Advice on finding a host

International Climate Protection Fellowship: Advice on finding a host

In order to be able to apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship, you will need a host in Germany whom you select yourself. As your mentor, the host will be expected to support you in conducting your project and to provide an appropriate position for you.

The role of host can be taken on by anyone working for a public or private institution in Germany. Your host’s field of work must be related to the project you would like to conduct in Germany, and you will be required to coordinate your project with your host prior to application. To apply for the fellowship, you will need the binding commitment and a letter of recommendation from your future host (Form for the proposed host (PDF) and confirmation of support (DOC)).

To make the process of contacting a potential host a little easier for you, we have prepared a letter (PDF) that includes the most important information about the fellowship as well as the duties and benefits of being a host. You are welcome to forward this letter to your chosen host.

Here are some tips and useful information on finding a host in Germany:

• Start looking for a host as early as possible. Remember that there are Christmas holidays in Germany in December and potential hosts may be difficult to contact during this period.
• You can find information on potential host institutions in Germany on the project data base of the German Federal Environmental Foundation, GERiT, the Klimanavigator and in the link list provided by the Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research.
• Approach German companies or organisations in your own country that may be able to assist you with establishing contacts in Germany, for instance the Goethe Institutes, German embassies and consulates, or the German Houses of Research and Innovation (DWIH) in Brazil, Egypt and India:
  German House for Research and Innovation São Paulo
  German Science Centre Cairo
  German House for Research and Innovation New Delhi
• Make use of your own professional and private contacts. Perhaps you know somebody who already has connections in Germany and who could help you to find initial ports of call or to establish some useful contacts?
• Take your time when preparing your application and make a convincing impression by writing a carefully considered letter. Describe what you are hoping to achieve with your project and explain the significance of the fellowship for your further professional career. Engage your host’s interest in working with you.

From the wide variety of potential institutions in Germany where you may find a host, we have compiled an overview of institutions that have in most cases already hosted Climate Protection Fellows. In some cases you will find links to specific examples of projects conducted: