Georg Forster Research Fellowship 2025

If you are a postdoctoral or experienced researcher from a developing or transition country, and you are passionate about contributing to sustainable development, the Georg Forster Research Fellowship 2025 is an exceptional opportunity for you. This prestigious fellowship, administered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, offers a chance to conduct research in Germany and make a significant impact in your field.

Georg Forster Research Fellowship Summary

Location: Germany
Host Institution: Various research institutions in Germany
Academic Level: Postdoctoral and experienced researchers
Areas of Research: Sustainable development and related fields
Target Group: Researchers from developing and transition countries (excluding PR China and India)
Funding: Monthly stipend of €2,700 for postdoctoral researchers and €3,200 for experienced researchers, plus additional benefits
Duration: 6 to 24 months
Application Deadline: Two review cycles per year (June and October 2025)
Start Date: Flexible within the fellowship period

Georg Forster Research Fellowship Overview

The Georg Forster Research Fellowship supports outstanding researchers whose work has relevance to sustainable development in their home countries. The fellowship aims to foster international collaboration and provide researchers with the resources and environment needed to advance their research.

Fellowship Categories:

Postdoctoral Researchers: For those who completed their doctorate within the last four years. The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of €2,700 for a duration of 6 to 24 months.
Experienced Researchers: For those who completed their doctorate within the last twelve years. The fellowship offers a monthly stipend of €3,200 for a period of 6 to 18 months, which can be divided into up to three stays within three years.

Activities and Responsibilities

Fellows will engage in a variety of activities, including:

Conducting independent research projects
Collaborating with German researchers and institutions
Participating in academic conferences and workshops
Attending intensive German language courses (optional)
Engaging in cultural exchange and networking opportunities

What to Expect

Fellows can expect a supportive and stimulating research environment, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for professional development. The fellowship also offers flexibility, allowing fellows to divide their stay into multiple visits within a three-year period.

Fellowship Benefits

The Georg Forster Research Fellowship offers numerous benefits, including:

Monthly stipend (€2,700 for postdoctoral researchers, €3,200 for experienced researchers)
Family allowances
Health insurance subsidies
Travel expense allowances
Access to German language courses
Continued support through alumni programs and research collaborations

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Georg Forster Research Fellowship, applicants must:

Be from a developing or transition country (excluding PR China and India)
Have completed their doctorate within the last four years (postdoctoral researchers) or twelve years (experienced researchers)
Have an extensive list of peer-reviewed publications (experienced researchers)
Secure a host researcher in Germany who will provide a statement of support
Meet the linguistic requirements necessary for their research project

Application Procedure

To apply for the Georg Forster Research Fellowship, applicants must:

Complete the online application form on the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation website
curriculum vitae (two pages max)
research outline (five pages max)
complete list of your publications (cf. sample list, PDF)
list of key publications (cf. sample list, PDF)
key publications
doctoral certificate or proof that your doctorate has been completed successfully, or confirmation that this will be the case within the next six months
German language certificate, if required
if required: acceptance form and/or publisher’s acknowledgement of receipt and summaries/translations of key publications that are not available in German or English
In addition: host’s statement and confirmation that research facilities are available, as well as two expert reviews. Please note that these documents can only be uploaded in a protected area by the host(s) and expert reviewers personally. You can only submit your application once these documents have been uploaded. Further information and explanations can be found on the application form.

The application process is competitive, and applicants are encouraged to ensure their documents are complete and fully compliant with the foundation's specifications before submission. The Selection Committee reviews applications twice a year, in June and October 2025.

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