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 4. Georg Forster Research Fellowship


GEORG FORSTER RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

For whom postdoctoral and experienced researchers contributing to sustainable
development
From where developing or transition countries in accordance with OECD (excluding
PR China and India)
For what 6–24-month research stay in Germany

The picture shows the biochemist and former Georg Forster Fellow Victor Kuete.



Jump to the content

 * The fellowship
 * Sponsorship
 * Requirements
 * How to apply
 * Selection procedure
 * Questions & answers


REGISTER NOW AND APPLY ONLINE OR CONTINUE PROCESSING YOUR APPLICATION.

Apply online Continue application


GEORG FORSTER RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation grants the Georg Forster Research
Fellowship to researchers in all disciplines from developing and emerging
countries (see list of countries, PDF) who have above-average qualifications.

With this fellowship the Humboldt Foundation acknowledges the important role of
researchers from these countries in achieving the UN’s 17 sustainable
development goals and thus provides them with sponsorship that is equivalent to
the Humboldt Research Fellowship.

 * Programme information for postdocs (PDF, 150 KB)
 * Programme information for experienced researchers (PDF, 151 KB)
 * Information for hosts
 * Information for expert reviewers
 * Information for independent peer reviewers
 * Research fellows in portrait
 * Recently selected fellows

Hint

Researchers from developing and transition countries, whose research has little
or no direct relevance for the further development of their region of origin,
should apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship.
For the time being, researchers from Brazil can only apply for a Capes-Humboldt
Research Fellowship. For the duration of the joint Capes-Humboldt Programme it
is not possible to apply for a Georg Forster Research Fellowship.

The Humboldt Foundation also grants the Georg Forster Research Award to
internationally recognised scientists from developing and transition countries.

Ezinne Ezepue has been a Georg Forster Research Fellow, conducting research on
African storytelling at the ifs Internationale Filmschule Köln.

Humboldt Foundation / Jann Höfer


Faisal Abbas is an economist at the National University of Sciences & Technology
in Islamabad, Pakistan. In 2017/18, he was a Georg Forster Research Fellow at
the University of Göttingen.

Illustration: Skizzomat, Photo: private


Georg Forster Fellow and biochemist Alejandra Omarini (Argentina) conducts
research on the industrial utilisation of lemon peels.

Humboldt Foundation / Nikolaus Brade


Electrical engineer Wilfred Fritz (South Africa) conducted research as a Georg
Forster Fellow at the Institute for Power Transmission and High Voltage
Technology at the University of Stuttgart.

Humboldt Foundation / David Matthiessen


Alumna Hebatallah Fathy, specialist in German studies from Egypt, brings "worlds
together" with a cross-national literary analyses.

Humboldt Foundation / Nikolaus Brade


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WHAT WE OFFER

The Georg Forster Research Fellowship enables you to conduct your own research
at various stages of your career in collaboration with a host at a German
research institution of your choice. Hosts may apply for a subsidy for research
costs.

 * Information on sponsorship during the research stay
 * Information on sponsorship for alumni abroad


POSTDOCS

Benefit from research sponsorship in Germany at the beginning of your academic
career. The Georg Forster Research Fellowship for postdoctoral researchers
enables you to conduct research in Germany. The monthly fellowship amount is
€2,670. Fellowships may last from 6 to 24 months.


EXPERIENCED RESEARCHERS

You can still apply for research sponsorship in Germany even if you are already
well advanced in your academic career. The Georg Forster Research Fellowship for
experienced researchers enables you to conduct research in Germany. The monthly
fellowship amount is €3,170. Fellowships may last from 6 to 18 months and can be
divided into up to three stays within three years.


GENERAL CONDITIONS

In addition to the fellowship amount, you will also receive personal support
throughout your sponsorship. You are flexible in determining when you would like
to start your fellowship. Prior to your research fellowship, you and your
marital partner will be able to attend an intensive German language course.

Further financial support, including family benefits for children and marital
partners, subsidies for private full health insurance and allowances for travel
expenses, is also available.


ALUMNI PROGRAMMES

We stay in contact even after your research stay has come to an end. Our alumni
sponsorship measures flexibly support every Humboldtian’s individual journey
through life, in both their careers and their future collaborations. A return
fellowship or later visits to Germany are also possible.


YOU MUST MEET THE FOLLOWING CRITERIA

The Georg Forster Research Fellowship is exclusively for post-doctoral
researchers with above-average qualifications from developing or transition
countries. Your research must address questions relevant to the further
development of your region of origin, regardless of your field.


POSTDOCS

Did you complete your doctorate – or equivalent academic qualification – during
the last four years? Or are you within six months of completing your doctorate
and can already provide a written summary of your findings? Have you been
published in academic journals and by publishing houses that are reviewed
according to international standards? If so, and if you fulfil the criteria
under the “What is required of you” section, apply for the Georg Forster
Research Fellowship for postdoctoral researchers.


EXPERIENCED RESEARCHERS

Did you complete your doctorate – or equivalent qualification – during the last
twelve years? Is your academic profile substantiated by an extensive list of
publications in academic journals and by publishing houses that are reviewed
according to international standards? If so, and if you fulfil the criteria
under the “What is required of you” section, apply for the Georg Forster
Research Fellowship for experienced researchers.

