1. Exzellenz verbindet – be part of a worldwide network
Dr. Hoang Anh Tuan (USSH-Hanoi)
A.von Humboldt Foundation’s Ambassador Scientist
6 December 2017
@ Uni. of Social Sciences & Humanities - Hanoi
At this point, the presenter should declare and explain his/her relationship to the Foundation. If the presenter is not a member of staff, he or she should make clear why the Foundation’s work is so important to him/her that he/she is presenting the work of the Foundation.
At the same time, it should be made clear at this point that, not being a member of staff, the presenter cannot answer every question in detail. He/she cannot definitively confirm whether someone is really suitable for a specific sponsorship programme. Nor can he/she agree to award funding. It is important to point out that the listeners can find all the details on the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s website and are welcome to get in touch with the Foundation at any time. The contact details are given at the end of the presentation. 1

2. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Connecting academic excellence worldwide
Knowledge transfer and cooperation at the highest level
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors academic cooperation between top-flight foreign and German academics. 2

3. Historical and intellectual roots
Alexander von Humboldt ( ): discoverer, universal scholar, cosmopolitan and patron of excellent scientific talent
1953: establishment of today’s Alexander von Humboldt Foundation based in Bonn Bad-Godesberg
international network of academic cooperation and trust inspired by Humboldt’s example
Alexander von Humboldt was a discoverer and cosmopolitan, a universal scholar and fighter for the freedom of research, a humanist and patron of excellent research talents. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation as it is known today was established in 1953 by the Federal Republic of Germany. In the spirit of Humboldt it fosters an international network of scientific cooperation and trust. 3 3

4. The Humboldt Foundation's areas of work
sponsorship of international academics as a part of foreign cultural and educational policy
strengthening cutting-edge research through internationalisation
impetus for the research location Germany by promoting individuals
advancing development through academic cooperation
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is active in various fields:
- it supports international academics as part of foreign cultural and educational policy
- it strengthens cutting-edge research through internationalisation
- it enables individuals, who provide an impetus for the research location Germany, to spend time researching there
- it promotes development by sponsoring cooperation with researchers from emerging and developing countries 4 4

5. Principles of the Foundation
sole selection criterion: academic excellence
no quotas for countries or disciplines
sponsorship of people, not projects
free choice of academic host/collaborative partner in Germany
independent scientific research, not stipulated by the Foundation
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation promotes outstanding researchers from Germany and abroad with its programmes. Sponsorship decisions are based on the applicant’s achievements and qualifications to date. There are no quotas, neither for countries nor disciplines. The Foundation believes that even in the times of increasing team work the ability of the individual is the crucial factor for academic success. This is why it sponsors people not projects. Those chosen on this basis should be given as much freedom as possible to carry out their research projects. This includes allowing Humboldtians to choose their host institutions themselves and to conduct independent research without any stipulations from the Foundation. 5 5

6. Equal opportunities for female academics
equal opportunities is an important issue for the Foundation
sponsoring of women correlates with age, career stage and geographical origin
measures supplementing standard sponsorship opportunities: fellowship extension or interruption, allowances, targeted counselling
Equal opportunities for female academics is an important issue for the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
As the Foundation's sponsorship programmes target both men and women, it consequently seeks to make its sponsorship programmes equally attractive to both male and female academics.
Nevertheless, it is evident that the proportion of female academics sponsored is significantly lower by comparison with their male colleagues
and drops with a higher career stage and with increasing age. The geographical origin is also relevant.
For this reason the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation supplements its sponsorship options with the following equal opportunities measures:
Research fellows have the opportunity to extend the sponsorship period by up to 3 months if they give birth during the approved sponsorship period (in analogy to the periods laid down in the Maternity Protection Act); the opportunity to extend the sponsorship period is available even if the fellowship finishes within the statutory maternity leave period.
The research fellow can apply to interrupt the fellowship period for up to 18 months if the birth of a child occurs within the sponsorship period or if the research fellow (male or female) is responsible for the care of a child under 12 years of age.
Married research fellows receive a marital allowance if the accompanying spouse does not have any income of his/her own. If the fellows‘ underage children (under 18) accompany them to Germany for at least 3 months (without interruption) an application can be made during the sponsorship period to receive child allowance or child benefit according to German law. A childcare allowance can be paid for children of fellows from Germany who accompany them abroad and who are not older than 12. 6 6

