Humboldt Research Fellowship for Experienced Researchers
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Submit an application if you are a researcher from abroad with above average qualifications, completed your doctorate less than twelve years ago, already have your own research profile and are working at least at the level of Assistant Professor or Junior Research Group Leader or have a record of several years of independent academic work. A Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers allows you to carry out long-term research (6-18 months) in Germany. Applicants choose their own topic of research and their academic host. The fellowship is flexible and can be divided up into as many as three stays within three years.
Scientists and scholars of all nationalities and disciplines may apply to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation online at any time. In recent years, approximately 25% to 30% of applications were successful. Short-term study visits, participation in congresses and training courses cannot be financed.
Eligible academics from developing and emerging countries may apply for a Georg Forster Fellowship.
For the time being, researchers from Brazil can only apply for a Capes-Humboldt Research Fellowship. For the duration of the joint Capes-Humboldt Programme it is not possible to apply for a Humboldt Research Fellowship.
Online application
- I would like to register and apply for a Humboldt Research Fellowship.
- I have already created and saved an online application and would like to continue editing this form.
Further information
- Doctorate or comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent), completed less than twelve years prior to the date of application. If it is not possible or customary to take a doctorate in the candidate's subject or country, applications may be submitted up to twelve years after commencing publication activity;
- The candidate's own research profile documented by a comprehensive list of academic publications reviewed according to international standards and printed in journals and/or by publishing houses;
- Confirmation that research facilities are available and mentoring agreement and a detailed expert's report by an academic host at a research institution in Germany; details of the research outline including information on the intended duration of the fellowship must be agreed with the intended host before applying;
- Two expert reviews from important collaborative partners and/or academics from the candidate's own institute and, if possible, from abroad;
- Language skills: scholars in the humanities or social sciences and physicians must have a good knowledge of German if it is necessary to carry out the research successfully; otherwise a good knowledge of English; scientists and engineers must have a good knowledge of German or English;
- Applications to continue a research stay already underway can only be considered in exceptional cases. Foreign academics staying in Germany are eligible to apply if they have lived outside Germany for a minimum of 12 months in total in the 18-month period prior to submission of the application. Any time spent in Germany within those 18 months is taken into account, regardless of duration or reason. German citizens and/or educational residents are generally ineligible to apply if they have been in Germany within the last 18 months prior to receipt of their application or are already in Germany at the time of applying. For more details, please check our FAQ;
- The Humboldt-Foundation assumes that candidates will abide the Rules of Good Scientific Practice and the legally-binding principles of scientific ethics during the application and sponsorship periods.
Applications may be submitted to the Humboldt Foundation online at any time, provided they have been duly completed and all of the following required documents have been uploaded:
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- Curriculum vitae (two pages max)
- Research outline (five pages max)
- Complete list of publications
- List of selected key publications
- Key publications
- Doctoral certificate
- German language certificate, if applicable
- Host’s statement and confirmation of research facilities*
- Two expert reviews*
- Additionally, where required: publishers' letter(s) of acceptance and/or acknowledgment(s) of receipt as well as summaries or translations of the key publications
* The host and expert reviewer(s) upload the required documents in a secure area themselves. Applications can be submitted only after these documents have been uploaded. The application form contains further instructions and information.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that he or she has submitted all the necessary documents.
The Humboldt Foundation will confirm receipt of the online application by email. The date used to determine whether the applicant meets certain formal requirements, particularly with respect to career stage limitations and previous stays in Germany, is the date on which the Humboldt Foundation receives the respective application.
After the application has been checked to ensure that it is complete and meets the formal requirements for eligibility applicants will be notified about the proposed selection date. The application documents will then usually be forwarded to two independent reviewers for written review. On the basis of these independent peer reviews a selection committee composed of about 50 academics from all disciplines reaches a decision on approving research fellowships. The selection committee meets three times a year, in March, July and November. If an application has been approved a fellow arriving from abroad may start the fellowship two months after the selection meeting at the earliest. Fellows must start their fellowships within twelve months of the selection meeting; otherwise the fellowship will be forfeited.
If your application is not approved, you may send an informal email requesting feedback to be sent to you and your host on the reasons for the rejection. This will usually follow approximately four to six weeks after the selection committee meeting.
It is not possible to appeal. However, applicants who have been rejected may submit a revised application provided that fundamental aspects of the original application have been significantly improved.