If a doctorate in your field or country of origin is not possible or uncommon,
you can still apply up to 16 years after completing your master’s or other
postgraduate degree provided that you have a publication record commensurate
with your career level.


WHAT IS REQUIRED OF YOU

To successfully apply for the Georg Forster Research Fellowship, your research
should make a significant contribution to the further development of your region
of origin. You must also fulfil the following criteria:

NATIONALITY

You must be a citizen of a developing or transition country – excluding PR China
and India (see list of countries).

PLACE OF RESIDENCE/STAY

You must have lived and worked in a developing or transition country for at
least 12 months within the last 18 months (excluding PR China and India). If you
are not living in a country from the list of countries at the time of
application, you must additionally have at least a permanent job in one of the
countries on the list.

If you obtained your university entrance qualification and university degree or
your university degree and your doctorate in Germany, you can apply if you have
lived and worked in one of the developing or transition countries from the list
for at least five years and you intend to do so long-term.

Please note: For your application to be successful, you may not have lived in
Germany for longer than a total of six months within the 18-month period prior
to submitting your application.

CONFIRMATION THAT RESEARCH FACILITIES ARE AVAILABLE/HOST’S STATEMENT

A researcher from an academic institution of your choice in Germany will provide
you with a mentoring agreement and written confirmation that research facilities
are available, and will compile a detailed review for you.

EXPERT REVIEWS

You can provide two expert reviews.

Postdocs: Your doctoral supervisor and one other researcher – outside of your
institute, if possible – should provide well-grounded information on your
qualifications.

Experienced researchers: The reviews should be provided by important
collaborative partners and/or researchers at your own institute as well as other
institutes – outside your country of origin, if possible.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Natural sciences and engineering: You must have a good knowledge of German or
English.

Humanities, social sciences and medicine: You must have a good knowledge of
German if this is necessary for conducting your research successfully.
Otherwise, good knowledge of English will suffice.

You must abide by the rules of good scientific practice (PDF) and the principles
of scientific ethics.

You may not apply for the Georg Forster Research Fellowship if you have already
received sponsorship from the Humboldt Foundation. In such cases, our alumni
programmes are open to you.


HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to apply for the Georg Forster Research Fellowship, please
submit the necessary documents to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation online
only.

If you have any doubts or questions, please contact us (info[at]avh.de) before
submitting your application. We are happy to help.

Apply online
Continue application


WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

Please note that you may only submit your application once you have uploaded the
following documents to the application form:

   

 * curriculum vitae (two pages max)
 * research outline (five pages max)
 * complete list of your publications (cf. sample list, PDF)
 * list of key publications (cf. sample list, PDF)
 * key publications
 * doctoral certificate or proof that your doctorate has been completed
   successfully, or confirmation that this will be the case within the next six
   months
 * German language certificate, if required
 * if required: acceptance form and/or publisher’s acknowledgement of receipt
   and summaries/translations of key publications that are not available in
   German or English
    
 * In addition: host’s statement and confirmation that research facilities are
   available, as well as two expert reviews. Please note that these documents
   can only be uploaded in a protected area by the host(s) and expert reviewers
   personally. You can only submit your application once these documents have
   been uploaded. Further information and explanations can be found on the
   application form.

   

As soon as we have received your online application, we will send you written
confirmation by email. After reviewing your documents, we will notify you of the
expected selection date.


DEADLINES

The Selection Committee responsible for reviewing applications to this programme
meets every February, June and October. Please send your completed application
form, including any additional documents required, well in advance of the
desired selection date. Applications are usually processed within four to eight
months. Incomplete or inaccurate applications take longer to process and often
have to be postponed to a later Selection Committee meeting.

The deadline for meeting certain formal conditions – in particular those
relating to limitations on career stages and previous stays in Germany – is the
date on which we receive your application.

If your application is successful, you may begin your fellowship between two and
twelve months after being selected.

If your application is unsuccessful, we may provide you with reasons for our
decision. Please request this information informally by email. You and your host
will receive a letter with the outcome of your application approximately five
weeks after the decision is made. Decisions cannot be appealed. You can,
however, re-apply if you significantly improve crucial aspects of your rejected
application. In the case of unanimously rejected applications, you must
unfortunately wait a minimum of 18 months before re-applying.

 * Georg Forster Research Fellows in portrait
 * Members of the Selection Committee


THE SELECTION PROCEDURE

Icon Applicants Applicants
Icon Foundation Foundation
Icon Notification Notification

Application Processing 4-6 weeks Review process approx. 4 months Selection
Feb./Mar., June/July, Oct./Nov.
 * Online application
 * Host's statement
 * References
 * Receipt of application
   * acknowledgement of receipt

 * Check eligibility
   * if not eligible: formal rejection to applicant and host
 * Check completeness
   * notification about the expected date of decision
   * reminder about missing items, if applicable

 * Request for independent peer reviews (usually two)
   * allowing for potential impartiality issues
 * Reviewed applications forwarded to selection committee members
 * Selection committee meeting (3 times a year)
   * information about decision to applicant and host (1—3 working days after
     selection meeting)

 * Approval of application
   * delivery of award documents (approx. 4 weeks after selection meeting)
 * Rejection of application
   * upon request: information on factors that led to rejection to applicant and
     host (approx. 5 weeks after selection meeting)
 * Start of fellowship (if applicable: preceding language course) min 2 to max
   12 months after selection meeting

