Georg Forster Research Fellowship:
Are you a researcher from developing and transition countries? The Georg Forster Research Fellowship supports post d0ct0ral and experienced researchers – with your research in Germany. Through the Georg Forster Research Fellowship, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors researchers with above-average qualifications and from all fields. These researches must come from developing and transition countries – excluding PR China and India. As a fellow, you will benefit from individual support from the Humboldt Foundation and our diverse sponsorship portfolio.
Sponsor:
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Degree Level:
Eligible Fields:
Your research must address questions relevant to the further development of your region of origin, regardless of your field.
Natural sciences, engineering, Humanities, social sciences and medicine.
Eligible Nationalities:
Fellowship Award Detail:
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.
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
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.
Eligibility 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 submitting your doctoral thesis 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, 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.
Application Procedure and Documentation:
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.
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.
- list of key publications (cf. sample list, PDF).
- key publications.
- proof that your doctorate (doctoral certificate) 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 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.
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.
Application Deadline:
May 2021 and September 2021
