Research groups

The research groups of Munich Aerospace pool the expertise of our four partner institutions – TUM, Universität der Bundeswehr München, DLR (Participating locations: Oberpfaffenhofen, Weilheim and Augsburg), and Bauhaus Luftfahrt – around the central future topics of aerospace. With an interdisciplinary setup and scientific excellence, they connect research across institutional boundaries and build bridges from basic research to practical application.

Each group unites at least two member institutions and actively involves Munich Aerospace doctoral candidates. They are guided by the strategic key topics of the network and address both regional strengths as well as globally relevant challenges. Research groups are typically funded for three years – either through our scholarship fund or via third-party funding, e.g., from industry collaborations.

The doctoral scholarship amounts to €25,000 per year and consists of a monthly payment of €1,800 plus an additional €3,400 per year for research costs. This amount is tax-free in accordance with Section 3 No. 44 of the German Income Tax Act (EStG) and is granted for a minimum of 12 months and a maximum of 3 years. An extension of the scholarship is not intended.

Would you like to collaborate with us on research?

We have identified the following key topics for 2026: Space for Earth, Moving People and Goods, Secure Society, Information for Citizens.

Within the framework of our key themes, we have identified the following priority areas and are now prioritising research proposals that align with them:

• Reusability of space structures
• Cleanspace and Sustainability
• Technologies, architectures and standards for multi-orbit and LEO constellations for space applications
• Conducting experiments as part of planned space missions
• Technologies for future European LEO PNT systems
• Technologies and system approaches for efficient manned and unmanned aircraft
• New and innovative approaches for manned and unmanned systems in (including collaborative) flight control, flight guidance and navigation
• Competitive, new technologies and process solutions for the production, maintenance and operation of aircraft
• More resilient space and ground segment infrastructures: concepts and technologies
• Dual-use applications of the European space and data infrastructure
• Future air and space traffic control

We also welcome proposals relating to other areas within our key themes.

Are you a researcher at one of our member institutions with a project that you’d like to pursue in collaboration with a partner at another member institution? Here you find the application form. In addition, you will find further information on the evaluation criteria for reviewing applications at this link.

Please submit your application by 8 June 2026.

Proposals will be evaluated by Munich Aerospace in June and July, and PhD recruitment is expected to begin in August. See the next steps also in this schedule:

Do you have questions about our programme or about the current application process? Then contact Júlia Csomor.

We look forward to receiving your research proposal!