Research fellowships for postdocs

Funding profile
The Walter Benjamin Fellowship (abroad) module is aimed at postdoctoral researchers in the early postdoc phase who wish to carry out their own research project at a foreign research institution and concentrate entirely on research and personal qualification. It is part of the Walter Benjamin Program and is aimed in particular at academic independence, international mobility and the establishment/expansion of an international network in a new academic environment.

Scope of funding
Grantees abroad receive a fellowship consisting of a monthly basic amount and various supplements; the specific amount is determined using the DFG Fellowship Calculator. In addition, a lump-sum allowance is granted for project-related material and travel expenses as well as publications; in the case of necessary book publications with high costs, up to €5,000 per year can usually also be applied for. Funding generally lasts up to 24 months; in justified exceptional cases, a continuation application for a maximum of one further year is possible.

Application eligibility and deadlines
Researchers who have completed their doctorate in the early qualification phase are eligible to apply; an application is even possible after submission of the dissertation (with appropriate proof). For the scholarship abroad, membership of the German academic system is also a prerequisite: either you have mainly completed school/studies in Germany and have been abroad for research purposes for less than three years since completing your doctorate and have worked at the target institution for a maximum of one year, or you have completed the majority of your school/studies abroad and have been working continuously in Germany for at least three years. Applications can be submitted at any time without fixed deadlines.

Follow-up funding and non-material support: Following the scholarship, a return scholarship (max. 6 months) can be applied for.

Application and selection procedure

Applications must be submitted electronically to the DFG in accordance with the guidelines in the information sheet (including project description, CV, proof of doctorate, mobility and career concept, confirmation from the foreign host institution and statement from the host person). The evaluation follows a peer review process; the focus is on the scientific quality and originality of the project at an international level, the qualifications and future potential of the applicant and the suitability of the chosen host institution for the project and career planning. On the basis of the reviews, the responsible DFG committees decide on the approval, funding period and structure of the fellowship.

The Fritz Thyssen Foundation 's postdoctoral fellowship is one of the few fellowships for postdocs that are not tied to a (longer) stay abroad.

• Scholarship amount: The scholarship consists of a basic amount of 1,800 euros and fringe benefits of 200 euros and is granted for a period of one to two years.
• Requirements: The research project must fit thematically into one of the foundation's funding areas.
• Application: The doctorate must not have been completed more than two years ago when the application is submitted. Applications can be submitted at any time and the processing time is usually eight weeks.

Funding profile

The MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships (PF) are intended to promote academic careers and strengthen excellence in research - they are aimed at postdoctoral researchers who wish to implement their project abroad, acquire new skills and develop further through international, interdisciplinary and cross-sector mobility. Strictly speaking, these are not research fellowships because the recipients have a job for the period of their stay abroad and do not receive a fellowship.
There are European PF (mobility within Europe or to Europe; 1-2 years) and Global PF (mobility outside Europe with a mandatory return phase; 2-3 years in total)

Scope of funding

The remuneration is based on the country-specific rates. The duration varies from 12 to 36 months depending on the program variant. In addition to living expenses, there are supplements for mobility and, if applicable, a family allowance as well as funds for research, training and networking activities. Follow-up funding: The Global Postdoctoral Fellowships, i.e. the research stay outside the EU, are followed by a one-year research stay within the EU.

Application, deadlines

Applications are submitted jointly with a host institution (e.g. university, research institution, company/SME) based in an EU member state or Horizon Europe-associated country; all disciplines are eligible. Requirements for researchers include a doctorate by the deadline, max. 8 years of research experience after PhD (with defined exceptions) and the mobility rule (max. 12 months in the target country within the last 36 months before the deadline). Calls are made annually via the Funding & Tenders Portal.

Selection procedure

MSCA proposals are evaluated by at least three independent external experts based on the award criteria defined in the Work Program. The evaluation phase lasts up to 5 months; applicants are then informed and, if successful, grant award preparation begins. In addition, Seals of Excellence can be awarded for applications with ≥85% total points that are not funded due to budget limits.

Promotion profile

The Humboldt Research Fellowships sponsor above-average qualified academics from all over the world (all disciplines) to carry out a research project of their own choice in Germany in cooperation with a host institution of their choice. The target group is postdocs and experienced researchers; the program also offers individual support and a wide range of additional services (e.g. to promote diversity and equal opportunities).

Scope of funding
For postdocs, the monthly stipend is €3,000 (plus fringe benefits) for 6-24 months, for experienced researchers €3,600 (plus fringe benefits) for 6-18 months; both variants can be divided into up to three partial stays within three years. In addition, language course funding, travel and insurance allowances and, if applicable, family allowances are possible; hosts can also apply for a research grant.

Eligibility to apply and deadlines
Eligible to apply are postdoctoral researchers without German citizenship (or Germans with a permanent place of work and residence abroad for a longer period of time) and with a very good publication record; for postdocs, the doctorate is usually a maximum of 4 years ago, for experienced researchers a maximum of 12 years ago (with defined exceptions/extension options). In addition, there are rules regarding previous stays in Germany (no longer than 6 months in total in the 18 months prior to submitting the application), as well as a confirmation of a research position and an expert opinion from the host and two reference reports. There is no "one" annual deadline: The selection committees meet three times a year (March, July, November); complete applications should be submitted in good time before the desired deadline (the deadline for formal criteria is the date of receipt of the application).

Application and selection procedure

The selection takes place in a committee that meets three times a year.