News Current news for Postdocs
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The purpose of the CZS Nexus programme is to support young scientists on their path to an academic career. To this end, we offer postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to establish their own interdisciplinary research group. The funding amounts to up to 1.5 million euros per junior research group over a period of five or six years. In addition to the project funding applied for, the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung will pay a flat-rate overhead fee amounting to 20 percent of the total funding amount. The research group must be established at a state university or non-university research institution in the states of Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate or Thuringia. The prerequisite is that the research project is located at the interface between two or more disciplines in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. | |||
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), together with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), UK Research and Innovation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (UKRI-EPSRC), the United States National Science Foundation (NSF) and NordForsk, has launched a joint call for bilateral and multilateral collaborative research projects on quantum science and technologies. Proposals may address challenges in quantum science, with a focus on the following quantum technologies:
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The Research Centre on Antigypsyism (RCA) at the Heidelberg University’s Department of History (Centre for European History and Cultural Studies) announces a research fellowship with an annual funding amount of 20,000 € and with project start date January 1st, 2027 (or between January 1st and May 1st, 2027, depending on the kind of scholarship; see below). The research fellowship – initiated by the Manfred Lautenschläger Foundation – pays tribute to the decades-long commitment of Romani Rose, Chairman of the Central Council of German Sinti and Roma, to human and civil rights. The Romani Rose Fellowship is awarded to particularly gifted and committed researchers from countries in the European Union. The research fellowship is awarded in two forms, depending on the individual application:
Applicants are invited to present a research proposal on a self-selected topic. The research topic should be related to antigypsyism studies or a related field, such as racism research. Interdisciplinary approaches are particularly encouraged. The applications will be reviewed by a commission established at the Research Centre. | |||
With this program, the Foundation sets out to reinforce the autonomy of the next generation of academics and to support the careers of committed young academics after earning their doctorates. The program thus specifically focuses on the point in an academic career when a certain degree of autonomy in research has already been achieved, but the scientist does not yet hold a permanent position. The funding program is open to applicants from all disciplines (humanities, social and cultural sciences, natural and engineering sciences, medicine, and life sciences) and is not restricted in terms of content. The total grant amount is €50,000 for a period of two years. | |||
Concepts from the humanities and social sciences often have an impact far beyond academia. But what happens when theories and conceptual frameworks are decontextualised and used for purposes other than those originally intended? Through this call for proposals, the Foundation supports research on such 'dual use' effects and explores how the transfer of ideas from academia into political and ideological contexts takes place. At a glance:
While the term “dual use” traditionally refers to the dual applicability of research findings or technologies for civilian and military purposes, in the humanities and social sciences, "dual use" is understood here to mean unintended effects of research in these fields. These effects can take many forms. This call for proposals focuses on ideologically motivated anti-liberal, anti-scientific, and anti-democratic forms of such appropriations. For example, the scientific insight that “knowledge is socially constructed” can be reduced to the claim that all truth is merely opinion—a claim used to delegitimize science or the media. Postcolonialist approaches are also sometimes reinterpreted in political discourse, for instance to defend a supposed "right to difference." Consultation hours regarding the funding opportunities will be held on August 11 and September 8, 2026. | |||
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” (28.-31.10.2027, Berlin). The symposium aims to incentivise and establish international engagement and collaboration between researchers working in both countries in a broad range of disciplines. 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. | |||
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation invites Germany-based early- & mid-career researchers in the fields of engineering and natural sciences to apply to participate in the 16th Sino-German Frontiers of Science and Technology Symposium: “Designing matter: from quantum states to living systems” (03.-06.06.2027, Berlin) jointly organised with the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The symposium aims to incentivise and establish international engagement and collaboration between researchers working in Germany and China in a broad range of disciplines, thereby encouraging the exchange of ideas across disciplinary and national boundaries. During the symposium, participants will engage in cross-disciplinary discussions about the four session topics and their interlinkages. There will be considerable time for networking among all 60 researchers. All participants will have the opportunity to present their work with a poster. After the symposium, all participants can apply for funding through the follow-up programme CONNECT to carry out joint research activities with participants from the partner country. | |||
Through the Humboldt Research Professorship, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation awards an internationally oriented research prize designed to attract outstanding scholars from abroad for long-term collaboration with German universities. The professorship is endowed with 3 million euros (experimental research) or 1.5 million euros (theoretical research) over a period of five years. Heidelberg University is eligible to submit nominations. Nominations may be made for internationally outstanding researchers up to 18 years after receiving their doctorate, as well as researchers at later career stages. A prerequisite is that, at the time of nomination, the candidate’s primary place of residence and work has been abroad for at least five years and that the candidate does not currently have—nor has agreed to—an employment relationship in Germany. Researchers who wish to act as host collaboration partners, as well as faculties and research institutions, are asked to identify suitable candidates and submit proposals for the university’s internal selection process. The deadline for submitting nominations to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is November 16, 2026. Please send your proposals by September 1, 2026 (internal deadline) to the respective contact person: simon.kopp@zuv.uni-heidelberg.de forschungs.dekanat@med.uni-heidelberg.de ralf.weigel@medma.uni-heidelberg.de | |||
