Universität Graz - Paul-Urban-Stipendienstiftung des Instituts für Theoretische Physik der Karl-Franzens-Universität Graz

What you get

You will receive funding to cover the actual costs of one of the following three activities: a research stay abroad for up to 4 months, attendance at a scientific conference abroad, or hosting a visiting researcher at the Institute of Physics in Graz for up to 1 months. There is no fixed amount per person. You must submit a detailed cost estimate, and the grant will correspond to your actual expenditure. The Foundation’s annual budget is 3,000 EUR and is distributed as evenly as possible between staff at the Institute and external visitors. Professor of Physics Paul Urban established the Foundation in 1990, and it is administered by the Institute of Physics at the University of Graz.

Who can apply

• Field of study: Just theoretical physics.
• Who you are: You are a diploma or doctoral student in theoretical physics at the University of Graz, a staff member of the institute in that field, or a researcher from elsewhere who wants to visit the institute.
• Your thesis: As a student, you write (or have finished) a diploma thesis or dissertation supervised by a lecturer at the Institute of Physics.
• Timing: If you have already obtained your degree or doctorate, it must not have been more than 4 years ago.
• Purpose: You need the funding to present your findings at a conference abroad or to undertake a research visit abroad at an institution with which you are already collaborating or plan to collaborate. Visiting researchers must come as part of a specific joint project with the institute.
• Nationality: All nationalities can apply.

How to apply

Please complete the application form in English and send it to the Foundation’s committee. Please enclose a breakdown of costs, your personal statement and a letter of recommendation from your supervisor or head of department. There is no application deadline, so you can apply at any time. The committee will decide whether to award the full amount, a partial amount or none at all.

How realistic are your chances?

This award is very narrowly defined: it is aimed exclusively at experts in the field of theoretical physics who are affiliated with the University of Graz, as well as a small number of external guests. Very few people apply for it. If you clearly meet these criteria and submit a detailed cost estimate and a well-reasoned justification, your chances are good. The annual budget is small (3,000 EUR), so it tends to fund individual trips and stays rather than larger sums. You should apply if you already have a specific conference or research visit in mind.