112/
Helmholtz has launched a new call for proposals to promote the development of research software, funded by the Helmholtz Initiative and Networking Fund. Building on important existing initiatives and activities, this call supports projects that drive innovation, promote exchange between developers and scientists, and foster good practices in the field of research software.
This call places a clear emphasis on the advancement of research software and builds on the momentum from the Helmholtz Codes working group within the Information & Data Science Incubato. It is supported by key initiatives such as the Helmholtz Forum Research Software, the Helmholtz Information & Data Science Platforms (notably HIFIS), the Helmholtz Open Science Office, the Open Science Working Group, and the Joint Lab HIRSE from the Helmholtz Research Field Information.
ScienceServe also supports the implementation of the Helmholtz AI Action Plan by strengthening the software engineering foundations needed for the scalable and sustainable use of AI across the Helmholtz Association. The call supports projects that improve the quality, sustainability, visibility, and reusability of research software at Helmholtz through the adoption of software engineering best practices, FAIR4RS principles, and stronger collaboration between researchers and software developers.
The call is open to Helmholtz researchers, software engineers, and teams affiliated with Helmholtz centers. Funded projects will be connected to strong networks within the Helmholtz Association. The funded projects will benefit from numerous viable networks and points of contact within the community.
The call has been published on June 15, 2026, with projects starting March 2027 and running through 2027–2028. Note that co-funding of 50% is required by the institute applying.
Deadline for submissions will be August 14, 2026.
Detailed information about the call is available at: https://www.helmholtz.de/en/research/current-calls-for-applications/article/scienceserve-boosting-research-software-at-helmholtz/
If you're submitting a proposal to this call and would need some guidance (either during proposal writing or during the project), you can contact the JuRSE Team (rse@fz-juelich.de). Since each proposal needs a signed letter from the board of directors to confirm co-funding, you need to get in touch with Sven Rank or Dorit Jerger early.
Below is some preliminary information, to be confirmed through the infromation webinar taking place on June 25th:
Q. How many projects will be funded?
A. Approximately 10-15 projects. Each project can ask for 200,000 EUR max.
Q. Can the projects collaborate with non-Helmholtz partners?
A. Funding can only go directly to Helmholtz Institutions though external partners are allowed.
Q. Is it essential to collaborate with more than one Helmholtz center?
A. Collaborative proposals involving more than one Helmholtz Center are strongly encouraged and will be given priority in the selection process.
Q. Is the funding period fixed?
A. sFunding starts March 2027 and runs through 2027–2028
Q. Does the project have to be open source code?
A. All developed software must be openly licensed, deposited in a public repository, and indexed in the Helmholtz Research Software Directory (RSD). Exceptions must be justified.
Q. Can the proposals be used to contribute to established community projects?
A. Yes. The call explicitly encourages community building, software reuse, interoperability, and the adoption of community standards. Proposals may focus on improving, extending, or professionalizing existing research software projects, provided they clearly demonstrate scientific relevance, measurable improvements, sustainability, and impact on the broader research community.
Q. Can postdocs apply?
A. Yes.
Q. Does the maturity of the code impact the chance of funding?
A. No.
Q. Do we need anything additional on the CV?
A. Yes. CVs should emphasize expertise relevant to research software and highlight accomplishments beyond traditional publication metrics. Examples include software contributions, software and data publications, published datasets, awards, community leadership, training activities, and industry collaborations. Applicants should demonstrate the experience and expertise needed to successfully deliver the proposed project.