TUM-IAS Fellow Survey

Between February and April 2025, we conducted an anonymous online survey, inviting more than 260 Fellows and Alumni Fellows to share their reflections on their time at TUM-IAS, including their experiences, successes, and suggestions. We had a response rate of 11 percent from Fellows and Alumni of different time periods. Our sincere thanks go to all who took the time to respond.

The survey included the following questions:

• How would you rate your time as a TUM-IAS Fellow? What worked well, what didn't?
• How did you benefit from the IAS Fellowship?
• Following your TUM-IAS Fellowship project, could you acquire additional funding to further develop the research direction you had started?
• How would you rate the financial support from TUM-IAS compared to other funding opportunities? Was your fellowship sufficiently equipped for your project, or did you have to use other funding sources?
• Were there any challenges during your fellowship at TUM-IAS that we could address better in the future? What would you change about our program?

What did the results of the survey reveal?

The feedback on the Fellowships was overwhelmingly positive - they were perceived as career-enhancing and life-changing opportunities. Despite the overall increase in costs, the Fellowship funds are still perceived as adequate. In many cases, the Fellowships have led to long-term connections with TUM researchers, and numerous projects could be continued beyond the active Fellowship phase through other funding sources.

We received several valuable suggestions – for example, regarding family support, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the possibility of applying for a second Fellowship. We will take these suggestions forward in discussions with our Board of Trustees and the TUM Management Board to continue strengthening the TUM-IAS.