FCMH KEY RESEARCH AREAS
FCMH Key Research Areas represent areas with outstanding research strength on the Forschungscampus Mittelhessen (FCMH), in which researchers from the FCMH universities work strategically together to find answers to socially relevant questions.
I. Criteria for the establishment of Key Research Areas
FCMH Key Research Areas must meet the following criteria:
a. Network level criterion : Researchers from at least two FCMH universities come together in an FCMH Key Research Area - ideally all three universities are involved. If the content is not compatible with one of the universities, FCMH Key Research Areas can be focused on two universities. The involvement of external partners is always possible.
b. Research strength criterion: FCMH Key Research Areas must have at least three active, cross-university collaborative research projects in which researchers from at least two FCMH universities are involved. These collaborative research projects must have been acquired competitively, i.e. LOEWE projects are also taken into account in addition to third-party funded collaborative projects. Collaborative projects in which at least two FCMH universities are represented with at least sub-projects and whose leadership lies outside the FCMH can also be taken into account. In principle, a joint project can only be recognized in an FCMH Key Research Area. This means that when a project is counted towards an FCMH Key Research Area, the speakers of the joint project must give their consent. The Extended Board of Directors decides on exceptions.
c. Critical mass criterion: An FCMH Key Research Area brings together at least 15 researchers from the FCMH universities. Researchers include professors as well as postdocs and mid-level researchers who can support the key research area on a long-term basis.
d. Strategic and social relevance criterion: FCMH Key Research Areas can only be research areas that the Extended Board of Directors considers to have long-term, strategic relevance for the FCMH and whose thematic orientation has clear social relevance.
II. Process for establishing an FCMH Key Research Area
1st step: Application
Researchers can now submit an application to set up an FCMH Key Research Area to the FCMH office at any time. Please use the application documents provided on the website.
2nd step: Examination of criteria a-c (association level, research strength and critical mass) by the FCMH office
The applications for establishment are examined by the FCMH office with regard to whether criteria a to c are met. If criteria a, b or c are not met or if anything is unclear, the office will consult directly with the people named as spokespersons in the application.
3rd step: Examination of criterion d (strategic and social relevance) by the Extended Board of Directors
The Extended Board of Directors examines whether the planned Key Research Area has social and long-term strategic relevance for the FCMH.
4th step: Strategy discussion with the Extended Board of Directors and the Research Council
The proposed speakers will be invited to a strategy discussion with the Extended Board of Directors and the Research Council as part of a Research Council meeting. This conversation should discuss the strategic vision and planned measures to achieve it.
5th step: Decision on establishing the FCMH Key Research Area
The Extended Board of Directors decides on the establishment of the requested FCMH Key Research Area.
III. Dissolution process
The office checks annually whether the above-mentioned Criteria a-c can still be met1. If this is not the case (for one or more criteria), the speakers of the relevant Key Research Area will be made aware of this immediately. After a transition period of one year, during which the Key Research Area can continue to exist, if the criterion or criteria are continually not met, the dissolution will be discussed in the Research Council and decided by the Extended Board of Directors. The spokespersons of a Key Research Area can also submit an informal request for dissolution to the FCMH office at any time. The Extended Board of Directors decides on the dissolution.
1) The period of the last three years is decisive for the criterion “research strength”.
IV. What advantages do FCMH Key Research Areas offer?
Visibility
Key Research Areas represent the common research strengths of the universities in Central Hesse and are prominently presented to the public on the FCMH channels (website, social media, newsletter). They receive their own website as part of the FCMH website, print material and digital material for public relations and are supported in their public relations work through social media posts. We also explicitly highlight the key research areas in our reporting, for example to politicians and international partners.
Networking and cooperation
The joint Key Research Areas act as a central contact point for networking inquiries for research collaborations at home and abroad as well as for political decision-makers. In addition, they provide a platform for stronger inter- and transdisciplinary networking for the researchers involved.
Strategic importance
Key Research Areas are playing a central role in the strategic development of the association. The speakers are invited to regular strategy discussions with the Research Council and the Extended Board of Directors of the FCMH.
Exclusive services, e.g.:
- The FCMH office supports FCMH Key Research Areas in developing transfer strategies and converting the strategies into concrete measures.
- Through the Interaction Hub, the FCMH offers support in the implementation of research marketing and communication measures to present the FCMH Key Research Area and specific projects. In addition, key research areas can use the Interaction Hub to receive organizational, conceptual and resource support in the planning and implementation of outreach events such as public lectures, bar camps and other formats.
Support in internationalization and the recruitment of international talent
The FCMH office exclusively advertises job vacancies from the FCMH Key Research Areas at international partners and trade fairs (such as the annual conference of the German Academic International Network to recruit top researchers from the USA). In addition, as part of the FCMH 2.0 project, the FCMH provides fellowships for international researchers as part of the “International Fellows@FCMH” program - each FCMH Key Research Area can award at least one fellowship annually.
Application
To apply for an FCMH Key Research Area, please use our application form and send it by email to the FCMH office.