The sole purpose of the Foundation is the direct support of scholarship and research in universities and non-profit research institutions, primarily in Germany, with special emphasis on giving help to young scholars and scientists. The support of international cooperation is a further important factor in the work of the Foundation. The Foundation achieves its purpose by financing specific research projects in selected areas of emphasis - projects which can be completed in predictable periods of time, and which lie within the financial possibilities of the Foundation.

It is also possible to apply for funds to cover travel costs which arise in connection with scholarly or scientific research; such support can be applied for independently of support for a project. General educational travel and excursions, however, cannot be supported.

Applications can be accepted only if they come from universities or non-profit research institutions. Applicants must have completed a doctorate.

The Foundation suggests that an application be organized as follows:

• Name of applicant
• Research theme
• Institution/place where research is to be carried out (if relevant, include copy of invitation)
• Resumé (1 page)
• More detailed description (topic, present state of research, preparatory work done, plan of procedure, methods, time schedule, publications on the subject)
• Curriculum vita and list of the applicant´s publications
• Itemized budget:
  In addition to reasonable travel costs, a daily fixed sum will be paid, the amount of which will be decided by the Foundation. The office of the Foundation can inform the applicant of the current rates applicable for the particular country involved.
• Declaration that no application of this or a similar kind is at present under consideration elsewhere, nor has such an application been submitted to any other organization in the past. In the event that a further application (or applications) has been made, the Foundation requests additional information
• Date and signature

Only a single set of application papers should be submitted. These should not be stapled or bound.

Deadlines
Applications for travel grants may be submitted at any time. Normally a decision can be reached in six to eight weeks.

The letter announcing the grant to the candidate states the conditions governing the grant. It is important that any restrictions in connection with the various types of costs be noted. In accepting the grant, the candidate commits himself to carrying out the conditions of the grant.

The funds will be paid out upon the written request of the grant-holder, who should name his or her bank, account number and other details. The payment of the funds should take place as close as possible to the period of travel.

Before leaving for the period of research, the grant-holder must provide the Foundation with proof that he or she has adequate medical insurance to cover the stay abroad.

At the end of the period of support, the Foundation requires a report and accounts showing how the funds have been used. The accounts must be supported by documents enabling a financial audit. These documents, however, should be retained and should not be sent to the Foundation unless the grant-holder is requested to do so.

The Foundation requests that it be given two offprints or two specimen copies of any publications arising from the grant-holder´s research. It is assumed that such publications will contain a reference to the support of the Fritz Thyssen Stiftung.