With the Initiative Funding for Research, the RMU promotes joint research projects. The RMU Initiative Funding for Research consists of the following calls for proposals:
 

• The funding line "Promoting RMU networking in innovative projects" is intended to provide Start-up funding for innovative, research-driven collaborations – including those involving risks – within the framework of the RMU, aimed at developing novel research ideas / networks and fostering their long-term cooperation within the RMU. The maximum annual funding amount per approved cooperation project is 15,000 euros, with a maximum funding period of two years (i.e. a maximum of 30,000 euros) across all locations.Applications can be submitted by 15 September 2026 to koordination@rhein-main-unis.de. We recommend that applicants consult in advance with the respective research departments.
  To obtain the application form, please send an email to the following address: koordination@rhein-main-unis.de.
   
• The funding line "Early Career Researchers (ECRs)" supports networking between scientists in the early career phase with up to a maximum of 30,000 euros per project over a maximum project duration of two years. Applications can be submitted until 15 March at koordination@rhein-main-unis.de.
   
• The Rhine-Main Universities aim to develop new, promising research fields in the medium term that emerge within the RMU through new interactions across the boundaries between disciplines.
  The aim of “Thinking Tomorrow Today” is to establish, through interrelated program lines/funding measures, research groups that define such new, promising research fields und work on them together. These research groups consist of participants from at least two of our universities. External cooperation partners can also be involved but will not receive RMU funding. The maximum funding amount per project is 50,000 euros. For 2026, the total sum available is 300,000 euros. Applications can be submitted in digital form until 7 April 2026 to koordination@rhein-main-unis.de.