In the case of applications that have been unanimously rejected, new applications will be accepted only after a period of 18 months.
One of our hallmarks is the degree of support we try to provide for every single guest researcher. This is why we offer you extra benefits in addition to the monthly research fellowship: from invitations to events, via language courses to family allowances.
Further information
Once a Humboldtian, always a Humboldtian: Even after your research stay has come to an end, we shall still maintain close contact with you. Our alumni sponsorship is flexible and designed to support every Humboldtian’s particular path in life and development as well as collaborations between individuals.
Further information
This programme is financed by:
Application requirements
I have worked in an English-speaking country for several years. Do I need an English language certificate?
No, an English language certificate is not required.
It is either not customary or not possible to take a doctorate in my country of origin. Can I apply?
You can apply if you can prove that your academic performance is equivalent to a Ph.D., e.g. by academic publications in internationally reviewed journals and for publishing houses. Should this be the case, you may apply to the programme for experienced researchers, however, only until up to 16 years after you obtained your first university degree (Master's degree, Diploma, etc.). It is, furthermore, possible to apply to the programme for experienced researchers if you hold an academic position that is equivalent to or higher than Associate Professor / Senior Lecturer / Reader etc., regardless of the date of your first university degree, within the first twelve years of working in this position. Please send us your CV and a list of your publications before you apply so we can advise you (info(at)avh.de).
What determines the date of a doctorate?
The relevant date is that of completing the final academic part of the doctoral process (e.g., defence of thesis, doctoral viva). This date will usually be included on your doctoral certificate alongside the date of issue. The key date for calculating the period following your doctorate is the date on which your application is received by the Humboldt Foundation.
Which date is valid if I have several doctorates?
If you hold several doctorates, the doctorate that is closest related to the topic of your research outline is relevant. Please list both doctorate dates with the associated disciplines in your CV in the application form. Please also submit both doctoral certificates as part of the application and include both dissertations in the complete list of publications.
I obtained my doctorate more than twelve years ago. Can I still apply for a fellowship for experienced researchers?
We cannot consider your application if you obtained your doctorate more than twelve years ago. If your doctorate is older than this, an exception may be made in well-founded cases (e.g. recognition of parental leave). Please send us your CV and a list of your publications before you apply so we can advise you (info(at)avh.de).
My doctorate was completed less than four years ago. Can I apply for a fellowship for experienced researchers?
Yes. You should, however, already have your own clearly recognisable research profile and, as a rule, be working at the level of at least assistant professor or junior research group leader, or have a record of several years of independent scientific work.
How will child-rearing periods be considered in the application process?
Periods in which you interrupted your academic activities after completing your doctorate in order to rear children may be taken into account as career breaks after examination. The proportionate offsetting of such periods is also possible. A maximum of two years may be claimed per child. Please always indicate child-rearing periods when filling in our application form.
In general, postdoctoral researchers may apply up to four years, and experienced researchers up to twelve years after completing their doctorates. Recognized child-rearing periods may correspondingly extend these maximum timeframes during which the submission of applications is possible.
Please contact info(at)avh.de if you have any questions.
In general, postdoctoral researchers may apply up to four years, and experienced researchers up to twelve years after completing their doctorates. Recognized child-rearing periods may correspondingly extend these maximum timeframes during which the submission of applications is possible.
Please contact info(at)avh.de if you have any questions.
Which other career breaks are considered in the application process?
Periods in which you interrupted your academic activities after completing your doctorate in order to perform military or alternative service, to care for close relatives, or due to long-term illness may be taken into account as career breaks after examination. The proportionate offsetting of such career breaks is also possible. Please always indicate career breaks when filling in our application form.
Job hunting, unemployment and non-academic employment do not count as career breaks.
In general, postdoctoral researchers may apply up to four years, and experienced researchers up to twelve years after completing their doctorates. Recognized career breaks may correspondingly extend these maximum timeframes during which the submission of applications is possible.
Please contact info(at)avh.de if you have any questions.
Job hunting, unemployment and non-academic employment do not count as career breaks.
In general, postdoctoral researchers may apply up to four years, and experienced researchers up to twelve years after completing their doctorates. Recognized career breaks may correspondingly extend these maximum timeframes during which the submission of applications is possible.
Please contact info(at)avh.de if you have any questions.
Are child-rearing periods taken into account in the assessment of academic achievements?
