Operating a JR Centre

Each JR Centre Laboratory is based on a specific business question and requires specific scientific expertise. Each JR Centre is therefore unique and is also considered and treated as such by the CDG. This includes taking into account the necessary development steps that arise during the duration of a JR Centre. The funding model of the CDG therefore creates plenty of freedom for the research work and for the consideration of the special requirements of every single research unit.

Research units

Nevertheless, the guidelines of the public funding laws require compliance with certain general rules and regulations. Within the scope of the funding model, they ensure the efficient use of public funding resources.

Following the approval of a JR Centre, the Head of Centre receives all relevant information for setting up his/her JR Centre during an establishment meeting. After setting the commencement date for the research work, the contracts for the JR Centre are drawn up, which contain the necessary legal guidelines. Immediately after signing the contract, the employees of the JR Centre can be appointed.

The JR Centre also commences its five-year life-cycle at this time. This normally consists of two phases: A two-year introductory phase if followed by the extension phase for a period of three years.

The JR Centre focuses on activities in the area of application-oriented research. The research work takes place under the responsibility of the Head of Centre through the collaboration of science and business. Scientific and financial aspects are therefore to be considered in the normal operation of the JR Centre.

The progress of the research work and its scientific quality are tracked by means of annual reports and audited within the scope of the two-year evaluation. An evaluation report is prepared by the Head of Centre as the basis for the evaluation. In addition, the research group presents the results achieved by the JR Centre and outlines the next steps in the setting of an evaluation event. On the basis of the evaluation event and the evaluation report, an expert finally drafts a written report which is presented to the JR Scientific Board for further treatment and for formulation of a recommendation to the CDG Executive Board. A positive evaluation result is a precondition for an extension of the duration of the JR Centre.

The financial processing of the JR Centre is based on an annual cycle: the budget meetings with the commercial partners result in a binding budget plan for the next calendar year which is approved by the CDG Executive Board. The request for funding is made on the basis of a financial report that is concluded with the annual accounts. There are clear regulations on the fundability of costs.

At any time during the full duration of a JR Centre, changes may be made to the research, time and cost plants or the partnership structure. This flexibility creates possibilities for responding to current developments. Changes could, for example, involve:

• Extending the research programme
• Adding new commercial partners to the research cooperation
• Changing the budget

Each change must be applied for and will be dealt with during the next session of the JR Scientific Board and the CDG Executive Board.

Session Dates