7. The Humboldt Foundation's funding
Budget for 2016: approx. €116.2 million Financed by federal funds and the European Union: approx. 96%
The previous year’s budget for the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation was approx. €116.2 million of which approx. 96% was financed by federal funds and the European Union. 50.8% of the total budget was financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, 34.9% by the Federal Foreign Office, 6.7% by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, 1.2% by the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building, and Nuclear Safety and 2.1% by the European Union. The remaining 4.3% were provided by third parties and income from the Foundation‘s assets.
AA: Federal Foreign Office BMBF: Federal Ministry of Education and Research BMZ: Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development BMUB: Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety

8. Research Location Germany
This section illustrates the research location Germany and is therefore particularly relevant for presentations to foreign audiences. 8

9. Research location Germany
Universities
Leibniz Institutes
Max Planck Institutes
Helmholtz Centres
Fraunhofer Institutes
Greifswald
Rostock
Hamburg
Bremen
Hannover
Berlin
Magdeburg
Halle
Leipzig
Dresden
Jena
Nürnberg
München
Freiburg
Saarbrücken
Frankfurt a. M.
Dortmund
Münster
Bonn
Göttingen
Heidelberg
Stuttgart
Kiel
Aachen
Marburg
Mainz
Karlsruhe
Köln
The diversity of the research landscape and the fact that different tasks are carried out by the science organisations and the research institutions are some of the strengths of the German science system. Its continuing, dynamic development is one of the central tasks of German research policy. Cosmopolitanism, the ability to cooperate as well as excellence are the models for a research landscape which meets the demands of the 21st century. In Germany, as the map illustrates, research is conducted at numerous locations and in different types of institution. Apart from universities there are non-university research institutions like the Max Planck Society, Fraunhofer Gesellschaft, Hermann von Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz Scientific Community, known as the Leibniz Association. 9

10. Research institutions
approximately 100 universities: research in all disciplines
83 Max Planck Institutes: basic research, especially in the natural and biosciences but also in the humanities and social sciences
66 Fraunhofer Institutes: applied research
18 Helmholtz Centres: technical-scientific and biomedical research
91 Leibniz Institutes: research ranging from knowledge-oriented basic research to applied research
The spectrum of work at universities includes basic research, applied research as well as development. Currently, more than 100 universities in Germany are particularly strong in research. (Universities in Germany: about 370 including more than 100 universities with the right to award doctorates which are particularly strong in research.)
Basic research is conducted at 83 institutes in the Max Planck Society, especially in science and bioscience, but also in the humanities and social sciences.
The Fraunhofer Gesellschaft undertakes applied research. Its contract partners and clients are companies in the manufacturing and service industries, as well as public bodies. It has more than 80 research centres, including 66 Fraunhofer Institutes all over Germany.
The 18 large-scale technical-scientific and biomedical research centres that have joined together in the Hermann von Helmholtz Association of German Research Centres are a significant part of the research landscape of Germany.
91 research institutes and service facilities for research in Germany have amalgamated under the umbrella of the Leibniz Association. The concrete spectrum of tasks ranges from natural science, engineering and environmental science via economics, social and spatial sciences to the humanities. 10 10

11. Sponsorship Opportunities offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors top-flight academics from abroad by granting research fellowships and research awards for research stays in Germany. It also offers exceptionally qualified academics from Germany the opportunity to carry out a research project anywhere in the world with a member of the Humboldt Network. 11

12. Sponsorship – individual and personal
sponsorship for foreign and German top-flight academics to collaborate with specialist colleagues
more than 700 prestigious research fellowships and awards annually
flexible sponsorship options for different career stages
individual and personal mentoring for those sponsored and their families
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors academic cooperation amongst excellent foreign and German academics. Annually, it grants more than 700 research fellowships and research awards that enjoy an outstanding reputation across the globe.
The Foundation‘s research fellowships and awards provide funding to suit every career situation – from young postdoctoral researchers at the beginning of their research careers to experienced researchers or world leaders in their research area. 12 12

13. Key sponsorship programmes at a glance
Academics from abroad
Academics from Germany
Postdoctoral researchers
(up to 4 years after completion of doctorate)
Humboldt Research Fellowship
Georg Forster Research Fellowship
Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship
Junior research group leaders
(up to 6 years after completion of doctorate)
Sofja Kovalevskaja Award
Experienced researchers
(up to 12 years after completion of doctorate)
(up to 18 years after completion of doctorate)
Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award
Internationally renowned academics
Humboldt Research Award
Georg Forster Research Award
Anneliese Maier Research Award
Alexander von Humboldt Professorship
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors:
academics at different career stages, usually after completion of a doctorate
academics from abroad who wish to conduct research in Germany
academics from Germany who wish to conduct research abroad 13 13

