Scholarship World : Scholarships Year 09-10: Germany Fellowship for experienced researchers

Georg Forster Research Fellowship for experienced researchers

For academics from developing countries to do a research project relevant to development policy which, being carried out in Germany, facilitates the transfer of knowledge and technologies to developing countries. Duration: 6 to 18 months. The fellowship is flexible and can be divided up into as many as three stays within three years.

Submit an application if you are a researcher from a developing country with above average qualifications, completed your doctorate less than twelve years ago, al-ready have your own research profile and are working at least at the level of Assistant Professor or Junior Research Group Leader or have a record of several years of independent academic work. A Georg Forster Research Fellowship for experienced researchers allows you to carry out a long-term research project (6−18 months) you have selected yourself in cooperation with an academic host you have selected yourself at a research institution in Germany. The fellowship is flexible and can be divided up into as many as three stays within three years.

Scientists and scholars of all disciplines from developing and threshold countries (excluding China, India and Turkey; c.f. detailed list of countries) may apply to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation directly at any time. The research proposal must address issues of significant relevance to the further development of your country of origin and, in this context, promise to facilitate the transfer knowledge and methods to developing and threshold countries.

The Humboldt Foundation grants up to 60 Humboldt Research Fellowships for postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers annually.

Short-term study visits, participation in congresses and training courses cannot be financed.

Application Requirements

Doctorate or comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent), completed less than twelve years prior to the date of application. If it is not possible or customary to take a doctorate in the candidate's subject or country, applications may be submitted up to twelve years after commencing publication activity.
The candidate's own research profile documented by a comprehensive list of academic publications in reviewed journals and for publishing houses.
Choice of a research project of major relevance to the future development of the candidate's country of origin, including options for transferring knowledge and methods; details of the research project and the proposed timetable must be discussed with the prospective host prior to application.
Confirmation that research facilities are available and a detailed expert's report from an academic host at a research institution in Germany.
Expert references from important collaborative partners and/or academics from the candidate's own institute and, if possible, from abroad.
Language skills: scholars in the humanities or social sciences and physicians must have a good knowledge of German if it is necessary to carry out the project successfully; otherwise a good knowledge of English; scientists and engineers must have a good knowledge of German or English;
The applicant may not have spent an extended period in Germany prior to application. Applications to continue a research stay already underway can only be considered in exceptional cases. If in doubt, candidates who have been in Germany for more than six months at the time of application should consult the FAQs and check with the Humboldt Foundation (info@avh.de) whether formal requirements have been met before submitting an application.
Principal place of residence and work in a developing or threshold country (excluding China, India and Turkey, c.f. detailed list of countries).
The Humboldt Foundation assumes that candidates will abide by the Rules of Good Scientific Practice during the application and sponsorship periods.