Functions and funding of research institutes

A research institute denotes an institution specialising in . Such an institute can either focus on one specific or on multiple different scientific sectors. Research institutes in Germany are either independent or belong to a larger community, such as universities, government institutions or research associations like the or the .

What are a research institute’s tasks and objectives?

A research institute’s main task is already suggested in the name and is clear: to implement . This can involve basic research or applied research.

Albeit and thus the dissemination of research results are also among the main tasks of a research institute. The academics, scientists and researchers can for instance publish their results in or present them at conferences. Reports and white papers are also conceivable as publications. These involve researchers summarising their results and making them accessible to a wider audience.

A research institute is also entrusted with the training and development of early career academics and scientists. This involves these institutes for instance in the promotion of doctoral candidates and and in assisting them with their research.

How are research institutes financed?

The for an institute can come from numerous different sources. These include public money, such as state funding. But foundations and other non-profit organisations are also major contributors to research and they fund countless projects.

A company can even be the financing source if commissioned research is involved. Long-term cooperation and partnerships between a research institute and a company can in practice represent a steady source of income for financing research.

At an international level, funding can for instance originate from European Union funds, or from international organisations like the .