The Funding Program

The Funding supports the design, preparation, and implementation of Summer and Winter Schools, held as block courses during lecture-free periods. These RUBSchools should feature an interdisciplinary theme and teaching approach, attracting students from a variety of fields at both the Bachelor’s and Master’s levels.

Eligible applicants are lecturers and researchers from all RUB faculties and scientific institutions who wish to trial a new interdisciplinary teaching concept or redesign an existing course to make it accessible to students from other disciplines.

The RUB School Funding Program intends to kick-start new projects. Previously funded concepts, RUBSchool or similar initiatives, may receive an exceptional one-time, reduced funding grant if the concept has been significantly further developed. We welcome proposals from all disciplines, especially collaborative submissions from two instructors of different disciplines. Projects that contribute to the RUB Certificate for Sustainability are particularly encouraged. International virtual-exchange formats within the framework of UNIC collaborations are also welcome.

A clear, easily understandable outline of the program — including objectives, methods, and interdisciplinary collaboration — is essential for a successful application. Keep in mind that your text will be read by students and researchers outside your field of knowledge.

Applications are assessed based on the following criteria:

• The RUBSchool is structured as a block course during the lecture-free period and supported by a structured preparatory phase.
• The schedule demonstrates genuine interdisciplinary collaboration in goals, methods, and integration of disciplines.
• The RUBSchool offers graded credit and exam options that can be recognized in the students’ respective programs.

Only applications meeting the funding criteria and formal requirements for clarity, completeness, and adherence to the application form can be considered.

Projects that are not eligible:

• Proposals that do not involve cooperation in teaching and learning across disciplines.
• Proposals without active involvement of the applicants in teaching.
• Projects that have already received funding.
• Initiatives that consist solely of student participation in conferences or similar activities, or
• Incomplete or formally incorrect applications.

All faculty members and researchers at RUB are eligible to apply if they wish to implement a new interdisciplinary teaching format or adapt an existing course to engage students from other disciplines.

RUB is particularly interested in promoting interdisciplinary collaboration in teaching. Joint applications from two instructors from different disciplines are therefore encouraged.

Preparation and delivery of an interdisciplinary RUBSchool are funded with a flat rate of € 3,000. Joint applications from two instructors of different disciplines receive an additional €1,000. Previously funded RUBSchools may receive an exceptional one-time grant of € 2,000 in justified cases where the concept has been significantly revised.

Funds are allocated to the account of the leading department/faculty and are strictly for RUBSchool preparation, delivery, and documentation/evaluation. Eligible costs include in-house teaching assignments for RUB instructors, honoraria, travel and accommodation for external speakers, student assistants, necessary teaching materials, or excursion costs.

Non-eligible expenses include catering, hospitality, and office equipment, like computer or printer). Detailed guidance on using quality improvement funds is available on the RUB service portal.

The current application deadline for RUBSchool 2026 is December 31, 2025. Use the provided application form. Outline your project’s key elements—disciplinary connections, structure, methods, target audience, and assessment formats—within the character limits. Make your proposal understandable across disciplines, avoiding specialist references or citations.

Only complete and signed applications will be considered.
Submit your application by email to the program coordinator, Birgit Frey (birgit.frey@rub.de)

For timely approval, Summer School applications should be submitted by December 31 for the following year, and Winter School applications by June 30 for the following year.

Applications are reviewed based on the funding criteria and prepared for discussion in the Dean of Studies committee. The Centre for Teaching and Learning (ZfW) may be consulted for assessment. The Dean of Studies Committee recommends proposals for funding, possibly with additional requirements. Funds are approved through the rectorate.