The decision to award research fellowships is taken by a selection committee
consisting of 15–20 researchers from various fields. The committee’s decision is
usually based on two independent peer reviews that evaluate your personal
academic credentials. The assessment is based on the following selection
criteria, depending on your career level:

   

 * academic career and academic record to date (mobility, determination,
   thematic scope, academic productivity)
 * quality of the key publications named in the application (originality,
   innovativeness, evaluation of your own contributions to publications
   involving several authors)
 * originality and innovative potential of your proposed research (significance
   for the further development of the subject area, convincing selection of
   scientific methods, potential for scientific development, clear focus and
   feasibility within the requested sponsorship period, viability at the host
   institute) as well as the relevance of your research for the further
   development of your country and/or region of origin
 * your future potential (academic potential, personal development, career
   prospects, e.g. professorial appointment)
 * your independent research profile (for experienced researchers)

   

In past years, an average of 20 to 25 percent of applicants received
fellowships.

All the best for your application!


QUESTIONS & ANSWERS


APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

I HAVE WORKED IN AN ENGLISH-SPEAKING COUNTRY FOR SEVERAL YEARS. DO I NEED AN
ENGLISH LANGUAGE CERTIFICATE?

No, an English language certificate is not required.

 

CAN I APPLY BEFORE I HAVE COMPLETED MY DOCTORATE?

You may apply if you will complete your doctorate within the next six months. If
selected, you must complete your doctorate before commencing the research
fellowship. Please note that your application will be rejected for formal
reasons if your dissertation has not been published and you do not have any
further academic publications at the time of application.

 

IT IS EITHER NOT CUSTOMARY OR NOT POSSIBLE TO TAKE A DOCTORATE IN MY COUNTRY OF
ORIGIN. CAN I APPLY?

You can apply if you can prove that your academic performance is equivalent to a
Ph.D., e.g. by academic publications in internationally reviewed journals and
publishing houses. Should this be the case, you may apply to the programme for
experienced researchers, however, only until up to 16 years after you obtained
your first university degree (Master's degree, Diploma, etc.). It is,
furthermore, possible to apply to the programme for experienced researchers if
you hold an academic position that is equivalent to or higher than Associate
Professor / Senior Lecturer / Reader etc., regardless of the date of your first
university degree, within the first twelve years of working in this position.
Please send us your CV and a list of your publications before you apply so we
can advise you (info[at]avh.de).

 

WHAT DETERMINES THE DATE OF A DOCTORATE?

The relevant date is that of completing the final academic part of the doctoral
process (e.g., defence of thesis, doctoral viva). This date will usually be
included on your doctoral certificate alongside the date of issue. The key date
for calculating the period following your doctorate is the date on which your
application is received by the Humboldt Foundation.

 

WHICH DATE IS VALID IF I HAVE SEVERAL DOCTORATES?

In the case of multiple doctorates, the effective date is that of the first
doctoral degree (PhD/CSc.).

 

MY DOCTORATE WAS COMPLETED LESS THAN FOUR YEARS AGO. CAN I APPLY FOR A
FELLOWSHIP FOR EXPERIENCED RESEARCHERS?

Yes. You should, however, already have a clearly recognisable own research
profile and, as a rule, be working at the level of at least assistant professor
or junior research group leader, or have a record of several years of
independent scientific work.

 

MY DOCTORATE WAS COMPLETED MORE THAN FOUR YEARS AGO. CAN I APPLY FOR A
FELLOWSHIP FOR POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHERS?

We cannot consider your application for a fellowship for postdoctoral
researchers if your doctorate was completed more than four years ago. In case
you already have a clearly recognisable own research profile and, as a rule, are
working at the level of at least assistant professor or junior research group
leader, or have a record of several years of independent scientific work, you
can apply for a fellowship for experienced researchers. If you have passed the
deadline, an exception may be made in well-founded cases (e.g. recognition of
parental leave). Please send us your CV and a list of your publications before
you apply so we can advise you (info[at]avh.de).

 

I OBTAINED MY DOCTORATE MORE THAN TWELVE YEARS AGO. CAN I STILL APPLY FOR A
FELLOWSHIP FOR EXPERIENCED RESEARCHERS?

We cannot consider your application if you obtained your doctorate more than
twelve years ago. If you have missed the deadline, an exception may be made in
well-founded cases (e.g. recognition of parental leave). Please send us your CV
and a list of your publications before you apply so we can advise you
(info[at]avh.de).

 

HOW WILL CHILD-REARING PERIODS BE CONSIDERED IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS?

Periods in which you interrupted your academic activities after completing your
doctorate in order to rear children may be taken into account as career breaks
after examination. The proportionate offsetting of such periods is also
possible. Please always indicate child-rearing periods when filling in our
application form.

Mothers can claim two extra years for each child born after their PhD plus any
further verifiable parenting periods. Fathers and other persons responsible for
raising children are only credited with verifiable parenting periods.

In general, postdoctoral researchers may apply up to four years, and experienced
researchers up to twelve years after completing their doctorates. Recognized
child-rearing periods may correspondingly extend these maximum timeframes during
which the submission of applications is possible. The extension is limited to 6
years.

Please contact info[at]avh.de if you have any questions.

 

WHICH OTHER CAREER BREAKS ARE CONSIDERED IN THE APPLICATION PROCESS?

