The Georg Forster Research Fellowship, offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, supports postdoctoral and experienced researchers from developing and transition countries. This prestigious fellowship enables researchers to conduct research in Germany, focusing on topics related to sustainable development and aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. The program actively encourages applications from women and researchers from Least Developed Countries (LDCs).

Eligibility Criteria

This fellowship is exclusively for researchers from developing or transition countries (excluding PR China and India), as defined by the OECD. Applicants must possess above-average qualifications and a research focus relevant to the sustainable development of their region of origin.

Postdoctoral researchers must have completed their doctorate (or equivalent) within the last four years or be within six months of completion. Experienced researchers must have completed their doctorate (or equivalent) within the last twelve years. Exceptions may be made for those from countries where doctorates are uncommon.

• Nationality: Citizen of a developing or transition country.
• Residency: Lived and worked in an eligible country for at least 12 months within the last 18 months.
• Host Confirmation: A German research institution must confirm research facilities are available and provide a mentoring agreement.

Fellowship Details and Benefits

The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of €2,700 for postdocs and €3,200 for experienced researchers, plus additional benefits. The duration is 6-24 months for postdocs and 6-18 months for experienced researchers, potentially divided into up to three stays within three years.

Fellows receive personal support, including an intensive German language course (prior to the research stay) for themselves and their partners. Additional financial support includes family benefits, health insurance subsidies, and travel allowances.

The Humboldt Foundation maintains contact with fellows even after their research stay, offering alumni support and the possibility of return fellowships or future visits to Germany.

Application Process and Requirements

Applications are submitted online only. Applicants must upload a curriculum vitae (max. two pages), research outline (max. five pages), complete publication list, list of key publications, doctoral certificate (or proof of completion), and a German language certificate (if required).

The host institution must upload a host statement and confirmation of research facilities. Two expert reviews must also be uploaded by the designated reviewers. Applications are reviewed three times a year, with deadlines well in advance of the February, June, and October selection committee meetings.

The application process typically takes four to eight months. Incomplete applications may be delayed or rejected. Successful applicants may begin their fellowship between two and twelve months after selection.

Research Focus Areas

The Georg Forster Research Fellowship welcomes research proposals addressing sustainable development. The program is open to all disciplines, but projects with a clear link to sustainable development in the applicant's region of origin are prioritized. Research should contribute to solving specific challenges in developing and transition countries.

The fellowship encourages innovative approaches and interdisciplinary collaboration to address complex sustainability issues. Proposals should demonstrate a clear understanding of the local context and potential impact of the research.

Applicants are encouraged to align their research with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating how their work contributes to achieving these global targets. This alignment strengthens the application and highlights the relevance of the research to international development efforts.

Suggested Research Topics

Here are some research topics relevant to academic research areas that align with the Georg Forster Research Fellowship:

• Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Agriculture
• Material Science for Renewable Energy Storage
• Life Science Innovations for Disease Control in Developing Regions
• Microbiology for Water Purification and Sanitation
• Environmental Science for Biodiversity Conservation