14. Alumni sponsorship and international networking
more than 28,000 Humboldtians in over 140 countries: “Once a Humboldtian – always a Humboldtian“
alumni sponsorship and international networking through e.g.
further research stays
Research Group Linkage Programme
Humboldt Colloquia and Kollegs
Humboldt Alumni Associations
Humboldt Alumni Award
“Once a Humboldtian – always a Humboldtian" – from the very beginning this was the hallmark of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Humboldt sponsorship is enduring: the Foundation is a lifetime partner, maintaining the connections on a long-term basis through its alumni sponsorship programmes. As a result, an active knowledge network of more than 28,000 Humboldtians has been laid across the whole academic world – embracing over 140 states. The alumni sponsorship measures provide flexible support for the individual life paths and development of Humboldtians. Moreover, the Foundation encourages its alumni to undertake their own initiatives and collaborations across disciplinary and national borders.
Amongst other things, networking sponsorship caters for further research stays to Germany. This gives fellows a chance to revitalise relationships to specialist colleagues and their institutes or make contacts with new partners, continue joint projects already underway, or build new collaborations.
The Research Group Linkage Programme allows Humboldtians to apply for sponsorship in order to cooperate over a period of three years with a researcher working at a German institute and additional cooperation partners in other countries.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation regularly organises colloquia abroad to which it invites research fellows and research award winners living in the host country or region, as well as Feodor Lynen fellows working there.
Since 2002, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has provided financial support for Humboldt Alumni Associations as well as for individual Humboldtians to organise regional and specialist conferences. These Humboldt Kollegs have become one of the most popular instruments for strengthening regional and specialist networks. Apart from networking, the Kollegs serve to awaken the interest of young academics in the Foundation’s programmes and in Germany as a location for research.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s Humboldt Alumni Awards for innovative networking initiatives are granted to fellows and award winners abroad. Each award is valued at up to €25,000. Four awards are granted annually, including one that is earmarked to sponsor initiatives promoting networking between female academics. The awards are designed to support projects not covered by the Foundation's existing sponsorship and alumni programmes and to promote academic and cultural relations between Germany and the Humboldt alumni's own countries as well as to strengthen their collaboration in the respective regions. The Humboldt Alumni Award earmarked for networking between female academics targets initiatives which promote and strengthen the long-term career paths of female researchers and their collaborative partners within the respective networks whilst taking account of their professional and family obligations. It also seeks to encourage more female researchers to participate in the Foundation’s sponsorship programmes. 14 14

15. for exceptionally qualified academics from abroad and from Germany
Research Fellowships
for exceptionally qualified academics from abroad and from Germany 15 15

16. Research fellowships for research stays in Germany
For postdoctoral and experienced researchers
Humboldt Research Fellowship
worldwide, all disciplines, no quotas
Georg Forster Research Fellowship
researchers from emerging and developing countries, all disciplines, no quotas
research projects with relevance to development
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables highly-qualified postdoctoral scientists and scholars from abroad to carry out research projects of their own choice in Germany. Researchers of all nationalities and disciplines may apply for a Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdoctoral researchers or a Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers. Applicants are responsible for choosing their own research project and host in Germany and drawing up their own independent research plan. Details of the research project and the timetable must be agreed with the prospective host before the application is made. There are no quotas for individual countries or disciplines.
Furthermore, highly-qualified researchers from emerging and developing countries (excluding India and the People‘s Republic of China) may apply for a Georg Forster Fellowship for postdoctoral researchers or a Georg Forster Fellowship for experienced researchers. The subject of the research proposal must be of relevance to development and particularly suited to the transfer of knowledge and methods to developing countries. Applicants are responsible for choosing their own research project and foreign host and drawing up their own independent research plan. Details of the research project and the timetable must be agreed with the prospective host before the application is made. 16 16