Yes, because the assessment of academic achievements is always made on an individual basis at the Humboldt Foundation. Therefore, when filling in the application form, please specify all periods in which you partially or completely interrupted your academic activities after finishing your doctorate in order to rear children.
The voluntary disclosure of private circumstances may help increase equal opportunities during the selection process. The consideration of your personal circumstances allows for a fairer assessment of your academic achievements.
Please contact info(at)avh.de if you have any questions.
The voluntary disclosure of private circumstances may help increase equal opportunities during the selection process. The consideration of your personal circumstances allows for a fairer assessment of your academic achievements.
Please contact info(at)avh.de if you have any questions.
Are other career breaks taken into account in the assessment of academic achievements?
Yes, because the assessment of academic achievements is always made on an individual basis at the Humboldt Foundation. Therefore, when filling in the application form, please specify all periods in which you partially or completely interrupted your academic activities after finishing your doctorate in order to perform military or alternative service, to care for close relatives or due to long-term illness.
Job hunting, unemployment and non-academic employment do not count as career breaks.
The voluntary disclosure of private circumstances may help increase equal opportunities during the selection process. The consideration of your personal circumstances allows for a fairer assessment of your academic achievements.
Please contact info(at)avh.de if you have any questions.
Job hunting, unemployment and non-academic employment do not count as career breaks.
The voluntary disclosure of private circumstances may help increase equal opportunities during the selection process. The consideration of your personal circumstances allows for a fairer assessment of your academic achievements.
Please contact info(at)avh.de if you have any questions.
I am from a developing/transition country. Should I apply for a Humboldt or Georg Forster Fellowship?
If your primary life focus (nationality and permanent residence) is in a developing or transition country (see list of countries) and the research you plan to carry out in Germany is of relevance to the future development of your country of origin and, in this context, particularly suited to transferring knowledge and methods, you should apply for a Georg Forster Fellowship. If your project is more oriented towards basic research, we recommend that you apply for a Humboldt Research Fellowship. If in doubt, please contact us before submitting your application so we can advise you (info(at)avh.de).
Do I need to know German in order to apply?
- Natural scientists and engineers: good knowledge of German or English is sufficient.
- Scholars in the humanities and social sciences: should have knowledge of German if it is necessary to carry out their research successfully. In this case, a German language certificate confirming proficiency must be submitted. Otherwise, a good knowledge of English is sufficient.
- Physicians: if the research involves work with patients, the candidate must have a good knowledge of German (language certificate required). Otherwise, a good knowledge of English is sufficient.
English or German is my native language. Do I have to submit a language certificate proving my proficiency?
No, a language certificate is not required.
I'm a physician (MD / Dr. med.). Are there any special admission requirements?
You are eligible to apply if you hold a research doctorate or a comparable academic degree.
In addition, please read our Admission Questionnaire for Physicians (MD / Dr. med.) for detailed information.
If you have several research doctorates, the above mentioned FAQ on the subject of "several doctorates" applies.
In addition, please read our Admission Questionnaire for Physicians (MD / Dr. med.) for detailed information.
If you have several research doctorates, the above mentioned FAQ on the subject of "several doctorates" applies.
I already am or recently have been in Germany. Are there any formal grounds militating against my application?
The aim of the programme is to enable highly qualified academics from abroad to come to Germany to conduct a research stay here. Applicants should therefore be living and working outside Germany at the time of application.
If you have previously been to Germany, you may only apply if you have resided outside Germany for a minimum of 12 months in total in the 18-month period prior to submission of the application. Any time spent in Germany within those 18 months is taken into account, regardless of duration or reason.
If you have arrived in Germany recently you should submit your application as soon as possible, as we can only assess your eligibility and formally accept your application after it has been submitted.
In all other cases you are unfortunately ineligible to apply.
German citizens and/or educational residents* (see following FAQ) are generally ineligible to apply if they have been in Germany within the last 18 months prior to receipt of their application or are already in Germany at the time of applying.
* Educational residents are individuals who have completed their school education and a university degree, or a university degree and their doctorate in Germany.
If you have previously been to Germany, you may only apply if you have resided outside Germany for a minimum of 12 months in total in the 18-month period prior to submission of the application. Any time spent in Germany within those 18 months is taken into account, regardless of duration or reason.
If you have arrived in Germany recently you should submit your application as soon as possible, as we can only assess your eligibility and formally accept your application after it has been submitted.
