Council for Research and Promotion of Young Scientists (CRYS)

The Council for Research and Promotion of Young Scientists (CRYS) is an interdisciplinary scientific body within KIT that focuses on quality assurance and the internal pre-selection of research initiatives. Particular attention is given to selected funding instruments – both internal and external. This includes measures associated with the University of Excellence, such as the KIT Future Fields, the Young Investigator Group Preparation Program, and the International Excellence Fellowships. A central concern of the council is the support and advancement of early-career researchers.

CRYS was established in 2007 following the approval of KIT’s Excellence Initiative concept (Zukunftskonzept). Its initial role was to shape the internal competition for funding allocation and to implement the support measures outlined in the strategy. Since then, CRYS has evolved into a highly effective and well-regarded forum for collegial consultation.

The council is composed of 16 equal-status tandems, comprising a total of 32 scientists from all five KIT divisions. Members are appointed for a two-year term by the KIT Senate, based on nominations from the Executive Board. One tandem is reserved exclusively for representatives of the Young Investigator Network (YIN) – an independent network of junior professors and research group leaders at KIT.

CRYS is chaired by the Vice President Academic Affairs. The council is administratively supported by the Research Office (DE Forschungsförderung).

Decisions made by CRYS are advisory in nature; final decisions regarding funding and nominations rest with the Executive Board.