Periods in which you interrupted your academic activities after completing your
doctorate in order to perform military or alternative service, to care for close
relatives, due to long-term illness, or, for example, to care for children or
due to the closure of institutes during a lockdown imposed to control an
epidemic may be taken into account as career breaks after examination. The
proportionate offsetting of such career breaks is also possible. Please always
indicate career breaks when filling in our application form.

Job hunting, unemployment and non-academic employment do not count as career
breaks.

In general, postdoctoral researchers may apply up to four years, and experienced
researchers up to twelve years after completing their doctorates. Recognized
career breaks may correspondingly extend these maximum timeframes during which
the submission of applications is possible. The extension is limited to 6 years.

Please contact info[at]avh.de if you have any questions.

 

ARE CHILD-REARING PERIODS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE ASSESSMENT OF ACADEMIC
ACHIEVEMENTS?

Yes, because the assessment of academic achievements is always made on an
individual basis at the Humboldt Foundation. Therefore, when filling in the
application form, please specify all periods in which you partially or
completely interrupted your academic activities after finishing your doctorate
in order to rear children.

The voluntary disclosure of private circumstances may help increase equal
opportunities during the selection process. The consideration of your personal
circumstances allows for a fairer assessment of your academic achievements.

Please contact info[at]avh.de if you have any questions.

 

ARE OTHER CAREER BREAKS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE ASSESSMENT OF ACADEMIC
ACHIEVEMENTS?

Yes, because the assessment of academic achievements is always made on an
individual basis at the Humboldt Foundation. Therefore, when filling in the
application form, please specify all periods in which you partially or
completely interrupted your academic activities after finishing your doctorate
in order to perform military or alternative service, to care for close
relatives, due to long-term illness, or, for example, to care for children or
due to the closure of institutes during a lockdown imposed to control an
epidemic.

Job hunting, unemployment and non-academic employment do not count as career
breaks.

The voluntary disclosure of private circumstances may help increase equal
opportunities during the selection process. The consideration of your personal
circumstances allows for a fairer assessment of your academic achievements.

Please contact info[at]avh.de if you have any questions.

 

I AM FROM A DEVELOPING/TRANSITION COUNTRY. SHOULD I APPLY FOR A HUMBOLDT OR
GEORG FORSTER RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP?

If your primary life focus (nationality and permanent residence) is in a
developing or transition country (see list of countries) and your research is of
relevance for that country’s (or region’s) further development (see examples
below), we recommend that you apply for a George Forster Research Fellowship. A
persuasive presentation of your work’s relevance for development in your region
is one of the key criteria used when your application is evaluated. For projects
that would be classified as basic research, we recommend applying for a Humboldt
Research Fellowship.

Examples of applications with relevance to development:

Example 1: Food security among children in Nigeria

Foodstuffs that are contaminated with mycotoxins, the toxic metabolic substances
produced by fungi, present a challenge for the people of Nigeria. As part of a
Georg Forster Research Fellowship, one Humboldtian examined with the help of
biomonitoring the degree to which Nigerian children and adolescents are exposed
to mycotoxins in foodstuffs. In this way she is striving to improve the food
safety of the Nigerian people.

Example 2: Climate change and stressed plants

Plants emit a number of volatile organic compounds in response to heat and
drought stress. During her guest visit in Germany, a Latin American Humboldtian
studied the impact these emissions have on air quality and changes in the
climate. Her findings were used to develop sustainable adaptation and mitigation
strategies tailored to the region she comes from. These findings offer political
stakeholders a scientifically proven basis for making decisions.

Example 3: Improved tax enforcement through international co-operation

Audits are a tried and tested tool in the fight against tax evasion. In the case
of transnational audits, joint tax audits can be conducted by international
teams. During her Georg Forster research stay in Germany, one Humboldtian
examined the advantages of joint tax audits with the aim of formulating
recommendations for action to develop and improve international tax law. By
doing so, the Moldavian hopes to make a contribution to her country’s
integration into international tax law structures.

Example 4: Water reservoirs

Siltation of water reservoirs is a major problem for Iran’s water supply. One
Iranian Humboldtian dedicated his stay in Germany to working on methods to
reduce sedimentation in water bodies which he can now transfer to his country of
origin thanks to his existing contacts and good local connections.

Example 5:  Resource use

A Burmese Humboldtian focused on the extraction of mineral resources in Myanmar.
Thanks to his Georg Forster Fellowship he was able to expand his raw materials
expertise as one of the only few excellent Burmese economic geologists. He is
now making valuable contributions to the geoscience community in his country of
origin and is advancing sustainable resource development and use there.

The following examples were not accepted by the Georg Forster Fellowship
Programme because they have little relevance to development:

Example 1: Researching neurodegenerative diseases

Worldwide neurodegenerative diseases pose an enormous problem for people
suffering from them. Studying and designing possible treatment methods for such
diseases requires costly equipment. One applicant planned to increase his
knowledge of this type of technology and how to use it. It was not, however,
apparent from his application how the skills he aimed to acquire in Germany
could be put to practical use without having corresponding infrastructure in his
native country.

Example 2: Further development of cosmological models

One applicant sought to further develop cosmological models (theoretical
physics) with her research project. She convincingly demonstrated that the
project would offer added value for the further development of her field.
However, the review of her application did not identify any relevance for the
social, economic and/or political development of her native country / region.