In all other cases you are unfortunately ineligible to apply.
German citizens and/or educational residents* (see following FAQ) are generally ineligible to apply if they have been in Germany within the last 18 months prior to receipt of their application or are already in Germany at the time of applying.
* Educational residents are individuals who have completed their school education and a university degree, or a university degree and their doctorate in Germany.
Can I apply from abroad as a German citizen/educational resident?
The aim of the programme is to enable highly qualified academics from abroad to come to Germany to conduct a research stay here. German citizens/educational residents* are thus not the target group of this funding programme. You are however eligible to apply if you are permanently working abroad and intend to return abroad immediately following the requested research stay.
We consider you to be permanently established in a foreign country if you have unquestionably been living and working abroad
We consider you to be permanently established in a foreign country if you have unquestionably been living and working abroad
- for more than 10 years;
- for more than 5 years and meet one of the following criteria that unequivocally indicate strong ties to your current country of residence:
- a permanent/tenured position;
- additional citizenship of your country of residence;
- permanent permission to reside in your current country of residence (e.g. permanent residence permit, green card etc.). Permission to reside based solely on your citizenship (e.g. for EU citizens as part of EU freedom of movement) is not accepted;
- other indications that you intend to permanently return to your current country of residence
German citizens and/or educational residents* are generally ineligible to apply if they have been in Germany within the last 18 months prior to receipt of their application or are already in Germany at the time of applying.
If you intend to apply in order to prepare your permanent return to Germany, we recommend that you instead apply to the “Temporary Positions” programme of the DFG.
If in doubt, we would ask to send us only your complete CV and a list of your publications, so that we can advise you. Please state which criterion applies to you (info(at)avh.de).
* Educational residents are individuals who have completed their school education and a university degree, or a university degree and their doctorate in Germany.
Academic host
Who can be my academic host?
Any researcher working at a university or research institution in Germany who offers to make research facilities available for the research stay may act as your host.
If you have already worked in Germany for a longer period of time (12 months or more) you should look for a new academic environment for another guest stay in Germany. Applications that involve returning to the supervisor of the doctoral thesis or to the mentor of a longer postdoctoral stay are generally rejected by the Selection Committee on the basis of a lack of further independent academic development.
If you have already worked in Germany for a longer period of time (12 months or more) you should look for a new academic environment for another guest stay in Germany. Applications that involve returning to the supervisor of the doctoral thesis or to the mentor of a longer postdoctoral stay are generally rejected by the Selection Committee on the basis of a lack of further independent academic development.
How can I find an academic host?
You are free to choose your own academic host. The Humboldt Foundation does not provide any direct support in finding a host.
We would like to draw your attention to the following search engines for hosts and research institutes:
We would like to draw your attention to the following search engines for hosts and research institutes:
- Institutes at German universities and other research institutions
Searchable Portal (GERiT) of the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) - Research facilities, disciplines and research in Germany
Research portal of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) - Research Map
Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK) - Research facilities, researchers and projects of the DFG in Germany and worldwide
GEPRIS - Database of the German Research Foundation - Research facilities, disciplines and researchers in Germany and worldwide
World of Learning - KISSWIN
Communication and information platform on career paths and funding opportunities for junior academics
Can I conduct my research with two academic hosts?
Yes. If the hosts work at different research institutes, they must each provide a host's statement and confirmation that research facilities can be made available.
Will my host institute receive any additional funds for the costs it incurs in connection with my research stay?
In general the host institute will receive an allowance for research costs of €800 per month for research in the field of natural sciences and engineering, and €500 for research in the field of humanities or social sciences.
Please see the respective FAQ of the Department Sponsorship and Network.
Please see the respective FAQ of the Department Sponsorship and Network.
Preparation/Planning
Are there deadlines for submitting applications?
There is no closing date for submitting applications. Applications are processed as part of an ongoing procedure. As soon as we have received your complete application we shall forward it to independent peer reviewers. Their written evaluations will then be presented to the selection committee at the next selection meeting at which a decision will be made.
Please note that you can submit your application only after your host and your expert reviewers have uploaded all necessary documents. The date used to determine whether the applicant meets certain formal requirements, such as career stage limitations and stays in Germany, is the date on which the Humboldt Foundation receives the respective application.
Selection committee meetings take place three times a year, in March, July and November. Applications should be submitted at least four to seven months ahead of the prospective selection meeting.
