The support of independent Junior Research Groups outside interdisciplinary research centres – the so called Free Floaters – is another specific measure of the future concept of the Georg-August-University of Göttingen submitted in the final call of the German Initiative of Excellence. Up to eight Free Floater research groups will be established to supplement the Junior Research Groups in the newly founded Courant Research Centres.

Competitive and innovative research ideas will be supported by establishing Free Floater research groups independently from existing collaborative structures. In 2008, four Free Flotare groups have already been established. Three more groups will be founded with the second call in 2009.

Proposals for an independent Free Floater junior research group can be made without constraints on their topics, regardless of whether they are in line with trends or match the development planning of the University.

Nevertheless successful applications must be able to make a significant contribution to the strategic development of the university and its faculties. The allocation of the Free Floater research groups within the University will depend on the interests and research profile of the group leaders and is open for joint appointments together with non-university research institutions at the Göttingen Research Campus.

Junior research group leaders will be offered a junior professorship (W1) with a reduced teaching responsibility (2 h per 28 weeks per year) and six years of funding for personnel, consumables and investments to build up an independent research group. Each junior research group leader will enter a reliable career path where tenure decision is determined by her or his scientific or scholarly merits. Mid-term evaluations after three years as well as tenure decisions for a W2/W3 professorship after six years will rely solely on research achievements and teaching performance of the junior research group leaders.

The Georg-August-University is substantially fostering the career opportunities for female researchers and scholars and therefore strongly encourages qualified women to apply for a position as Junior Research Group leader. As part of its gender equality concept the University provides special support to ease the compatibility of career and family and offers a Dual Career Service.

The Researchers in charge of a Free Floater research group will receive mentoring and support by the Göttingen Research Council (GRC). The GRC is an independent board representing and advising the university and non-university research Institutions at the Göttingen Research Campus.