Call for applications BRAGFOST

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation invites Germany-based early- and mid-career researchers from various research fields to apply to participate in a symposium jointly organised with the Brazilian Federal Agency for Support and Evaluation of Graduate Education (CAPES) focused on the theme of “Bridging Transitions Together: Collaborative Technologies for Future-Proof Industry and Society”.

The symposium will take place from (Thursday) 28 October 2027 to (Sunday) 31 October 2027 in Berlin (tbc), Germany. The symposium aims to incentivise and establish international engagement and collaboration between researchers working in both countries in a broad range of disciplines. It is designed to encourage the exchange of ideas across both disciplinary and national boundaries by adopting a format that will allow for extensive discussion and debate, and other networking opportunities. 

Thematic focus

The world is in a transition more than ever. On the one hand, this requires acting globally together. On the other hand, new technologies like the next level of AI such as federated learning and agents require collaboration across borders, organizations, and algorithms.

In this context, the BRAGFOST 2027 Symposium will address the following topics:

Digital Sovereignty for Data, Algorithms and Technology

As data and AI become strategic infrastructure, sovereignty over them is now a frontier concern. This session examines the technologies and governance that keep data, algorithms and digital systems under autonomous control (sovereign cloud, federated data spaces, algorithmic accountability, cryptography and open standards) and the research advancing them in Brazil and Germany.

Applications of Emerging Technologies in Industrial Systems

Industrial systems are being reshaped by a new technology wave: industrial AI, digital twins, autonomous robotics, additive manufacturing and human-centric Industry 5.0. This session explores how these frontier tools are applied on the factory floor to make production smarter, more flexible and more resilient, drawing on strong manufacturing research in both countries.

Societal Implications of Technology: Education, Workforce, and Social Inclusion

Technology is transforming how people learn, work and participate in society. This session focuses on the human-centered technologies behind those shifts (educational technology and learning analytics, reskilling and future-of-work tools, and assistive and accessibility systems) examining how Brazil and Germany design them to broaden inclusion rather than deepen existing divides.

Sustainable Development: Technological Drivers, Impacts, and Future Directions

Reaching sustainability targets depends on concrete technological drivers. This session concentrates on those where Brazil–Germany collaboration is strongest (renewable energy and the energy transition, green hydrogen and e-fuels, and the bioeconomy) assessing their environmental and economic impacts and charting future directions for jointly developing and scaling them across both economies.

CONNECT

To encourage and support long-term collaboration and networking, participants may apply for the follow-up programme CONNECT, offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. It provides grants for short working visits to Germany or Brazil that can be taken up at any time after participation in the symposium.

Eligibility requirements for researchers from Germany

Researchers are eligible to apply provided that they 

• are based in Germany,
• work in Germany at a research institution or in the industry sector,
• have completed a PhD within the last 15 years (by the time of the symposium), 
• are fluent in spoken and written English.

Participants are expected to attend the entire symposium. Attending the full event is mandatory to meet the requirements to apply for the Humboldt Foundation’s CONNECT programme.

Application process

Applications may be submitted online until 11 October 2026. Only applications received by the deadline will be considered.

Applicants should submit:

• the completed application form (accessible via this link)
• a link to a personal scientific profile or a CV
• link to list of key publications (max. one page)

Applications must be in English. Please click “submit” after completion of the online form to make sure your application will be transferred.

Applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:

• proven research interest in and/or experience in at least one of the session topics of the symposium
• commitment to and experience with interdisciplinary research projects
• added value of the symposium for applicant’s academic career development

Applicants will be notified of the final decision in February 2027.

Logistics

Duration: evening of (Thursday) 28 October 2027 until early afternoon of (Sunday) 31 October 2027 

Accommodation: The Alexander von Humbolt Foundation will make room reservations for all participants at the conference venue and will cover hotel expenses for three nights from 28 to 31 October 2027. Expenses for meals for the duration of the symposium will also be covered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Any additional costs must be paid individually.

Travel expenses: The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation covers the travel expenses for outward and return journeys between the home institutes and the conference venue for all participants from Germany. The reimbursement of travel expenses is generally based on the Deutsche Bahn 2nd class fare for the shortest route between the participants' place of work and the conference venue.

Contact

If you have any questions, please contact the BRAGFOST programme coordinator, Ms. Stephanie Dill (stephanie.dill[at]avh.de).