A graphic display of the complete application process can be found under timeline of selection procedure.
Please note that you can submit your application only after your host and your expert reviewers have uploaded all necessary documents. The date used to determine whether the applicant meets certain formal requirements, such as career stage limitations and stays in Germany, is the date on which the Humboldt Foundation receives the respective application.
Selection committee meetings take place three times a year, in March, July and November. Applications should be submitted at least four to seven months ahead of the prospective selection meeting.
A graphic display of the complete application process can be found under timeline of selection procedure.
Can I apply to several Humboldt Foundation fellowship programmes at the same time, or can I apply for a Humboldt Fellowship and the Sofja Kovalevskaja Award at the same time if I fulfil the formal requirements?
No, it is not possible to apply to several fellowship programmes or the Sofja Kovalevskaja Award programme concurrently. Should you be rejected by any of them, you may, however, apply to any other programme as long as you fulfil the formal requirements.
Can I apply for a fellowship from another institution at the same time I submit my application to the Humboldt Foundation?
On principle, it is possible to file parallel applications. You must, however, indicate this on the application form and inform us immediately of any other applications you submit and any other sponsorship decisions that occur while we are considering your application.
Can I do part of my research work abroad?
If it is necessary for the success of the project, fellows may conduct research at research institutions in other parts of Europe during the fellowship period (excepting their country of origin). Please do not apply for this stay until you have been awarded the fellowship. As a rule, the total length of your Europe Research Stay may not exceed 25 percent of the projected total duration of sponsorship. Furthermore, if the fellowship is divided up into several stays (experienced researchers), the duration of the Europe Research Stay may on principle not exceed half the duration of the respective fellowship period.
Research stays in the fellow's country of origin or in a non-European country will, however, normally result in a temporary suspension of the fellowship.
Research stays in the fellow's country of origin or in a non-European country will, however, normally result in a temporary suspension of the fellowship.
Can I apply for a research fellowship for a period of less than six months?
The first research stay in the context of a postdoctoral fellowship must last at least six months. Experienced researchers must also apply for a stay of at least six months, which can, however, be divided up into two blocks of three months.
Do I have to divide up my research stays strictly according to the model specified by the programme?
Yes. It is not possible to deviate from the standard model.
When do I have to start the fellowship period at the latest?
You must start the fellowship period within twelve months of being selected. Otherwise you will have to submit a new application.
What is the value of the fellowship?
Please refer to our current programme information for postdoctoral and experienced researchers for details.
Will you pay the fellowship retroactively if I am already at the host institute at the time of being selected?
No, the fellowship cannot be paid retroactively.
Is the intensive German language course part of my research fellowship?
A two- to four-month language course takes place immediately prior to the start of the research fellowship. The language fellowship is not part of the research fellowship. (In other words, if you apply for a two-month language course in connection with a 12-month research stay in Germany, your stay will last a total of 14 months.)
When can I attend a language course?
The intensive German language course can only be taken immediately prior to the start of the research fellowship. If this is not possible, you may apply for funds to attend evening classes during the research fellowship.
Do I have to take a language course?
There is no obligation to take a language course. However, the Humboldt Foundation strongly encourages all its fellows and their partners to learn German during their research stay so that they can fully participate in social and cultural life in Germany.
Who bears the travel expenses to and from Germany?
If the fellow's own institution does not cover travel expenses, the Humboldt Foundation will pay a single lump sum for return travel. The Humboldt Foundation will only pay travel expenses for family members in exceptional circumstances.
Can I bring my family?
The Humboldt Foundation welcomes the idea that fellows' partners and children should accompany them and encourages this by paying family allowances in addition to the fellowship, provided that the family members accompany the fellow for more than three months.
How soon can I begin the fellowship period?
There are three Selection Committee Meetings each year: in March, July and November.
If you are coming from abroad, the earliest you may begin the fellowship period is usually two months (three months if you need a visa) after your application has been approved by the Selection Committee. If you are already in Germany, you can start at the beginning of the following month at the earliest.
If you are coming from abroad, the earliest you may begin the fellowship period is usually two months (three months if you need a visa) after your application has been approved by the Selection Committee. If you are already in Germany, you can start at the beginning of the following month at the earliest.
Application documents
Should my expert reviews be sent directly to the Humboldt Foundation or enclosed with the application?