WHICH (VIRTUAL) MOBILITY RULES APPLY?

The aim of the programme is to enable highly qualified academics from developing
and emerging countries to come to Germany to conduct a research stay here.
Applicants should therefore be living and working in a developing or emerging
country (list of countries, PDF) at the time of application.  It is expected
that applicants plan to return to an eligible country. 

Eligible applicants must have lived in a developing or emerging country for a
minimum of 12 months in the 18-month period prior to submission of the
application. Any time spent outside an eligible country within those 18 months
is taken into account, regardless of duration or reason.
Any person who, regardless of their country of residence, has supported
themselves for more than six out of the last 18 months with financing from a
German institution or who has worked on a doctoral project at an institution in
Germany in the last 18 months is not eligible to apply.
If you are applying for a Fellowship for Experienced Researchers (more than 4
years after the PhD) and you are not resident in an eligible country (including
Germany), at the time of application, you must additionally have a permanent 
employment in one of the eligible countries.

If in doubt, please contact us before you submit your application so we can
advise you (info[at]avh.de).

CAN I APPLY IF I COMPLETED MY SCHOOLING AND A UNIVERSITY DEGREE, OR A UNIVERSITY
DEGREE AND A DOCTORATE, IN GERMANY?

If you completed your schooling and a university degree, or a university degree
and a doctorate, in Germany, you are a so-called educational resident and are
eligible to apply provided that your uninterrupted, permanent place of residence
and work has been in a developing or transition country for more than 5 years.
Educational residents are generally ineligible to apply if they have been in
Germany within the last 18 months prior to receipt of their application or are
already in Germany at the time of applying.

If in doubt, send us a seamless CV and list of your publications so that we can
then advise you (info[at]avh.de).

 

DO I NEED TO KNOW GERMAN IN ORDER TO APPLY?

    

 1. Natural scientists and engineers: good knowledge of German or English is
    sufficient.
 2. Scholars in the humanities and social sciences: should have knowledge of
    German if it is necessary to carry out their research successfully. In this
    case, a German language certificate confirming proficiency must be
    submitted. Otherwise, a good knowledge of English is sufficient.
 3. Physicians: If the research involves work with patients, the candidate must
    have a good knowledge of German (language certificate required). Otherwise,
    a good knowledge of English is sufficient.

    

ENGLISH OR GERMAN IS MY NATIVE LANGUAGE. DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT A LANGUAGE
CERTIFICATE PROVING MY PROFICIENCY?

No, a language certificate is not required.

 

I'M A PHYSICIAN (MD / DR. MED.). ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS?

You are eligible to apply if you hold a research doctorate or a comparable
academic degree.

In addition, please read our Admission Questionnaire for Physicians (MD / Dr.
med.) for detailed information.

If you have several research doctorates, the above mentioned FAQ on the subject
of "several doctorates" applies.


ACADEMIC HOST

WHO CAN BE MY ACADEMIC HOST?

Any researcher working at a university or research institution in Germany who
offers to make research facilities available for the research stay may act as
your host.

If you have already worked in Germany for a longer period of time (12 months or
more) you should look for a new academic environment for another guest stay in
Germany. Applications that involve returning to the supervisor of the doctoral
thesis or to the mentor of a longer postdoctoral stay are generally rejected by
the Selection Committee on the basis of a lack of further independent academic
development.

Individuals with whom you are in a close personal (marriage or civil
partnership) or familial (parents, siblings, children) relationship cannot be
selected as hosts.

HOW CAN I FIND AN ACADEMIC HOST?

You are free to choose your own academic host. The Humboldt Foundation does not
provide any direct support in finding a host.

We would like to draw your attention to the following search engines for hosts
and research institutes:

   

 * Institutes at German universities and other research institutions
   Searchable Portal (GERiT) of the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the
   German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
 * Research facilities, disciplines and research in Germany
   Research portal of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
 * Research Map
   Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK)
 * Research facilities, researchers and projects of the DFG in Germany and
   worldwide
   GEPRIS - Database of the German Research Foundation
 * Research facilities, disciplines and researchers in Germany and worldwide
   World of Learning
 * KISSWIN
   Communication and information platform on career paths and funding
   opportunities for junior academics

   

We would also like to draw your attention to the open access part of the Network
Online. This database features a large proportion of the Foundation's more than
30,000 academics sponsored worldwide. Here you can search for names, disciplines
and keywords.

CAN I CONDUCT MY RESEARCH WITH TWO ACADEMIC HOSTS?

Yes. If the hosts work at different research institutes, they must each provide
a host's statement and confirmation that research facilities can be made
available.

 

WILL MY HOST INSTITUTE RECEIVE ANY ADDITIONAL FUNDS FOR THE COSTS IT INCURS IN
CONNECTION WITH MY RESEARCH STAY?

In general the host institute will receive an allowance for research costs of
€800 per month for research in the field of natural sciences and engineering,
and €500 for research in the field of humanities or social sciences.
Please see the respective FAQ of the Department Sponsorship and Network.


PREPARATION/PLANNING

WHEN AND HOW OFTEN DO SELECTION COMMITTEE MEETINGS TAKE PLACE?

There are three Selection Committee Meetings each year: in February, June and
October.

