Call for Applications: Georg Forster Research Fellowship Program

Before the start of the fellowship, the Humboldt Foundation provides an intensive language course in Germany lasting two or four months (including for accompanying partners).

Funding Information

• The Humboldt Foundation awards a monthly fellowship rate of 2,700 EUR for postdocs and 3,200 EUR for experienced researchers plus a mobility allowance and a subsidy towards the cost of medical and liability insurance. A lump sum for travel expenses as well as an initial subsidy are also paid.
• Hosts in Germany can apply for an allowance for research costs to the value of 800 EUR per month (natural sciences, life sciences and engineering) or 500 EUR (humanities and social sciences).

Duration

• Postdocs are eligible to apply up to four years after completing their doctorates for a sponsorship period of 6–24 months.
• Experienced researchers can apply up to twelve years after completing their doctorates for a sponsorship period of 6–18 months.

Eligibility Criteria

• Doctorate or comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent) completed (the last academic achievement) no longer than four years prior to the date of application for postdocs or twelve years for experienced researchers. If it is not possible or customary to take a doctorate in the candidate’s subject or country, an application may be submitted up to 16 years after completing a Master’s or Diploma degree, provided that the publication record is commensurate with the candidate’s career stage;
• Academic publications in journals and by publishers reviewed according to international standards, commensurate with the applicant’s career level after completion of the doctorate;
• Choice of a research outline of major relevance to the sustainable development of the country of origin or region of origin;
• Confirmation that research facilities are available and mentoring agreement and a detailed expert’s statement from an academic host at a research institution in Germany;
• Two expert reviews from important collaborative partners and/or academics from the candidate’s own institute and other institutions, if possible, also from outside the country of origin. Postdocs should usually request one of the expert reviews from the doctoral thesis supervisor;
• Necessary language skills: humanities or social sciences and medicine: good knowledge of German if it is necessary to carry out the research successfully; otherwise, good knowledge of English; natural sciences and engineering: good knowledge of German or English;
• Citizenship of one of the programme countries;
• Long-term principal place of residence and work in a programme country:
  • Applicants must have been living and working in one of the programme countries for at least 12 months in the last 18 month period.
  • Willingness to return to a programme country to contribute to the exchange of methods and knowledge there.
  • Experienced researchers only: applicants who are not staying in one of the programme countries at the time of application must additionally have a permanent employment in a programme country.

Ineligibility Criteria

• Short-term visits for study and training purposes or for attending conferences are not eligible for sponsorship.

Assessment Criteria

• Academic qualification is assessed on the basis of the following criteria:
  • academic record and academic performance to date (mobility, determination, breadth of research activities, academic productivity)
  • quality of key publications specified in the application (originality, degree of innovation, applicant’s contribution in cases of multiple authorship)
  • originality and innovation potential of the suggested research outline (significance for the advancement of the discipline, convincing choice of academic methods, prospects for academic development of the applicant, clear focus and feasibility within the requested funding period, feasibility of realization at the host institution) and relevance for the sustainable development of the country or region of origin
  • the applicant’s future potential (academic potential, further academic development, career prospects)
  • applicants who are applying as experienced researchers are also expected to have their own clearly defined personal academic profile.

For more information, visit Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.