Your host(s) and expert reviewer(s) upload the required documents in a secure area themselves, adding them to your application form. You can find the links to this area in the application form. Please send these links on a timely basis to your designated scientists/academics. Once all the documents have been uploaded, you will automatically be notified by email and will then be able to submit your application. You are responsible for ensuring that your documents are complete.
Expert reviews should not be more than 12 months old at the time of application.
Expert reviews should not be more than 12 months old at the time of application.
Who should provide expert reviews for my application and how many expert reviews are required?
The expert review should assess your development as a researcher, your potential, and your academic accomplishments to date. It is, therefore, important that expert reviewers are well acquainted with your academic work to date. You must submit two expert reviews. Postdocs must submit an expert review from their doctoral supervisor. Please note: The host's statement does not count as an expert review! You are responsible for requesting all expert reviews and the host’s statement.
Which publications should I enclose with my application?
Your application must contain three to five key publications. Other publications will not be accepted (exception: reviews of your key publications by other authors).
If you wish to cite your dissertation as a key publication but have not yet submitted it for printing, please upload the original manuscript of your doctoral thesis.
If you wish to cite your dissertation as a key publication but have not yet submitted it for printing, please upload the original manuscript of your doctoral thesis.
May I include works that have not yet been submitted for publication in the list of key publications and the complete list of publications?
No. Please only cite publications that are already in print, have been accepted for publication or have at least been submitted to a publishing house. In the latter case you must include the acknowledgement of receipt from the publisher; in the case of publications that have been accepted, please include the letter of acceptance from the publisher. Any other works cited on the list will be deleted.
Exception: Your dissertation may be cited as a key publication even if you have not yet submitted it to a publisher. If you wish to cite your dissertation as a key publication but have not yet submitted it for printing, please upload the original manuscript of your doctoral thesis.
Exception: Your dissertation may be cited as a key publication even if you have not yet submitted it to a publisher. If you wish to cite your dissertation as a key publication but have not yet submitted it for printing, please upload the original manuscript of your doctoral thesis.
What are key publications?
You yourself should choose the key publications from your publications. You should choose works which present your most important academic results. In cases of multiple authorship you should select those to which you have made a major contribution. When choosing key publications we recommend including works that reflect your more recent publication activity.
Please note that you cannot amend your selection of key publications once the selection process has begun.
Please note that you cannot amend your selection of key publications once the selection process has begun.
How many key publications should I cite?
If you are applying for a fellowship for postdoctoral researchers, one key publication is sufficient. You may cite a maximum of three.
If you are applying for a fellowship for experienced researchers you must choose at least three key publications. You may cite a maximum of five. Surplus key publications will be removed from the list without notifying the applicant.
If you are applying for a fellowship for experienced researchers you must choose at least three key publications. You may cite a maximum of five. Surplus key publications will be removed from the list without notifying the applicant.
How should I explain why I have chosen a key publication?
Please address the particular academic relevance of the results contained in the key publication and briefly explain the significance of the publication for your academic profile (cf. Sample key publications). In cases of multiple authorship please also indicate your own personal contribution to the publication.
Should my key publications also be cited in the complete list of publications?
Yes. Please cite all your publications in the complete list of publications, including your key publications. In this list they should be cited without explanations (cf. Sample publication list).
Please note that it is not possible to amend the list of publications submitted to the Humboldt Foundation once the selection process has begun.
Please note that it is not possible to amend the list of publications submitted to the Humboldt Foundation once the selection process has begun.
Selection procedure
Will you confirm receipt of my application, as well as other documents, expert reviews and the host's statement?
As soon as we receive your application, we will notify you by email.
How much time do I have to submit further documents or update my application?
Your application will be checked upon receipt to ensure that it is complete and meets the formal requirements for eligibility. We shall only be able to inform you about the expected decision date when we have received all the required documents. Once the review process by independent reviewers has been initiated, it is not possible to submit or exchange any documentation. If any papers or books that have only been submitted for publication at the time of application should subsequently be accepted, you should send us a copy of the acceptance letter immediately by email. This information can be fed into the process prior to the selection meeting. It is not possible to add to the publication list once the procedure has started.
Will I be notified of the date the Selection Committee will decide on my application?
When all the documents have been received we shall notify you about the proposed date of the selection meeting. Should the peer review process of your application take longer than expected you will also be informed if it becomes unavoidable to postpone the date of the decision.
