Humboldt Research Professorships enable top researchers from abroad to anchor their research activities at universities and research institutions in Germany. Host institutions are given flexible options for integration and institutional anchoring. During the funding period in Germany, Humboldt Research Professors can continue their own professorship or working group in their country of origin. The funding regulations also allow for a move to Germany, and long-term prospects for staying can be negotiated locally on a case-by-case basis.
In brief
Outstanding international researchers who, based on their exceptionally successful, unconventional, innovative, and risk-taking research work to date, can be expected to make further scientific breakthroughs in the future.
from all countries (excluding Germany)
1.5 million euros for theoretical researchers and 3 million euros for experimental researchers for a period of five years. Host institutions are given flexible options for integration and institutional affiliation, for example, through models of shared professorships or lab-to-lab professorships
*The call for applications for the Humboldt Research Professorships will begin on December 18, 2025. Further information will be available on the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation website(externer Link) once the programme has started.
The Alexander von Humboldt Professorship enables long-term, forward-looking research to be carried out at universities and research institutions in Germany. It is Germany's most highly endowed international research award. As part of the Global Minds Initiative Germany, the prize money of €3.5/5 million (for theoretical/experimental researchers) will be increased to up to €10 million and the term extended from 5 to 7 years. Negotiations are still underway to clarify details. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation will share further information as soon as possible.
In brief
for leading international researchers whose scientific work is expected to make a lasting contribution to the international competitiveness of Germany as a research location
from all countries (excluding Germany)
Up to €10 million award money to finance a professorship for the first seven years, an increase in the administrative fee to 20% and more flexible salary regulations for Humboldt Professors
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation presents Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Awards to internationally renowned academics from abroad in recognition of their outstanding accomplishments in research. The award amount is €60,000. Award winners are also invited to conduct a research project of their choice at a research institution in Germany in cooperation with specialist colleagues there. The award enables a total stay of between six months and a full year, which can be split into multiple stays.
In brief
for internationally recognised researchers
from all countries (excluding Germany)
€60,000 award money (research stay of up to 12 months in Germany possible)
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation grants Humboldt Research Awards to internationally leading researchers of all disciplines from abroad in recognition of their academic record to date. The award amount is €80,000. Award winners are also invited to conduct a research project of their choice at a research institution in Germany in cooperation with specialist colleagues there. The award enables a total stay of between six months and a full year, which can be split into multiple stays.
In brief
for internationally recognised researchers
from all countries (excluding Germany)
€80,000 award money (research stay of up to 12 months in Germany possible)
The host university of the consortium will apply together with the researcher, choosing one of two available modules:
The Professorships module will provide funding for 5 years and up to €3.5 million. This includes the researcher’s salary, additional funding for staff (in particular for doctoral researchers), for direct project costs and instrumentation.
The Mercator Fellows Global module enables consortia to integrate a researcher as a long-term, closely involved fellow who collaborates with the consortium on a long-term basis and also spends extended periods of time in Germany. Funding is granted over a total period of five years, during which 15 to 36 months are spent as research stay(s) at the German host institution. For these stay(s), a total of up to €650,000 may be requested, including salary for the Mercator Fellow, additional funding for staff (in particular for doctoral researchers), for direct project costs and for instrumentation.
In Brief
for outstanding, experienced researchers
funding for 5 years: up to €3.5 million for a Professorship/€650,000 for a Mercator Fellow Global
proposal together with the host Cluster of Excellence/Collaborative Research Centre
Through the Humboldt Research Fellowship, the Humboldt Foundation sponsors postdoctoral and experienced researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe – regardless of their field. This fellowship enables researchers to conduct their own research in collaboration with a host at a German research institution of their choice. Fellows will benefit from individual support from the Humboldt Foundation, its diverse sponsorship portfolio, and unique networking opportunities.
In brief
for postdoctoral researchers, experienced researchers
from all countries (excluding Germany & Brazil)
for a 6–24-month research stay in Germany (can be divided into up to three stays)
The Walter Benjamin Programme of the DFG supports the further development of an academic career through an independent research project, starting immediately after completion of a doctorate. As a funding instrument designed to match the high degree of flexibility and mobility typical of its target group, it can be activated swiftly to attract talented researchers to the German research system at an early career stage.
In brief
for postdoctoral researchers at an early career phase
from all countries
for a position with social benefits under the staff category “postdoctoral researcher and comparable”, an allowance for direct project costs, travel expenses and publication costs
With Research Grants the DFG enables individuals who have completed their academic training to conduct at any time research projects with clearly defined topics and durations, regardless of the subject. The module Temporary Positions for Principal Investigators allows you to request funding for your position as project leader for the duration of your project.
In brief
for qualified researchers (as a rule, those holding a doctorate) from all disciplines
for your independent research project
for as long as the individual project takes (as a rule, several years)
The DFG's Emmy Noether Programme gives highly qualified researchers the opportunity to satisfy the prerequisites for appointment as a university professor by leading an independent junior research group and performing relevant teaching duties and shall attract outstanding early career researchers (back) to Germany from abroad.
In brief
for early career researchers in all disciplines, normally up to 4 years after completion of the doctorate
from all countries
for leading your independent junior research group for six years
The Heisenberg Programme of the DFG is aimed primarily at researchers who have qualified for a professorship. It enables to prepare for a senior academic role while continuing their research work. Four different types of funding are available within the Heisenberg Programme: Heisenberg professorship, Heisenberg position, Heisenberg temporary substitute position for clinicians and Heisenberg fellowship. Once you have been accepted to the Heisenberg Programme, you can select from the funding types and/or combine them during the five-year funding period.
In brief
for researchers in all disciplines who have qualified for a professorship by completing the habilitation or an equivalent qualification and who have a track record of outstanding research work
As part of the Global Minds Initiative, the DAAD is implementing the 'Academic Horizons – Attracting Global Minds' programme. This programme supports German higher education institutions in attracting the best international talents to study or pursue a doctorate in key technologies or strategically important research fields of the German High-Tech Agenda. It helps universities to specifically target, successfully attract and sustainably integrate outstanding Master's and doctoral candidates into study and professional life in Germany. The call for applications for German higher education institutions is now open!
The "Global Minds Initiative Germany"(externer Link) launched by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) enables the Humboldt Foundation, the DAAD and the DFG to offer additional fellowships and invite top researchers to Germany in the context of existing sponsorship programmes.
Get to know the German Research Landscape
Germany is a top destination for PhD students, postdocs, and senior scientists. The website "Research in Germany" helps you to find your way to Germany, to seek for PhD positions, research jobs or funding opportunities. It describes the German research landscape and helps you plan your career and life in Germany. Welcome to Germany - the Land of Ideas! Find out more: https://www.research-in-germany.org/en(externer Link)
EURAXESS Germany – the National Coordination Point, commissioned by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space and located at the German Aerospace Center – is an information and advice point for internationally mobile researchers wishing to come to Germany or go abroad to work in research. It is part of the European EURAXESS Network. The objective of the centres is to better facilitate international mobility amongst scientists and scholars. Find out more: https://www.euraxess.de(externer Link)
If you are interested in receiving funding, we recommend contacting potential host institutions at an early stage. The German Research Institutions (GERiT)(externer Link) information system can help you with your search.
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