 

CAN I APPLY TO SEVERAL HUMBOLDT FOUNDATION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMMES AT THE SAME
TIME, OR CAN I APPLY FOR A HUMBOLDT FELLOWSHIP AND THE SOFJA KOVALEVSKAJA AWARD
AT THE SAME TIME IF I FULFIL THE FORMAL REQUIREMENTS?

No, it is not possible to apply to several fellowship programmes or the Sofja
Kovalevskaja Award programme concurrently. Should you be rejected by any of
them, you may, however, apply to any other programme as long as you fulfil the
formal requirements.

 

CAN I APPLY FOR A FELLOWSHIP FROM ANOTHER INSTITUTION AT THE SAME TIME I SUBMIT
MY APPLICATION TO THE HUMBOLDT FOUNDATION?

On principle, it is possible to file parallel applications. You must, however,
indicate this on the application form and inform us immediately of any other
applications you submit and any other sponsorship decisions that occur while we
are considering your application.

 

CAN I CONDUCT PART OF MY RESEARCH WORK ABROAD?

If it is necessary for the success of the project, fellows may conduct research
at research institutions in other parts of Europe during the fellowship period
(excepting their country of origin). As a rule, the total length of your Europe
Research Stay may not exceed 25 per cent of the projected total duration of
sponsorship. Furthermore, if the fellowship is divided up into several stays
(experienced researchers), the duration of the Europe Research Stay may on
principle not exceed half the duration of the respective fellowship period.
Plans for research stays may already be included in your research proposal when
you apply, but you cannot submit an application for a stay before you have been
awarded the fellowship.
The fellowship does not cover research stays in the fellow’s country of origin
or another non-European country; as a rule, the fellowship must be interrupted
for this period or the stay abroad must be realised before the fellowship
begins.

 

CAN I APPLY FOR A RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP FOR A PERIOD OF LESS THAN SIX MONTHS?

The first research stay in the context of a postdoctoral fellowship must last at
least six months. Experienced researchers must also apply for a stay of at least
six months, which can, however, be divided up into two blocks of three months.

 

I AM A POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCHER. CAN I DIVIDE UP MY RESEARCH STAY?

It is not possible to break up the research stay.

 

WHEN DO I HAVE TO START THE FELLOWSHIP PERIOD AT THE LATEST?

You must start the fellowship period within twelve months of being selected.
Otherwise you will have to submit a new application.

 

WILL YOU PAY THE FELLOWSHIP RETROACTIVELY IF I AM ALREADY AT THE HOST INSTITUTE
AT THE TIME OF BEING SELECTED?

No, the fellowship cannot be paid retroactively.

 

IS THE INTENSIVE GERMAN LANGUAGE COURSE PART OF MY RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP?

A two- to four-month language course takes place immediately prior to the start
of the research fellowship. The language fellowship is not part of the research
fellowship. (In other words, if you apply for a two-month language course in
connection with a 12-month research stay in Germany, your stay will last a total
of 14 months).

 

WHEN CAN I ATTEND A LANGUAGE COURSE?

The intensive German language course can only be taken immediately prior to the
start of the research fellowship. If this is not possible, you may apply for
funds to attend evening classes during the research fellowship.

 

DO I HAVE TO TAKE A LANGUAGE COURSE?

There is no obligation to take a language course. However, the Humboldt
Foundation strongly encourages all its fellows and their partners to learn
German during their research stay so that they can fully participate in social
and cultural life in Germany.

 

WHO BEARS THE TRAVEL EXPENSES TO AND FROM GERMANY?

If the fellow's own institution does not cover travel expenses, the Humboldt
Foundation will pay a single lump sum for return travel. The Humboldt Foundation
will only pay travel expenses for family members in exceptional circumstances.

 

CAN I BRING MY FAMILY?

The Humboldt Foundation welcomes the idea that fellows' partners and children
should accompany them and encourages this by paying family allowances in
addition to the fellowship, provided that the family members accompany the
fellow for more than three months.

 

ARE THERE DEADLINES FOR SUBMITTING APPLICATIONS?

There is no closing date for submitting applications. Applications are processed
as part of an ongoing procedure. As soon as we have received your complete
application we shall forward it to independent peer reviewers. Their written
evaluations will then be presented to the Selection Committee at the next
selection meeting at which a decision will be made.
Please note that you can submit your application only after your host and your
expert reviewers have uploaded all necessary documents. The date used to
determine whether the applicant meets certain formal requirements, such as
career stage limitations and stays in Germany, is the date on which the Humboldt
Foundation receives the respective application.
Selection committee meetings take place three times a year, in February, June
and October. Applications should be submitted at least four to seven months
ahead of the prospective selection meeting.
A graphic display of the complete application process can be found under
selection procedure.

HOW SOON CAN I BEGIN THE FELLOWSHIP PERIOD?

If you are coming from abroad, the earliest you may begin the fellowship period
is usually two months (three months if you need a visa) after your application
has been approved by the Selection Committee. If you are already in Germany, you
can start at the beginning of the following month at the earliest.

 


APPLICATION DOCUMENTS

SHOULD MY EXPERT REVIEWS BE SENT DIRECTLY TO THE HUMBOLDT FOUNDATION OR ENCLOSED
WITH THE APPLICATION?