17. Research fellowships for research stays in Germany
Humboldt Research Fellowship / Georg Forster Research Fellowship
Postdoctoral researchers
Experienced researchers
Duration of sponsorship
Application period
Fellowship amount
6 to 24 months
applications at any time, doctorates completed less than 4 years ago
€2,650 per month (plus additional benefits)
6 to 18 months, may be divided up into 3 stays
applications at any time, doctorates completed less than 12 years ago
€3,150 per month (plus additional benefits)
Humboldt and Georg Forster Research Fellowships for postdoctoral researchers are the programmes with which the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables highly-qualified scientists and scholars from abroad, who are just embarking on their academic careers and who completed their doctorates less than four years ago, to spend extended periods working on research (6-24 months) in Germany.
Humboldt and Georg Forster Research Fellowships for experienced researchers target highly-qualified scientists and scholars from abroad, who completed their doctorates less than twelve years ago, enabling them to spend extended periods working on research (6-18 months; may be divided up into a maximum of three blocks) in Germany. 17 17

18. Research fellowships for research stays abroad
For postdoctoral and experienced researchers
Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship
worldwide, all disciplines, no quotas
members of the Humboldt Network abroad as hosts
host contribution (negotiated individually)
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation offers highly qualified scientists and scholars from Germany an opportunity to carry out long-term research at institutes outside Germany.
The programme is open to all disciplines.
The host must be a member of the Humboldt Network abroad or have been granted a specified international academic award and be employed abroad. On the Foundation’s website you can search the database of more than 16,000 potential hosts across the globe by entering names, research institutions, specialist areas or keywords. Applicants are responsible for choosing their own host and drawing up their own independent research plan. Details of the research outline and the timetable must be agreed with the prospective host before the application is made.
The Humboldt Foundation expects the host to contribute to financing the research fellowship. However, host institutes in developing and emerging countries are not required to make a financial contribution. 18 18

19. Research fellowships for research stays abroad
Feodor Lynen Research Fellowships
Postdoctoral researchers
Experienced researchers
Duration of sponsorship
Application period
6 to 24 months
applications at any time, doctorates completed less than 4 years ago
6 to 18 months, may be divided up into 3 stays
applications at any time, doctorates completed less than 12 years ago
Fellowship amount: varies according to target country and personal circumstances
(A fellowship calculator is available on our website)
Feodor Lynen Research Fellowships for postdoctoral researchers are the tool with which the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables highly-qualified scientists and scholars from Germany, who are just embarking on their academic careers and who completed their doctorates less than four years ago, to spend extended periods of research (6-24 months) abroad.
Furthermore, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables highly-qualified scientists and scholars from Germany, who completed their doctorates less than twelve years ago, to spend extended periods of research (6-18 months; may be divided up into a maximum of three blocks of a minimum of 3 months each) abroad.
The applicant can use the fellowship calculator at in order to calculate the approximate amount of the fellowship if the application is successful. 19 19

20. Research Fellowships: Application Requirements and Benefits20

21. Application requirements
Postdoctoral researchers
Experienced researchers
above average doctorate
academic publications
agreement by academic host
independent research proposal
knowledge of German and/or English
independent academic activity, e.g. as an assistant professor
comprehensive list of academic publications with own, clearly defined academic profile
The requirements for an Alexander von Humboldt Foundation research fellowship are an above average doctorate or comparable academic qualification, independent research experience, documented by recognised academic publications, preferably in international journals, adequate language skills, a research outline agreed upon with the academic host as well as a confirmation of the host institute that research facilities are available.
As a rule, candidates’ chances are increased if they belong to the top group amongst their international peers. The number of publications considered appropriate varies according to discipline and career stage.
What determines whether an application is successful is academic quality, not German language skills. In science, in particular, working groups function and publish in English. In this case, it is not necessary to have a proven knowledge of German at the time of application.
Candidates from the humanities and social sciences, on the other hand, should have a basic knowledge of German, which may be necessary to conduct the project successfully, at the time of application.
Experienced researchers should have their own, clearly defined academic profile. This means they should usually be working at least at the level of Assistant Professor or Junior Research Group Leader or be able to document independent research work over a number of years and a comprehensive list of academic publications with a recognisable, independent profile. 21 21

22. Application procedure
applications at any time to the Foundation directly
assessment by independent expert reviewers
decision by independent selection committees
duration of procedure: approximately 4 to 7 months
Applications may be submitted to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation at any time. Application forms can be downloaded from the Internet. Usually, two independent expert opinions will be requested for each application. The decision is made by an independent selection committee made up of academics from all disciplines. They evaluate the applications submitted without any quotas for countries or disciplines. The selection committee meets three times a year. The procedure takes a total of 4-7 months from submission to notification of the committee’s decision immediately after the committee meeting. 22 22

