The Philipp Franz von Siebold-Preis is a research award granted by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation to distinguished Japanese scholars from all academic disciplines. Established in 1979 and endowed by the German Federal President, the prize honours researchers who have made outstanding contributions to mutual understanding of culture and society between Germany and Japan.

Overview

Named after the naturalist Philipp Franz von Siebold (1796–1866), who is regarded as the founder of international Japan studies, the award recognises internationally renowned researchers whose scientific qualifications are acknowledged worldwide. The prize is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.

Funding and Benefits

• Prize amount: 80,000 Euro
• Research stay: Award winners are invited to conduct a research project of their own choosing at a German scientific institution in cooperation with local colleagues. The stay may last from six months up to a full year and can be divided into separate periods.
• Travel costs: A lump sum for travel expenses is provided for the award recipient. A travel allowance may also be granted for a spouse and children under 18 who accompany the recipient for at least six months.
• Language support: The Foundation can cover the costs of German language courses upon request.
• Alumni support: Long-term career development and cooperation among Humboldt alumni are supported through follow-up measures.

Eligibility

Who may be nominated:

• Researchers who have rendered outstanding service to improving mutual understanding of culture and society in Germany and Japan.
• The nominee must have internationally recognised scientific qualifications demonstrated by research achievements.
• The nominee should not be older than 50 years at the time of nomination. Periods of child-rearing may be taken into account.
• The nominee’s centre of life and work must have been in Japan for at least five years at the time of nomination.
• The nominee must not have previously received a research prize from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
• The nominee must not have entered into a permanent employment relationship in Germany at the time of selection.
• Sufficient knowledge of the German language is required.
• Self-nomination is not permitted. Close relatives or spouses/partners may not be nominated.
• Nominations of qualified female scientists are especially encouraged.

Researchers of non-Japanese citizenship who have been working scientifically in Japan for at least five years may also be nominated. German nationals who have been working in Japan for at least five years are eligible as well.

Nomination Process

Who may nominate:

• Presidents of all universities and national research organisations (Kenkyu Kaihatsu Houjin) in Japan
• Previous Siebold Prize winners
• Directors of the Goethe-Institutes in Japan
• Director of the German Institute for Japanese Studies
• Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kobe/Osaka
• Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Tokyo

Alumni of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation may propose suitable candidates to the president of a Japanese university or the head of a research organisation. Nomination documents are submitted directly to the DAAD Tokyo office:

DAAD-Außenstelle Tokio
Akasaka 7-5-56
Minato-ku
Tokyo 107-0052
Tel.: (03) 3582-5962
E-Mail: daad-tokyo@daadjp.com

Selection Procedure

An independent selection committee decides on the award once a year. The committee includes the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany in Japan, three presidents of Japanese universities (or persons of comparable status), a Siebold Prize winner, three further Humboldt alumni, and the head of the DAAD Tokyo office. The decision is based on scientific qualifications and contributions to mutual understanding of both cultures and societies. The selection meeting takes place annually in spring.

Deadline and Timeline

Nominations must be submitted by the deadline announced on the DAAD Tokyo website. For current call information, applicants should consult www.daad.jp. The research stay should begin within 12 months of the award, if possible.

Contact Information

DAAD-Außenstelle Tokio
Akasaka 7-5-56
Minato-ku
Tokyo 107-0052
Tel.: (03) 3582-5962
Fax: (03) 3582-5554
E-Mail: daad-tokyo@daadjp.com

Further details are available on the DAAD Japan website: www.daad.jp