Applications are now open for the 2027 Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Research Fellowship, offering outstanding researchers from around the world the opportunity to carry out independent research in Germany. The fellowship is open to applicants from all academic disciplines and nationalities and is supported through the Global Minds Initiative Germany of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space. Successful fellows will undertake their research in collaboration with a host institution in Germany while becoming part of an internationally recognized academic network.

The fellowship is intended for researchers with an excellent academic background who have either recently completed their doctorate or have established themselves as experienced researchers. Postdoctoral applicants should have earned their doctoral degree within the past four years, while experienced researchers should normally have completed their doctorate within the last twelve years. In disciplines or countries where doctoral degrees are not customary, applicants may qualify by holding a Master’s or Diploma degree completed within the last sixteen years, provided their publication record reflects an equivalent level of academic achievement. Applicants applying as experienced researchers are also expected to hold a leadership position appropriate to their career stage, such as an assistant professor, lecturer, or head of an independent research group.

Candidates should demonstrate a strong record of scholarly achievement through publications in internationally recognized peer-reviewed journals or academic publishers that reflect their career stage. Experienced researchers are expected to have led the research presented in their key publications. Applicants must also secure the support of a host researcher at a German institution, including confirmation that suitable research facilities will be available, a mentoring agreement, and a detailed assessment from the host. Two additional academic references are required from established collaborators or scholars familiar with the applicant’s work, with postdoctoral candidates generally expected to include one reference from their doctoral supervisor.

Applicants must possess the language skills necessary to successfully complete the proposed research. Depending on the discipline, this may require good knowledge of either German or English. For many projects in the natural sciences and engineering, proficiency in either language is acceptable, while humanities, social sciences, and medical research may require German if essential for the proposed work.

Applications are evaluated based on academic excellence, research productivity, originality of previous work, and the quality of the proposed research project. Reviewers also consider the applicant’s academic development, international experience, future research potential, and the feasibility and scientific value of the proposed project. For experienced researchers, having a clearly established academic profile and demonstrated research leadership is an important consideration.

Successful fellows receive generous financial support throughout their stay in Germany. Postdoctoral researchers are awarded a monthly fellowship of €3,000, while experienced researchers receive €3,600 per month. Additional support includes a mobility allowance, contributions toward medical and liability insurance, travel assistance, and an initial settling-in grant. Research hosts may also apply for funding to help cover research-related expenses.

To help fellows prepare for their stay, the foundation offers an intensive German language course lasting two or four months before the fellowship begins, with accompanying partners also eligible to participate. Researchers relocating with family members may receive additional support, including family allowances, insurance contributions for accompanying partners and children, financial assistance for single parents, and fellowship extensions for maternity leave or researchers accompanied by children.

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