23. Benefits provided fellowship travel lump sum language courses*
benefits for families
allowance for research costs for the host institute*
(*not applicable to Feodor Lynen Research Fellowships)
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s research fellowships comprise comprehensive sponsorship benefits.
During the entire stay in Germany fellows receive a fellowship which allows them a standard of living comparable to that of academics at the same career stage in Germany. The fellowship for postdoctoral researchers is set at €2,650 per month; for experienced researchers it is 3,150 EUR per month. The fellowship amount takes special account of the fellow’s individual situation (e.g. through benefits for families). The host institute is granted an allowance for research costs, which amounts to €800 for research fellows in the natural sciences and engineering and €500 for humanities scholars.
Within the Feodor Lynen Fellowship Programme the fellowship amount varies according to target country and personal circumstances: a fellow heading for the USA, for example, currently receives €3,305 per month, or up to €5,320 if accompanied by a marital partner and two children (UK: €3,040 or up to €4,750; Poland: €2,890 or up to €4,650).Travel expenses are paid in addition. The applicant can use the fellowship calculator ( in order to calculate the approximate fellowship amount if the application is successful. The binding fellowship amount is only calculated by the Foundation once a positive decision has been made and may differ from the amount calculated here.
Fellows also receive a single lump sum to cover return travel expenses to Germany. The Foundation finances language courses for foreign academics coming to Germany on a research stay and for their marital partners. 23 23

24. Benefits provided
intensive and individual mentoring in Germany and abroad by personal contacts at the Foundation
study tour*, network meeting, annual meeting
return fellowships for specific regions
alumni sponsorship
(*not applicable to Feodor Lynen Research Fellowships)
One of the hallmarks of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is to provide guest researchers with as much individual assistance as possible.
At the end of August or early in September each year, a two-week study tour is arranged for research fellows and their marital partners. In addition, there are several regional network meetings held annually for research fellows who newly arrived in Germany. These meetings take place in German university towns. The Foundation‘s annual meeting is held in the summer. All research fellows and research award winners from all disciplines and countries staying in Germany, as well as Feodor Lynen Research Fellows who have returned in the preceding year, are invited to attend this meeting together with their families.
It is the aim of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation to sponsor their research fellows on a long-term, individual basis. Contact should be maintained after the initial research stay in Germany in order to ensure that the relationships to specialist colleagues in Germany, which have developed during the fellowship period, can be sustained and strengthened, and academic collaboration consolidated long-term. Alumni sponsorship is not subject to an age limit.
Research fellows can apply for a return fellowship to sponsor reintegration into an institute abroad. Applications may currently be made by academics returning to the following countries:
developing or emerging countries (Humboldt and Georg Forster Research Fellowships);
countries in Central and Eastern Europe (Humboldt Research Fellowships)
At the end of the fellowship period, Feodor Lynen Research Fellows are also offered return fellowships. They can be granted for a maximum period of 12 months upon application. 24 24

25. Look for a host in Germany
through the Humboldt Foundation’s Network Online
Network Online can be used to locate Humboldtians’ host institutes
searches can be filtered by subject area, location or keyword
on the EURAXESS Germany website
with the help of the Research Explorer from DAAD and DFG
contains more than 19,000 institutes at German universities and non-university research institutions
allows searches based on geographical, field-related and structural criteria
ask colleagues at your institute who have contacts in Germany (possibly Humboldtians)
The freely accessible Network Online lists a large portion of the more than 26,000 individuals throughout the world who have been sponsored by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and can offer interested parties an overview of possible hosts. The Network Online can be searched by name, host institute, subject area, location or keyword. Using the names of the Humboldtians that a search turns up, it is subsequently possible to determine their respective hosts.
Visit “ -> Information & Assistance -> Finding an academic host” to find a list of websites that can help in finding a host institution.
The Research Explorer is a research directory that the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) maintain in cooperation with the German Rectors’ Conference (HRK).