Your host(s) and expert reviewer(s) upload the required documents in a secure
area themselves, adding them to your application form. You can find the links to
this area in the application form. Please send these links on a timely basis to
your designated scientists/academics. Once all the documents have been uploaded,
you will automatically be notified by email and will then be able to submit your
application. You are responsible for ensuring that your documents are complete.
Expert reviews should not be more than 12 months old at the time of application.

 

WHO SHOULD PROVIDE EXPERT REVIEWS FOR MY APPLICATION AND HOW MANY EXPERT REVIEWS
ARE REQUIRED?

The expert review should assess your development as a researcher, your
potential, and your academic accomplishments to date. It is, therefore,
important that expert reviewers are well acquainted with your academic work to
date. You must submit two expert reviews. Postdocs must submit expert reviews
from their doctoral supervisor and one other academic, preferably from outside
their own institute. Experienced researchers must submit expert reviews from
important collaborative partners and/or academics from their own institute and
further institutes, if possible, from abroad. Please note: The host's statement
does not count as an expert review!
You are responsible for requesting all expert reviews and the host’s statement.

 

WHICH PUBLICATIONS SHOULD I ENCLOSE WITH MY APPLICATION?

Your application must contain up to five key publications (postdocs: one to
three; experienced researchers: three to five). Other publications will not be
accepted (exception: you may optionally submit published reviews of your key
publications by other authors).
If you wish to cite your dissertation or habilitation as a key publication but
have not yet submitted it for printing, please upload the original manuscript of
your doctoral or habilitation thesis.

Before uploading, please check the accuracy of the information provided in your
publication lists (complete list, list of key publications), in particular with
regard to the order and completeness of the information on the authors, the
titles of the publications and the publication venues. Inaccurate information
could lead to the rejection of your application on formal grounds.

 

MAY I INCLUDE WORKS THAT HAVE NOT YET BEEN SUBMITTED FOR PUBLICATION IN THE LIST
OF KEY PUBLICATIONS AND THE COMPLETE LIST OF PUBLICATIONS?

No. Please only cite publications that are already in print, have been accepted
for publication or have at least been submitted to a publishing house. Please
cite submitted publications without naming the journal or publishing house on
your publication list. In the latter case you must include the acknowledgement
of receipt from the publisher; in the case of publications that have been
accepted, please include the letter of acceptance from the publisher. Any other
works cited on the list will be deleted.
Exception: Your dissertation or habilitation may be cited as a key publication
even if you have not yet submitted it to a publisher. If you wish to cite your
dissertation or habilitation as a key publication but have not yet submitted it
for printing, please upload the original manuscript of your doctoral or
habilitation thesis.

 

I HAVE NOT YET COMPLETED MY DOCTORATE. DO I HAVE TO HAND IN MY DOCTORAL
CERTIFICATE LATER?

Yes. As soon as you complete your doctorate, we need at least official
confirmation from your university. You will not be able to start the fellowship
without this confirmation.

 

WHAT ARE KEY PUBLICATIONS?

You yourself should choose the key publications from your publications. You
should choose works which present your most important academic results. In cases
of multiple authorship you should select those to which you have made a major
contribution. When choosing key publications we recommend including works that
reflect your more recent publication activity.
Please note that you cannot amend your selection of key publications once the
selection process has begun.

 

HOW MANY KEY PUBLICATIONS SHOULD I CITE?

If you are applying for a fellowship for postdoctoral researchers, one key
publication is sufficient. You may cite a maximum of three.
If you are applying for a fellowship for experienced researchers you must choose
at least three key publications. You may cite a maximum of five. Surplus key
publications will be removed from the list without notifying the applicant.

 

HOW SHOULD I EXPLAIN WHY I HAVE CHOSEN A KEY PUBLICATION?

Please address the particular academic relevance of the results contained in the
key publication and briefly explain the significance of the publication for your
academic profile (cf. sample key publications). In cases of multiple authorship
please also indicate your own personal contribution to the publication.

 

SHOULD MY KEY PUBLICATIONS ALSO BE CITED IN THE COMPLETE LIST OF PUBLICATIONS?

Yes. Please cite all your publications in the complete list of publications,
including your key publications. An unpublished dissertation or habilitation,
however, may not be listed in the complete list of publications. In this list
the key publications should be cited without explanations (cf. sample
publication list). Please note that the order of the authors on the publication
list corresponds to the order of the authors on the submitted publication.
Changing the order is against the Rules of Good Scientific Practice and may
result in penalties (cf. Rules of Good Scientific Practice).
Please note that it is not possible to amend the list of publications submitted
to the Humboldt Foundation once the selection process has begun.

 


SELECTION PROCEDURE

WILL YOU CONFIRM RECEIPT OF MY APPLICATION, AS WELL AS OTHER DOCUMENTS, EXPERT
REVIEWS AND THE HOST'S STATEMENT?

As soon as we receive your application, we will notify you by email.

 

HOW MUCH TIME DO I HAVE TO SUBMIT FURTHER DOCUMENTS OR UPDATE MY APPLICATION?

Your application will be checked upon receipt to ensure that it is complete and
meets the formal requirements for eligibility. We shall only be able to inform
you about the expected decision date when we have received all the required
documents. Once the review process by independent reviewers has been initiated,
it is not possible to submit or exchange any documentation. If any papers or
books that have only been submitted for publication at the time of application
should subsequently be accepted, you should send us a copy of the acceptance
letter immediately by email. This information can be fed into the process prior
to the selection meeting. It is not possible to add to the publication list once
the procedure has started.

