Opportunities for early-stage researchers (ESR)
Supporting early-stage researchers is a central goal of research funding. Doctoral students, early postdocs (up to four years after completing their dissertation) and project staff are supported through a range of measures for sustainable career development and in acquiring third-party funding.
Promoting young talent and career development is also a key focus of the Action Plan 2025-2027 for implementing the HRS4R - Human Resource Strategy for Researchers, in which the Research Support Office is actively involved.
mdw internal funding and offers
- Post-doctoral fellowship – next call for applications planned for 2026
- International mobility funding for early-stage researchers (ESR) – applications accepted on an ongoing basis
- Herta & Kurt Blaukopf Award for outstanding dissertations – next call for applications planned for 2026
- Open Access Publication Fund – applications accepted on an ongoing basis
- Coverage of participation costs for FWF information events and workshops – applications accepted on an ongoing basis
- Reach higher, reach beyond. Mentoring programme for pre- and post-docs – next call for applications planned for 2027 (Office for Equality, Gender and Diversity)
- Further internal funding opportunities
External funding opportunities
Funding programmes from national and international funding agencies specifically for early stage researchers are marked with #ESR under "current funding opportunities".
Events and training courses
- isaResearch Summer School, international summer school for ESRs at the mdw
- Writing Retreat at the mdw – next round in planning
- Onboarding for Scientific Project Staff (‘OPM’)
- Training opportunities in cooperation with the Centre for Continuing Education – Human Resources Development
- Research Conclave (‘KdW’)
- mdwForum Research Data – next round in planning
- External events and training courses
Guidelines mdwOnline Event Calendar (in German) (October 2025)
Places for collaboration
The mdw library provides two group rooms on campus that can be used as study and work spaces by all mdw students, teachers or lecturers during opening hours. Please reserve at least one day in advance.
Science communication
Further important points of contact at the mdw:
Information for doctoral candidates
The Graduate Centre, as part of the Dean's Office for Academic Studies, offers information and advice for all doctoral candidates at the mdw. Contact: Hanna Brinkmann, graduiertenzentrum@mdw.ac.at.
Information for project staff (employees in third-party funded projects and on general personnel matters):
The Human Resources Department (PM) provides information on contracts and chain contract regulations (§109 UG), among other things. Contact: Michaela Föger, foeger@mdw.ac.at and Benjamin Tabatabai, tabatabai@mdw.ac.at.
Information for postdoctoral candidates
The Department of Organisational Law and Appointment Management (including the Competence Centre for Academic Integrity) provides information on postdoctoral procedures.
Connect mdw platform
Connect mdw is the digital network of the mdw – University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. (Graduate) Students, teachers or lecturers meet on Connect mdw for artistic and professional support and collaboration. Representation of the Research Support Office on connect mdw.
Research Support
Anton-von-Webern-Platz 1
1030 Vienna
First floor, Office nr. B 01 23
Phone: +43 1 711 55-6101
forschungsfoerderung@mdw.ac.at
