Georg Forster Research Fellowship for postdoctoral 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 24 months plus a subsequent Return Fellowship lasting 12 months.

Submit an application if you are a researcher from abroad with above average qualifications, at the beginning of your academic career and only completed your doctorate in the last four years. A Georg Forster Research Fellowship for postdoctoral researchers allows you to carry out a long-term research project (6−24 months) you have selected yourself in cooperation with an academic host you have selected yourself at a research institution in Germany.

Scientists and scholars from 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 future development of your country of origin and, in this context, promise to facilitate the transfer of 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.

You can find other important information in the Programme Information in the FAQ.

Application Requirements

Doctorate or comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent), completed less than four years prior to the date of application. Candidates who have nearly completed their doctoral degrees are eligible to apply provided that they submit the manuscript of their dissertation or publications containing the results of their dissertation.
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.
Confirmation that research facilities are available and a detailed expert's report from an academic host at a research institution in Germany; details of the research project and the proposed timetable must be discussed with the prospective host prior to application.
Expert references from the doctoral supervisor and other academics qualified to comment on the applicant's eligibility, preferably including reviewers not working at the applicant's own institute.
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 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. list of countries).
The Humboldt Foundation assumes that candidates will abide by the Rules of Good Scientific Practice during the application and sponsorship periods