 

WILL I BE NOTIFIED OF THE DATE THE SELECTION COMMITTEE WILL DECIDE ON MY
APPLICATION?

When all the documents have been received we shall notify you about the proposed
date of the selection meeting. Should the peer review process of your
application take longer than expected you will also be informed if it becomes
unavoidable to postpone the date of the decision.

 

WHO WILL REVIEW MY APPLICATION?

Your application will be reviewed by independent peer reviewers.

 

WHO WILL DECIDE ON MY APPLICATION?

The final decision on all applications is made by the Selection Committee. The
Selection Committee consists of researchers of all disciplines who decide on all
applications by majority vote. The Humboldt Foundation has no vote on the
Selection Committee.

 

WILL I BE NOTIFIED OF THE REASONS FOR A REJECTION?

If your application is not approved, you may send an informal email requesting
feedback to be sent to you and your host on the reasons for the rejection. This
will usually follow approximately four to six weeks after the selection
committee meeting. Please note that we cannot provide any personalised
information before this juncture so as not to delay the notification process.

 

WHEN WILL I BE INFORMED ABOUT THE DECISION?

We will notify you and your institutional host of the selection committee's
decision by e-mail in the days following the selection meeting. When the meeting
has to decide on a larger number of applications, it may take a few days longer
to notify all applicants and hosts.

 


SELECTION

HOW HIGH IS THE SUCCESS RATE?

In recent years, between 20% and 25% of all applications have been successful.

 

WHAT ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT SELECTION CRITERIA?

The essential aspect of the application is the individual applicant's academic
qualification. Please refer to the relevant programme information for more
details on the selection criteria.

 

CAN I RE-APPLY AFTER BEING REJECTED?

It is possible to re-apply. The new application should, however, differ
significantly from the original, rejected application. Generally, it makes sense
to re-apply after developing one's academic profile, e.g. after academical
publications have been accepted by internationally reviewed journals and
publishing houses. Our experience shows that applicants should wait about two
years before re-applying. Submitting a new application that differs little or
not at all from the rejected original may result in a formal rejection of the
new application.

In the case of unanimously rejected applications, a new application will be
accepted only after 18 months.

 

WHAT ISSUES FREQUENTLY RESULT IN APPLICATIONS BEING REJECTED?

Insufficient publication record:

In particular, applicants who apply upon completion of their doctoral thesis
should ensure that the key findings of the doctoral thesis (key publications)
are already published or have been accepted for publication. In case of doubt,
it is a good idea to wait for several months before submitting the application
until evidence can be provided that the key publications have been accepted.


Lack of academic development:

The chosen research project should not be a direct continuation of the doctoral
thesis or of the academic work carried out to date. Returning to the same
academic environment, e.g. returning to the supervisor of the doctoral thesis or
the mentor of longer postdoctoral research (more than 12 months), or returning
to a host institute where a longer research stay has already taken place,
generally results in the rejection of applications on the basis of a lack of
further independent academic development.


Lack of originality:

In the qualitative assessment of the key publications and of the research
outline, the independent peer reviewers focus in particular on the originality
of the work and the associated impetus for further development in this research
area. If these aspects are not immediately apparent, if the research concerns
more routine work or if the aims of the planned research and its significance
for the continued development of the subject area are not clearly presented,
applications are generally rejected.


Lack of personal academic profile, academic establishment:

In the experienced academics’ programme segment, the personal academic profile
is of major importance for the assessment of applications by the independent
peer reviewers and committee members. Therefore, applications are frequently
rejected if

   

 * no or insufficient publications are available in sole authorship or as a
   corresponding author;
 * the applicants’ topics are too narrowly focused;
 * no clear continued academic development is apparent;
 * the research project is not clearly aligned with the research interests of
   the applicant;
 * after several postdoctoral positions, another "traditional" postdoctoral
   position is applied for without the applicant becoming independently
   established academically in the meantime.

   

For experienced academics whose doctorate was completed more than eight years
ago, rejection often results if a position as an independent academic (assistant
professor, lecturer, junior research group leader, etc.) has still not been
obtained, or if the prospect of a professorial appointment upon completion of
the proposed stay is not apparent from the documentation submitted, especially
the publication profile.


THIS PROGRAMME IS FINANCED BY

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“At my host institute I had access to the latest specialised literature and to
recognised experts in my field – this enriched my research work enormously.”

María Laura Böhm
Jurist and Sociologist from Argentina


GEORG FORSTER RESEARCH FELLOWS IN PORTRAIT

Read the text in Humboldt Kosmos 109/2018

Some people put orange peel in their dishwasher because it saves on rinse aid.
Others put lemon peel in their wardrobes to fend off moths. There are lots of
uses for citrus fruit waste in the home. But Alejandra Omarini thinks on
different scales: she wants to make such waste industrially viable.



Read the text in Humboldt Kosmos 108/2018

For people like him, scientific careers were not what the apartheid regime had
in mind. But Wilfred Fritz managed to carve his path through racial barriers and
restrictions and become one of the first non-whites to study at Stellenbosch
University. Today, his research could help to revolutionise energy supplies in
his country.


Georg Forster Research Fellows in portrait
All awards and grants


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