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The Humboldt Foundation is going with the times, which means aligning its funding guidelines even more closely with the circumstances and needs of current and future fellows.
2024 has seen the adoption of new features in the research fellowships that take account of the realities of international research biographies, socio-economic differences in the countries of origin and the host countries as well as people’s circumstances of life. On top of increases in fellowships and greater flexibility in the way research visits are conducted, the Foundation also offers additional support for sponsorship recipients with disabilities or chronic disorders. Moreover, it reinforces equality within partnerships through new regulations for family benefits.
Fellowship increase
The monthly fellowship amount has been increased by €200 and is now €2,700 for postdocs and €3,200 for experienced researchers.
In addition, they receive a monthly mobility allowance (€100) and a subsidy towards health insurance in Germany (€70 for travel health insurance; €130 for comprehensive health insurance).
Flexible organisation of the research fellowship
Postdocs are now able to divide up their research fellowship into as many as three phases of at least three months each. In agreement with the host, up to a quarter of the research stay can be spent outside of Germany. Researchers can apply for a Europe allowance towards a research stay within Europe.
Equality for unmarried couples
On presentation of proof of a registered partnership or when children are being cared for in a shared household, language courses and family benefits (family allowances, health insurance subsidy) can now be granted to accompanying unmarried partners.
Benefits for sponsorship recipients with disabilities or chronic disorders
People with disabilities have the right to prolong their fellowship by up to 12 months if their disability is responsible for the delay in completing their research project.
Moreover, an allowance of up to €15,000 per half-year can be granted to cover additional costs demonstrably associated with the disability or chronic disorder.
Other innovations regarding recuperation periods, additional income and benefits whilst attending language courses can be found on the respective programme pages and the application forms.