26. Origin of guest researchers
2012–2016: 2,830 research fellowships granted to academics from abroad
Australia, New Zealand, Oceania 4%
Middle East, North Africa 5%
Sub-Saharan Africa 5%
Central and South America 7%
Europe 36%
The distribution of research fellows according to countries of origin changes from year to year because the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation does not have any quotas for countries but selects candidates solely on the basis of the academic quality of applications. Thus, the distribution reflects both the countries which have particularly large numbers of applicants and particularly successful applicants and also indicates how attractive Germany is as a research location for certain countries during a certain period. The Foundation welcomes excellent applications from all countries equally.
Of the researchers from abroad (Humboldt and Georg Forster Research Fellows) selected in the five-year period, 2012–2016, 36% came from Europe, 27% from Asia, 16% from North America, 7% from Central and South America, 5% from Sub-Saharan Africa, 5% from the Middle East, North Africa and 4% from Australia, New Zealand and Oceania.
North America 16%
Asia 27% 26 26

27. Disciplines of guest researchers
2012–2016: 2,830 research fellowships granted to academics from abroad
Engineering Sciences 13 %
Life Sciences 21 %
The distribution of research fellows according to discipline changes from year to year because the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation does not have any quotas for disciplines but selects candidates solely on the basis of the academic quality of applications. Thus, the distribution reflects both the disciplines which have particularly large numbers of applicants and particularly successful applicants and also indicates how attractive Germany is as a research location for certain disciplines during a certain period. The Foundation welcomes excellent applications from all disciplines equally.
Of the researchers from abroad (Humboldt and Georg Forster Research Fellows) selected in the five-year period, 2012–2016, 41% were natural scientists, 25% were humanities scholars and social scientists, 21% were life scientists and 13% were engineering scientists.
Natural Sciences 41 %
Humanities and Social Sciences 25 % 27 27

28. The Humboldt Network – more than 28,000 Humboldtians worldwide
active Humboldtians worldwide:
The map shows all foreign and German fellows and award winners according to current country of residence.
as of: February 2017

29. Award Programmes
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation offers a number of research awards. Self nominations are not possible (with the exception of the Sofja Kovalevskaja Award). Rather, academics in Germany are required to nominate foreign colleagues within their disciplines for these research awards. 29

30. Research awards Humboldt Research Award (by nomination)
for internationally eminent academics from abroad
€60,000, research stay in Germany
Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award (by nomination)
for experienced, internationally-respected academics from abroad up to 18 years after completion of doctorate
up to €45,000, research stay in Germany
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation grants up to 100 Humboldt Research Awards annually to internationally eminent academics from abroad in recognition of their entire academic record to date. The award winners are also invited to undertake research projects of their own choice in Germany, in cooperation with colleagues from their disciplines, for a period of approx months (can be divided up into shorter periods of time).
The Humboldt Research Award is valued at €60,000.
The initiative to grant a Humboldt Research Award (nomination) must be taken by established academics who are working at universities or other research institutions in Germany. Self-nomination is not possible.
Academics can be nominated for the award if their fundamental discoveries, new theories or insights have had a significant impact on their disciplines beyond their own particular field of research and if they are expected to continue producing cutting-edge academic achievements in the future.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation annually awards approx. 20 Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Awards to internationally renowned academics from abroad, who have completed their doctorate within the last 18 years, in recognition of the outstanding academic performance of these excellent researchers. The award is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. The award winners are also invited to undertake research projects of their own choice in Germany, in cooperation with colleagues from their own disciplines, for a period of approx months (can be divided up into shorter periods of time).
The Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award is valued at €45,000. The initiative to grant a Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award (nomination) must be taken by established academics who are working at universities or other research institutions in Germany. Self-nomination is not possible.
Academics can be nominated for the award if their research performance to date has already led to their recognition as internationally outstanding researchers in their own fields and if they are expected to continue producing cutting-edge achievements which will have a significant impact on their discipline beyond their immediate field of work in the future.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation particularly encourages the nomination of qualified female academics. 30 30

31. Research awards Sofja Kovalevskaja Award
for top level junior academics from abroad
up to €1.65 million for a period of 5 years
to establish their own junior research group in Germany
joint application by the applicant and the host institution
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation recognises the outstanding academic achievements of particularly promising junior researchers from abroad by granting the Sofja Kovalevskaja Award. This award is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Virtually unaffected by administrative constraints, award winners should be able to concentrate on the high level, innovative research of their own choice in Germany, thereby strengthening the internationalisation of research in Germany. The award is designed to enable them to embark on academic careers in Germany by establishing their own junior research groups at university or non-university research institutions in Germany; it also covers their living expenses.
The award winners each receive a total of €1.65 million for research of their own choice. Researchers from abroad can apply for the awards if they completed their doctorate with distinction no more than 6 years ago and have published their results in internationally recognised journals or publications.
Foreign scientists and scholars who are already in Germany can only apply if they have been in Germany for less than six months prior to the application submission deadline. German scientists and scholars can apply if their habitual place of work and residence has been located abroad on the assumption of permanence for at least five years. The Humboldt Foundation particularly welcomes applications from qualified, female junior researchers. 31 31