Who will review my application?
Your application will be reviewed by independent peer reviewers.
Who will decide on my application?
The final decision on all applications is made by the Selection Committee. The Selection Committee consists of researchers of all disciplines who decide on all applications by majority vote. The Humboldt Foundation has no vote on the Selection Committee.
Will I be notified of the reasons for a rejection?
If your application is not approved, you may send an informal email requesting feedback to be sent to you and your host on the reasons for the rejection. This will usually follow approximately four to six weeks after the selection committee meeting. Please note that we cannot provide any personalised information before this juncture so as not to delay the notification process.
When will I be informed about the decision?
We shall notify you and your academic host about the decision by email in the days immediately following the selection meeting. At larger selection meetings it may take a few days longer to contact all the applicants and academic hosts.
Selection
How high is the success rate?
In recent years, between 25% and 30% of all applications have been successful.
What are the most important selection criteria?
The essential aspect of the application is the individual applicant's academic qualification. Please refer to the relevant programme information for more details on the selection criteria.
Can I re-apply after being rejected?
It is possible to re-apply. The new application should, however, differ significantly from the original, rejected application. Generally, it makes sense to re-apply after developing one's academic profile, e.g. after academical publications have been accepted by internationally reviewed journals and publishing houses. Our experience shows that applicants should wait about two years before re-applying. Submitting a new application that differs little or not at all from the rejected original may result in a formal rejection of the new application.
In the case of unanimously rejected applications, a new application will be accepted only after 18 months.
In the case of unanimously rejected applications, a new application will be accepted only after 18 months.
What issues frequently result in applications being rejected?
Insufficient publication record:
In particular, applicants who apply upon completion of their doctoral thesis should ensure that the key findings of the doctoral thesis (key publications) are already published or have been accepted for publication. In case of doubt, it is a good idea to wait for several months before submitting the application until evidence can be provided that the key publications have been accepted.
Lack of academic development:
The chosen research project should not be a direct continuation of the doctoral thesis or of the academic work carried out to date. Returning to the same academic environment, e.g. returning to the supervisor of the doctoral thesis or the mentor of longer postdoctoral research (more than 12 months), or returning to a host institute where a longer research stay has already taken place, generally results in the rejection of applications on the basis of a lack of further independent academic development.
Lack of originality:
In the qualitative assessment of the key publications and of the research outline, the independent peer reviewers focus in particular on the originality of the work and the associated impetus for further development in this research area. If these aspects are not immediately apparent, if the research concerns more routine work or if the aims of the planned research and its significance for the continued development of the subject area are not clearly presented, applications are generally rejected.
Lack of personal academic profile, academic establishment:
In the experienced academics’ programme segment, the personal academic profile is of major importance for the assessment of applications by the independent peer reviewers and committee members. Therefore, applications are frequently rejected if
In particular, applicants who apply upon completion of their doctoral thesis should ensure that the key findings of the doctoral thesis (key publications) are already published or have been accepted for publication. In case of doubt, it is a good idea to wait for several months before submitting the application until evidence can be provided that the key publications have been accepted.
Lack of academic development:
The chosen research project should not be a direct continuation of the doctoral thesis or of the academic work carried out to date. Returning to the same academic environment, e.g. returning to the supervisor of the doctoral thesis or the mentor of longer postdoctoral research (more than 12 months), or returning to a host institute where a longer research stay has already taken place, generally results in the rejection of applications on the basis of a lack of further independent academic development.
Lack of originality:
In the qualitative assessment of the key publications and of the research outline, the independent peer reviewers focus in particular on the originality of the work and the associated impetus for further development in this research area. If these aspects are not immediately apparent, if the research concerns more routine work or if the aims of the planned research and its significance for the continued development of the subject area are not clearly presented, applications are generally rejected.
Lack of personal academic profile, academic establishment:
In the experienced academics’ programme segment, the personal academic profile is of major importance for the assessment of applications by the independent peer reviewers and committee members. Therefore, applications are frequently rejected if
- no or insufficient publications are available in sole authorship or as a corresponding author;
- the applicants’ topics are too narrowly focused;
- no clear continued academic development is apparent;
- the research project is not clearly aligned with the research interests of the applicant;
- after several postdoctoral positions, another "traditional" postdoctoral position is applied for without the applicant becoming independently established academically in the meantime.
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