Humboldt Research Fellowship

I. The Programme

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH) enables young highly qualified foreign scholars holding doctorates to carry out research projects of their own choice in Germany (age limit: 40 years). Applications may be submitted for long-term research stays of between 6 and 12 months; short-term study tours, participation in conferences or educational visits cannot be financed.

Research fellowships are offered on a world-wide competitive basis. Scholars of all nations and all academic disciplines may apply. There are no quotas in respect of either country or academic discipline. Up to 500 research fellowships are available per annum.

Research fellowship programme is open primarily to young scholars. Applications are assessed and decisions on them are taken by an independent selection committee composed of 100 German scholars from all disciplines. Decisions are taken exclusively on the basis of academic achievements. The main criteria are the quality and feasibility of the research project proposed by the candidate and his/her internationally published work. Research projects and German hosts are selected by applicants themselves. Details of research projects and schedules must be agreed between applicants and proposed hosts prior to the submission of applications.

Applications for continuation of research stays already commenced in Germany can be considered only in exceptional cases. Applicants who are currently staying in Germany for a longer period of time or who have completed their last research stay in Germany only recently are requested to contact the Humboldt Foundation before applying.

II. Value and duration of fellowships

Monthly research fellowship rates range between DM 3.600 and DM 4.400. Fellowship rates are set by the selection committee.

Other expenses covered:

-   research fellows’ travel expenses provided these are not borne by institutions in their home countries;

-   family grants: A monthly allowance for spouses amounting to DM 450 net as well as a monthly allowance for children amounting to DM 100 net per child can be granted to research fellows if they are accompanied by their spouses and children for at least three months.

-  subsidy towards health insurance: Research Fellows and their spouses and children can be granted a subsidy towards health insurance amounting to DM 100 monthly per person during their stay in Germany.

-   additional grants for German language courses of two to four months at language tuition institutes in Germany prior to the actual period of research. The selection committee may make participation in these courses obligatory (please take this into account when planning schedules).

Research fellowships may be requested for periods of between 6 and 12 months. Extensions may be granted in well-founded cases.

Part of the period covered by the fellowship may be spent at research institutes in other Euro­pean countries (except in research fellows’ home-countries) if this is essential for academic reasons.

III. Application requirements

1.  Doctorate or comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent) and/or research work over several years, proven in a convincing manner by publications in internationally recognized academic journals; applications by younger academics approaching their doctorate degree are accepted on sub­mission of the text of thesis.

2.  Proof of independent research work through recognized academic publications, prefer­ably in international journals.

3.  Adequate language abilities:
scholars in humanities must possess and provide proof of sound German language abili­ties if a sound command of German is required for the feasibility of the research project; scholars in natural, medical and engineering sciences must possess and provide proof of at least a good command of English (Ger­man resp. English lan­guage certificates required);

4.  Age not over 40 years (before completion of the 40th year of age on expiry of the month, in which the selection committee´s decision was taken); in well-founded cases - and if the age limit is only slightly exceeded - exceptions can be made to a limited extent, depending on the specific training situation in individual countries.

IV. Application procedure

Applications may be submitted to the AvH at any time. They may be forwarded either direct to the Secretariat of the AvH or through diplomatic or consular missions of the Federal Republic of Germany, or external offices of the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).

It is strongly recommended that candidates obtain the current issue of the Information Sheet from the AvH.

Consideration of applications takes several months. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that he or she has submitted all the necessary docu­ments. Incomplete applications will be returned to applicants unprocessed or will require a longer period of correspondence and processing.

 

---

Internationalization of research in Germany
Initiatives of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

 

Wolfgang Paul Program

The Wolfgang Paul Award, which is endowed with up to DM 4.5 million between 2001 and 2003, will make it possible for internationally known scientists and scolars from other countries to set up their own teams of highly qualified younger researchers in Germany. Researchers who are selected will be able to concentrate on their work without the burden of many administrative responsibilities; the goal is to carry out first-rate, innovative research and integrate younger researchers in this work. In addition to the award money, this support also includes financing of the researcher’s team and any associated technicians or groups of younger researchers, as well as financing of necessary equipments and materials (inc. Travel costs, etc.). The award will be granted based on submitted nominations.

 

Kosmos Program

Recipients of Kosmos Award, who are chosen from among the top young researchers abroad, will receive up to DM 750,000 annually from 2001 to 2003 to establish a group of young researchers in Germany. The award includes funds for the recipient’s own salary and for the costs of setting up and operating an independent team for researchers in a field of the team’s own choice. Qualified applicants are outstanding young researchers from other countries, generally up to 35 years of age.

 

Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award

The objective of the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award Program is to attract top young researchers who are already recognized as outstanding specialists in their area to engage in cooperative research efforts with specialists in Germany over a longer period of time. Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award are granted to acknowledge previous work conducted in the research area. Recipients are invited to carry out their own research projects in Germany in cooperation with colleagues working in the same area. Top young researchers from abroad can be nominated who, as proven specialists in their fields, are expecially in demand by German researchers. The award is endowed with DM 75,000-110,000.

 

Humboldt Research Fellowship for Long-term Cooperation

By further supporting Humboldt Research fellows already residing in Germany for a period of up to two years following their first residency, talented young foreigners are more strongly integrated into German research teams. The long-term support ensures intensive academic cooperation between the guest scholar and German colleagues working in the same area. The fellowship is matched with additional funds to cover research expenses.

 

 

Last modification Juni 4, 2002

Back to the MHE homepage