32. Research awards Alexander von Humboldt Professorship
International Award for Research in Germany for leading academics of all disciplines from abroad
3.5 or 5 million euros for 5 years, up to 10 award winners p.a.
nominations by German universities or joint applications by universities and non-university research institutions
requirement: strategic plan by the university to integrate the award winner into long-term research and development
The Alexander von Humboldt Professorship, which is financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research through the International Research Fund for Germany, enables award winners to carry out long-term, ground-breaking research at universities and research institutions in Germany. One objective of the programme is to tap academic expertise from abroad for research in Germany on a permanent basis; another is to support universities in redefining research focus areas.
The award amount, totalling 5 million euros for academics in experimental disciplines and 3.5 million euros for researchers in theoretical disciplines, is made available for a period of five years. It covers the financial outlay for research work and an administrative lump sum for the receiving institution. The award sum also includes personal salary which may not exceed €180,000 per year.
Nominations must be submitted to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation via the rectors or presidents of the respective university and, where relevant, the academic directors or boards of non-university research institutions. Direct applications are not accepted. Nominations may be submitted during ongoing appointment procedures.
Apart from the nominee’s qualifications, the way he or she is supposed to be integrated into research and development planning at the nominating institution plays a crucial role in the selection procedure. The nominating institution must describe how it is going to ensure that the nominee’s future academic work will contribute to developing or establishing research focus areas in his/her discipline at the receiving institution. Furthermore, nominators must explain their concept for ensuring the nominee's long-term affiliation to the institution, even after the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsorship has come to an end (this will usually entail a professorial appointment).
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation particularly welcomes nominations on behalf of qualified female academics. 32 32

33. Research awards Anneliese Maier Research Award
collaboration award to promote the internationalisation of the humanities and social sciences in Germany
for outstanding researchers from abroad from the fields of the humanities and social sciences
€250,000 for a period of up to 5 years
to finance research collaboration with specialist colleagues in Germany
nomination
Every year, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation grants up to eight Anneliese Maier Research Awards funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research to internationally established researchers from abroad in all fields of the humanities, social science, cultural science, law and economics. The award amount is €250,000 and is made available over a period of five years to finance research collaboration with specialist colleagues in Germany. The initiative for an Anneliese Maier Research Award (nomination) must come from an established scholar who is employed with a university or another research institution in Germany. Self-nominations are not possible. At the time of nomination, the nominated candidate must have been predominantly living and working abroad for at least five years. In addition to researchers who already number among the established leaders in their subject, the award is also aimed at researchers who are not yet so advanced in their scientific careers but who are already internationally established researchers from whom a sustainable shaping of the humanities and social sciences in Germany can be expected through the prospects of long-term collaboration. Particular importance is attached to the nomination of qualified female researchers.

34. Research awards Georg Forster Research Award
for internationally renowned academics from developing and threshold countries
€60,000; additional funding of up to €25,000 to support the collaboration
research stay in Germany
nomination
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation grants up to four Georg Forster Research Awards to internationally established researchers from developing and transition countries (excluding India and the People’s Republic of China) of all disciplines in recognition of their entire academic record to date. The award amount is €60,000. In addition, Award winners are invited to conduct a research project of their own choosing in Germany in close collaboration with a specialist colleague. The project duration of about six to twelve months may be divided into segments. The objective of inviting award winners to Germany is to contribute to the long-term promotion of outstanding scientific multipliers in transition and developing countries whose research will contribute to improving living conditions in their own countries. To support the collaboration, the Humboldt Foundation may grant additional funding of up to €25,000, particularly for participating in scientific conferences, additional material resources, e.g., specialist literature and scientific equipment for the nominee’s own institute, as well as for involving junior researchers.
An established academic employed by a university or research institution in Germany must take the initiative to nominate a candidate for the Georg Forster Research Award. Nominations may also be initiated by award winners of the Humboldt Foundation working abroad, provided that the nomination is made jointly with a colleague working in Germany. Self-nomination is not possible. The Humboldt Foundation particularly encourages the nomination of qualified female researchers.
Academics whose fundamental discoveries, new theories, or insights have had a significant impact on their own discipline and beyond and who are expected to continue developing research-based solutions to the specific challenges facing transition and developing countries are eligible to be nominated for the award.

