Applications now accepted for the Georg Forster Research Fellowship Program

Applications for the 2024 Georg Forster Research Fellowship Program are now being accepted. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation offers this fellowship to researchers from developing and emerging countries with exceptional qualifications. We strongly encourage female scientists to apply.

The Georg Forster Research Fellowship recognizes the vital contribution of researchers from these countries towards achieving the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals. It provides sponsorship equivalent to the Humboldt Research Fellowship.

By awarding Georg Forster Research Fellowships to postdoctoral researchers, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation allows highly-qualified scientists and scholars from abroad, who have completed their doctorates within the last four years, to conduct research in Germany for extended periods (6-24 months).

Selection Criteria: Georg Forster Research Fellowship Program

1. Candidates are chosen based solely on their academic qualifications. There are no specific quotas for disciplines or countries. Academic eligibility is evaluated based on the following criteria:
2. – Academic record and performance (mobility, determination, breadth of research activities, academic productivity)
3. – Quality of key publications mentioned in the application (originality, innovation, applicant’s contribution in case of multiple authors)
4. – Originality and potential for innovation of the proposed research plan (importance for the field, choice of academic methods, prospects for academic growth, clear focus and feasibility within the funding period and at the chosen host institution)
   – Applicant’s future potential (academic growth, career prospects).

Application Criteria: Georg Forster Research Fellowship Program

1. Applicants must hold a Doctorate or an equivalent academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc., etc.) obtained within the last four years from the date of application. Candidates who are in the final stages of completing their doctoral studies may also apply, provided they submit their dissertation manuscript or related publications at least 6 months before completion.
2. Academic publications must meet international standards and be published in reputable journals or by recognized publishing houses.
3. Candidates must propose a research project that is highly relevant to the future development of their home country or region.
4. Proof of available research facilities, a mentoring agreement, and a detailed statement from an academic host in Germany are required.
5. Recommendations from the doctoral supervisor and another qualified academic, preferably from a different institution, are necessary.
6. Language proficiency requirements vary based on the field of study: humanities or social sciences and medicine require good knowledge of German or English, while natural sciences and engineering require proficiency in German or English.
7. Applicants must be citizens of eligible countries (refer to the detailed list) and must have their primary residence and work in an eligible country for the long term. Mobility rules apply at the time of application submission.
8. The Georg Forster Research Fellowship offers the opportunity to conduct independent research at different stages of your career in partnership with a host at a German research institution of your choosing. Hosts have the option to request financial support for research expenses.

Benefits: Georg Forster Research Fellowship Program

1. In addition to the monthly fellowship stipend of 2,500 EUR, the program provides the following benefits:
2. – Mobility lump sum to cover costs related to conference attendance, research trips, stays in archives and libraries, both in Germany and abroad.
3. – Subsidy for medical and liability insurance expenses.
4. – Lump sum for return travel expenses if not covered by a third party.
5. – Language fellowship for an intensive language course lasting two to four months at selected language institutes in Germany before the research period begins; language fellowships may also be available for accompanying spouses.
6. – Family allowances for accompanying family members staying at least three months, including a flat-rate allowance for children under 18 for stays of at least three months.
7. – Extension of the fellowship up to 12 months for research fellows with children under 12.
8. – Europe allowance for a research stay in another European country (excluding the fellow’s own country) if necessary for the success of the research.
9. – Subsidy for research costs to be paid to hosts in Germany, amounting to 800 EUR per month for natural sciences and engineering research, and 500 EUR for humanities and social sciences research.
10. – Ongoing alumni support after the research stay ends, particularly for maintaining connections with German partners throughout the recipient’s academic career.

Application: Georg Forster Research Fellowship Program

1. For details visit the official website of the Georg Forster Research Fellowship Program.