History

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation was established in Berlin 18 months after the death of Alexander von Humboldt in 1860. It provided support for German scientists setting off on research journeys to other countries. After losing its endowment capital in the inflation of 1923, it was re-founded in 1925. Its purpose was now to support foreign academics and doctoral candidates during their studies in Germany. After the collapse of the Third Reich in 1945, the Foundation ceased functioning. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation was re-established by the Federal Republic of Germany on 10 December 1953 at the behest of former Humboldt guest researchers. The headquarters were located in Bonn-Bad Godesberg, as they are today.

Every year, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables more than 1800 researchers from all over the world to spend time researching in Germany. The Foundation maintains a network of some 23,000 Humboldtians from all disciplines in 130 countries worldwide - including 41 Nobel Prize winners.