LOEWE

What is LOEWE?

LOEWE is a federal state program for the development of scientific and economic excellence(in German: Landes-Offensive zur Entwicklung Wissenschaftlich-ökonomischer Exzellenz (= LOEWE). It is an excellence program launched by the State of Hesse in 2008 to fund outstanding and innovative research projects intended to make universities and research institutions in Hessen more competitive - both nationally and internationally.

Please note:

From the 18th funding round onwards, LOEWE project funding is a share-based funding scheme in which at least 10% of the funding must be provided by the applicant (previously: shortfall funding).

Please note:
Applications for the LOEWE state programme must be submitted in German.

LOEWE accentuates science policy to strengthen Hessian researchers in a positive and sustainable way. LOEWE enables Hessian universities, if necessary in cooperation with research institutions, to develop focus areas within their scientific profile.

LOEWE documents for internal pre-selection (deadline 15 December)

LOEWE-Zentrum
Please get in touch with us.

LOEWE-Schwerpunkt
File download (internal access):

Through the LOEWE program, extraordinary collaborative science projects can be funded; expecially those with a focus on linking science, non-university research, and the industry.
The program encompasses five separate funding lines:

  • Funding line 1: LOEWE-Zentren (Research Centers)
  • Funding line 2: LOEWE-Schwerpunkte (Research Clusters)
  • Funding line 3: LOEWE-KMU-Verbundvorhaben (SME joint projects)
  • Funding line 4 a/b: LOEWE-Spitzen-Professuren/LOEWE-Professuren ((excellence) professorships)
  • Funding line 5: LOEWE-Exploration

Details for the funding lines

Funding lines 1 (LOEWE Zentren) and 2 (LOEWE Schwerpunkte) are implemented in a two-stage procedure. Participation in this funding program with promising applications is of particular importance for the scientific development and profile building of the University of Kassel. The Presidential Board supports it to the best of its ability. The Hessian Ministry for Science and Art (German: Hessisches Ministerium für Wissenschaft und Kunst (= HMWK)) usually issues the call for proposals on December 1 of each year. 

As only a limited number of outlines can be submitted per university, an internal selection procedure precedes the actual application process. 

New from 2025: Expressions of interest must be submitted digitally to forschung[at]uni-kassel[dot]de by 15 December (please use the templates provided). The projects will be presented by the applicants at the January meeting of the Research Commission and discussed in an advisory capacity. If more expressions of interest are received than outlines can be submitted, the Research Committee will make appropriate recommendations on the basis of this meeting. On this basis, the Presidental Board decides which outlines will be submitted.

Calls for proposals by the LOEWE office:
The call for the 20th funding round is expected at the beginning of December 2025.

Current LOEWE funding guidelines and announcements

The funding guideline as of December 2023 contains all important information for LOEWE funding from the 15th funding cycle onwards. In addition, you will find an overview of current dates and announcements on the official website of the LOEWE office.

Get in touch!

Go link of this page: https://www.uni-kassel.de/go/loewe-en.