By part of the central portion of the "DFG-Programmpauschale" and the "BMBF-Projektpauschale" is inter alia formed a research pool. It serves the financing of suitable incentives and support measures during the phase of applying for new research projects, preferably of DFG and BMBF funding. The remaining parts are used to cover centrally financed administrative expenses and investments.

Applications for grants from the research pool can be handed in at any time. The proposals shall meet the following criteria:

• The proposed project shall have a comprehensive, constructive relevance. This can be assumed for coordinated research programs, but must be separately demonstrated for individual projects (in particular, non-cash grants).
• A (first) own (DFG-)research proposal is being prepared by a young scientist. Where appropriate, in this course short-term financing of her/his own position is also possible by resources of the research pool.
  
• Support by the research pool has the character of a start-up funding: Carrying out the project itself will not be financed.
• In case external funding programmes exist for the planned undertaking, such need to be applied for first (for example the DFG-programme for support of international cooperations).

The mentioned aspects replace the criteria formulated in RS D5/1/2008.

With the acceptance of support from the research pool the scientist obligates her/himself to hand in the planned project proposal until a specifiable date. If no proposal is handed in the grant from the reserach pool is to be paid back.

This individual support format is complemented by the payment of allowances for the application for DFG supported collaborative research centres (SFBs), Transregios, research training groups (Graduiertenkollegs) and priority programmes (Schwerpunktprogramme) and research units (Forscherguppen) in case the TUD plan of procedures is followed (Rundschreiben MPrF1/2011vom 01.03.11). These grants are paid in two pieces: One during the preparation and handing in of the draft, and one during the writing and handing in of the full application package, as well as the organisation of the inspection days.

Contact person for this research pool is Gerlinde Behnke, phone -33772. It is recommended to check for advice before handing in an application.

Further information can be found in Circular Letter D5/1/2008 of 13.3.08, in Circular Letter D5/2/2011 of 27.07.11 and in Circular Letter MPrF2/2012 vom 16.08.12, however, all in German language.