Georg Forster Research Germany Fellowship

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation grants the Georg Forster Research Fellowship for sustainable development to researchers in all disciplines from developing and emerging countries (see list of countries, PDF) with above-average qualifications. The foundation states that it provides sponsorship equivalent to the Humboldt Research Fellowship and that it acknowledges the role of researchers from these countries in achieving the UN’s 17 sustainable development goals.

The programme is for postdocs and experienced researchers to conduct their own research at various stages of their careers in collaboration with a host at a German research institution of their choice. The page notes that applications are encouraged from female scientists and expressly welcomes applications from Least Developed Countries as defined by the UN, and that it generally welcomes applications regardless of ethnic, cultural or social background, gender identity, age, religion, worldview, disability or sexual orientation.

Applicants must meet the stated eligibility criteria, including nationality, residence/stay requirements, research relevance to sustainable development of the region of origin, confirmation that research facilities are available (host’s statement and mentoring agreement), and expert reviews. The page also describes different review-provider expectations for postdocs versus experienced researchers.

The fellowship provides personal support during the sponsorship, and the page states that fellows can determine when they would like to start. It states that prior to the research fellowship, the applicant and partner can attend an intensive German language course. The page also states that further financial support is available, and that alumni programmes provide flexible alumni sponsorship after the research stay, including the possibility of a return fellowship or later visits to Germany.

• Programme stage: exclusively for postdocs or experienced researchers, depending on the track.
• Postdocs: completed a doctorate (or equivalent academic qualification) during the last four years, or are within six months of completing the doctorate and can provide a written summary of findings; also require publication in academic journals and by publishing houses that are reviewed according to international standards; must fulfil all criteria under “What is required of you” to apply.
• Experienced researchers: completed a doctorate (or equivalent qualification) during the last twelve years; academic profile substantiated by an extensive list of publications in academic journals and by publishing houses that are reviewed according to international standards; must fulfil all criteria under “What is required of you” to apply.
• Alternative eligibility (experienced researchers): if a doctorate in the field or country of origin is not possible or uncommon, can apply up to 16 years after completing a master’s or other postgraduate degree, provided there is a publication record commensurate with career level.
• Research topic: research must address questions relevant to the sustainable development of the region of origin, regardless of field.
• Nationality: must be a citizen of a developing or transition country, excluding PR China and India (see list of countries).
• Place of residence/stay: must have lived and worked in a developing or transition country for at least 12 months within the last 18 months (excluding PR China and India).
• Germany-based qualification exception: if the university entrance qualification and degree or the degree and doctorate were obtained in Germany, the applicant can apply if they have lived and worked in one of the developing or transition countries from the list for at least five years and intend to do so long-term.
• Germany time limit: may not have lived in Germany for longer than a total of six months within the 18-month period prior to submitting the application.
• Only experienced researchers (additional condition): if not living in a country from the list of countries at the time of application, must additionally have a permanent job in one of the developing or transition countries on the list.
• Host confirmation / facilities: must have a researcher from an academic institution of choice in Germany provide a mentoring agreement and written confirmation that research facilities are available, and compile a detailed review.
• Expert reviews: can provide two expert reviews; Postdocs: doctoral supervisor and one other researcher (outside institute if possible). Experienced researchers: reviews provided by important collaborative partners and/or researchers at own institute as well as other institutes (outside country of origin if possible).
• Language skills: Natural sciences and engineering require good knowledge of German or English. Humanities, social sciences and medicine require good knowledge of German if necessary for successful research; otherwise, good knowledge of English will suffice.
• Research ethics: must abide by rules of good scientific practice (PDF) and principles of scientific ethics.

• Monthly fellowship amount: €3,000 (postdocs) plus additional benefits.
• Monthly fellowship amount: €3,600 (experienced researchers) plus additional benefits.
• Fellowship duration: postdocs may last from 6 to 24 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years.
• Fellowship duration: experienced researchers may last from 6 to 18 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years.
• German language course: intensive German language course prior to the research fellowship for the applicant and partner.
• Additional financial support: further financial support including family benefits for children and partners, subsidies for private full health insurance, and allowances for travel expenses.
• Personal support: personal support throughout the sponsorship.
• Alumni support: alumni sponsorship measures flexibly support individual careers and future collaborations; return fellowship or later visits to Germany are possible.