35. Further Sponsorship Programmes35

36. German Chancellor Fellowships
for outstanding prospective leaders from Brazil, China, India, the Russian Federation and the USA
from a broad range of areas such as politics and public policy, law, media, business, the non-governmental sector, and the arts
with an independent project in Germany that has been agreed with the host.
intermediaries between their home countries and Germany
Every year, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation grants up to ten scholarships to prospective leaders from the USA, the Russian Federation China, India and Brazil respectively who have shown outstanding potential for leadership in their careers so far. The programme is targeted at accomplished young professionals who are likely to become decision-makers, thought leaders, and influential voices in their respective fields. The fellowship enables fellows to come to Germany for 12 months in order to conduct a project with a host of their own choice. 36 36

37. German Chancellor Fellowships
Application requirements
Bachelor's or equivalent academic degree
leadership potential
Benefits provided
12-month fellowship in Germany, extension of up to 3 months possible
language course, introductory seminar, study trip, reception at the Federal Chancellery
travel lump sum, family allowances
Requirements for an application are a first university degree (Bachelor‘s or equivalent degree), completed less than twelve years prior to the start date of the fellowship. Subsequently, the candidates must have demonstrated a high level of leadership potential in their careers to date. Furthermore a supervision agreement must be in place with a host in Germany. Citizenship of the USA, the Russian Federation or the People‘s Republic of China is also an application requirement.
Fellowship benefits
The fellowship is granted for twelve months, extensions of up to three months are possible. The fellowship amount is between €2,150 and €2,750 per month (in exceptional cases up to 3,650 EUR). The stay in Germany begins with an obligatory three-month intensive language course, followed by a four-week introductory seminar in Bonn and Berlin. Further events include a two-week study tour through Germany and a final meeting of the fellows in Berlin with a reception at the Federal Chancellery. These activities allow the fellows to gain additional insights into social, cultural, economic and political life in Germany.
On top of this, travel expenses are covered at the beginning and end of the visit to Germany as well as the costs of the language course and the study tour. Family allowances may be paid on application. 37 37

38. Frontiers of Research Symposia
Binational, interdisciplinary conferences* for outstanding young researchers from the USA, Japan, United Kingdom, China, India, Israel and Brazil
Format
3-day conferences in the areas of natural sciences, engineering and the humanities
in cooperation with foreign partner organisations
alternating annually between Germany and the partner country
* self-nomination is not possible
Since 2000, the Humboldt Foundation has sponsored the bi-national Frontiers of Research Symposia. The symposia bring together outstanding junior researchers, half of them from Germany and half from the respective partner country. These young academics, who do not only come from universities and research institutes but also from industry, meet for three days. They compare research approaches in their respective countries and prepare the way for bi-national, cross-disciplinary collaborations. This allows a network to develop amongst future leaders. 38 38

39. Social Media 39

40. Humboldt Life – the Foundation's online network
A platform for all members of the Humboldt Family to promote professional and personal communication
Members can
introduce themselves and present their research focus areas;
find new collaborative partners or trace colleagues they once worked with;
start or join groups to share knowledge and ideas;
enter their publications in a central publication database;
invite guests.

41. Alumniportal Deutschland
target group: anyone who has studied or conducted research in Germany (Germany alumni)
access to all registered Germany alumni, organisations and companies
access to opportunities in education and research
opportunities for alumni to present their expertise
platform for regional and professional alumni networks
The Alumniportal Deutschland is a free online service for the Germany alumni of five organisations active in the field of international cooperation. Apart from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, the Centre for International Migration and Development (CIM), the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD), the Goethe Institute and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (giz) are involved in the project. It is financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
The Alumni Portal Deutschland is a platform for anyone who has studied or conducted research in Germany (Germany alumni). Those registered on the portal can access all the other registered Germany alumni as well as organisations and companies. Germany alumni will also find additional training and research opportunities, jobs, events and current calls. Furthermore, alumni are given the chance to present their expertise in their special field.
In its role as collaborative partner, the Humboldt Foundation provides the portal community with access to its worldwide network of alumni, thus creating an additional presentation and networking platform for its own alumni.
Visit for additional information on the project. 41

42. Contact
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is available to answer your questions at any time:
Jean-Paul-Straße Bonn Germany Phone: Fax:
If you have any questions about the Humboldt Foundation’s work or would like to obtain
information on applications please contact directly. 42 42