What are WU Xperiment grants?

WU Xperiment grants enable researchers to execute empirical studies swiftly and effectively. By leveraging this funding, researchers can make the most of WU’s state-of-the-art laboratory resources, driving their experimental research forward.

Let your next experiment begin with WU Xperiment grants!

Which projects are eligible for funding?

• Use of Funds: The funding (up to €6,000) is exclusively intended for data collection in the field of experimental research utilizing the laboratory infrastructure resources of WU. This includes, but is not limited to, costs for participant recruitment and compensation, as well as other expenses directly related to data collection.

• Eligibility: All researchers with an active employment contract at WU and research included in their job description are eligible to apply. Applications and processing must be carried out within the duration of an active employment contract.

Application Process

Applications and processing are managed through the Competence Center for Experimental Research. Applicants must submit a detailed project description of 1–2 pages (PDF) that includes the following information (use the template provided below):

• Project Overview: A brief presentation of the research project, including the scientific research question and methodology (with a particular focus on the experimental approach).

• Relevance to the Field and Career Development: Explanation of how the project contributes to the advancement of the selected field and supports the applicant's career development.

• Detailed Description of Data Collection: Description of the planned methods for data collection, including the laboratory resources needed (e.g., eye-tracker, O-tree).

• Intended Use of Results: Specification of the planned purpose for the research results (e.g., conference paper, publication).

• Budget Calculation

• Sample Size: Planned sample size with justification (e.g., based on a power analysis).

• Duration of the Experiment

• Data Management Plan

Funding Committee

The internal review committee consists of three members from different departments of WU who are also members of the Competence Center. The members are proposed by the Competence Center and approved by the responsible rectorate member (Vice-Rector for Research). Reappointment is possible.

The committee's primary tasks are to evaluate applications based on scientific quality, methodology, relevance, and costs. The committee meets at least twice a year after the respective application deadlines to make decisions.

In principle, half of the available funds are allocated during each funding round. However, unused funds from the first round of the year are carried over to subsequent rounds. In justified exceptional cases, the budget can be exhausted early, and applications can be submitted outside the standard deadlines (e.g., in cases of time-sensitive projects). Such exceptions require unanimous approval by all three members.

Applications are reviewed using a four-eye principle. To maintain independence, conflicts of interest are disclosed, and affected members are excluded from the review process. Transparency is ensured by publishing the composition of the committee on the WU website.

Evaluation Criteria

The review committee evaluates applications based on the following criteria:

• Scientific Quality: Innovation and originality of the research project, clarity of the research question, and methodology.

• Methodological Quality: Plausibility and appropriateness of the planned data collection methods, with approval from an ethics board if required.

• Costs and Resources: Appropriateness and transparency of the planned costs, as well as efficient use of funds.

• Prioritization: Preference is given to projects that prepare for time-sensitive data collection (e.g., studies on current societal and economic phenomena).

Applications from researchers who have not yet received funding are given priority consideration.

Payment Modalities

• Form and Conditions of Payment: Approved funding is provided either as a one-time payment or as a direct transfer to the experimental participants.

• Timeline for Fund Release: Funds are released within two weeks of the approval of the application. Applicants will be notified in writing by the committee regarding the release of funds.

The funds must be used within one year of release. An extension may be requested in writing in justified cases.

Reporting and Evaluation

Financial Report:
Applicants must submit a report on the use of funds within two months of completing the project. The report is reviewed by the laboratory management and should include the following:

• A breakdown of incurred costs.

• Proof of all expenses (e.g., invoices, receipts).

• A comparison of the budget plan and actual expenditures.

• Disclosure of the data storage location (including a link, if possible).

Scientific Report:
Within six months of using the funds, a scientific report (minimum of 5 pages) must be submitted. The report should include:

• A description of the conducted data collection and analysis.

• A summary of the research findings.

• Plans for publishing the research results.

If a working paper or an accepted article is submitted, the scientific report is not required. Publications must acknowledge the funding by referencing the "WU Xperiment Grants."

Reapplication:
Researchers are eligible to reapply for funding only if all required documents have been submitted in full. First-time applicants will continue to receive priority consideration. The internal committee is responsible for reviewing compliance with these requirements.

2025 Call for Proposals

Applications will be reviewed by a committee consisting of the members of the WU Competence Center for Experimental Research: Susann Fiedler, Pascal Güntürkün & Melis Kartal

Awards are subject to the conditions listed above.

Apply, and upload your proposal here (use the proposal template below).

The application deadline is February 15, 2025.

If you have any questions, please contact Julian Quandt (julian.quandt@wu.ac.at).

• Application Template (docx, 55 KB)