Attention, researchers from Brazil! The CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship supports you – postdoctoral researchers and experienced researchers – with your research in Germany. As a fellow, you will benefit from individual support from the Humboldt Foundation and our diverse sponsorship portfolio. Benefit from research sponsorship in Germany at the beginning of your academic career. The CAPES-Humboldt Research Fellowship for Brazilian postdoctoral researchers enables you to conduct research in Germany. The monthly fellowship amount is €3,000 plus additional benefits. Fellowships may last from 6 to 24 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years. In addition to the fellowship amount and additional benefits, you will also receive personal support throughout your sponsorship. Prior to your research fellowship, you and your partner will be able to attend an intensive language course. You are then flexible to determine the start date of your fellowship yourself. Further financial support, including family benefits for children and partners and allowances for travel expenses, is also available. | |||
Through its CZS Innovation Teams program, the Carl Zeiss Foundation supports the transfer of scientific research findings into commercial applications. Funding is provided to startup teams in the natural sciences, life sciences, and engineering who wish to further develop the technological and economic feasibility of their research findings up to the point of securing market-oriented follow-on financing from third parties. The grant amount is up to 400,000 euros for teams with two members or up to 600,000 euros for teams with more than two members. The funding period is up to two years. The deadline for receipt of applications is the last business day of February, June, and October (first deadline: October 30, 2026). The hei_INNOVATION Transfer Agency is the designated point of contact for submitting applications at Heidelberg University. Interested teams are asked to contact hei_INNOVATION no later than six weeks before the respective deadline: gruendungsberatung@heiinnovation.uni-heidelberg.de For the October 30, 2026, deadline, contact should therefore be made by mid-September 2026 at the latest. For general questions, the Carl Zeiss Foundation is offering a digital Q&A session: September 28, 2026, 3:00–4:00 p.m. | |||
With the Feodor Lynen Research Fellowships, the Humboldt Foundation enables researchers from Germany with above-average qualifications to spend long-term research periods abroad with members of the Humboldt Network. Applications are possible from all disciplines and for all countries abroad. Who is eligible to apply? | |||
The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS) and the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) invite researchers to apply for funding under the DFG programme Initiation of International Collaboration to establish new research collaborations between the mathematical sciences communities in Africa and Germany. The programme supports the development of joint research ideas and collaborations, with early career researchers particularly encouraged to apply. The following funding modules are available and may be combined:
Proposals may be submitted at any time via the DFG's elan portal under the regular Initiation of International Collaboration programme. Applications are submitted by eligible researchers based in Germany, while researchers from African countries participate as collaboration partners and may receive funding through their German hosts. | |||
ITC Conference grant funds an oral presentation of an applicant's own work within the scope of the Action by an Action Participant affiliated to a legal entity located in an Inclusiveness Target Country / Near Neighbour Country in a high-level conference fully organized by a third party, i.e. not organized nor co-organized by the COST Action. These grants serve the COST Excellence and Inclusiveness Policy, supporting both: - Researchers affiliated with institutions in Inclusiveness Target Countries (ITCs) or Near Neighbour Countries (NNCs), and - Young Researchers and Innovators (YRIs) across Europe and beyond. Grants are intended to cover travel, accommodation and conference registration fees up to EUR 2500 for in-person conferences. The TEAR-Precision ITC and YRI Conference Grant calls are open on a continuous, first-come, first-served basis. Please apply a minimum 30 days before the start date of the requested conference. | |||
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) and the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (PUJ) in Colombia offer joint funding opportunities for bilateral research projects in any field of research under a Standing Open Procedure (SOP). Under the framework of a Memorandum of Understanding between the DFG and the PUJ, researchers from Germany and the PUJ have the opportunity to apply for jointly organised bilateral research projects of outstanding scientific quality. Proposals must be submitted in parallel by the German and Colombian partners to their respective funding organisations. On the German side, applications are submitted under the DFG Research Grants Programme (“Sachbeihilfe”) via the elan portal. Funding requires a positive review by both organisations. The funding period is up to three years. At Heidelberg University, you can also contact the Heidelberg Center Latin America (HCLA) for more information on cooperation and joint research projects in Latin America. | |||
The program aims to systematically strengthen the integration of industry partners into the innovation campus and further expand the region's innovative strength. The focus is on specific projects in the fields of cancer and cardiovascular research, neuropsychiatric disorders, genomics, synthetic immunology, molecular engineering, medical technology, novel applications of AI concepts and deep tech in health and life sciences. The Industry Program comprises two funding lines: Funding is provided exclusively for pre-commercial research projects. | |||
With its ‘Transatlantic Bridge Professorships’ funding programme, the Volkswagen Foundation offers internationally renowned professors from the humanities and social sciences in the USA the opportunity to connect with German institutions. The aim is to deepen academic exchange between the USA and Germany and to provide new impetus for research at German universities. Funding is provided to professors conducting research on the topics of ‘The Future of Democracy,’ ‘Fundamental Rights and Academic Freedom,’ or ‘The Future of Transatlantic Relations.’ The funding covers a three-year affiliation with a German institution at a rate of 25 to 50 percent. During this time, fellows will spend three to six months in Germany each year, but will retain their positions in the USA and continue their academic work there. The funds can be used proportionally for the professorship in Germany as well as for travel, rental and material costs. The maximum funding amount is €300,000 for three years. The Volkswagen Foundation invites interested institutions to participate in an online consultation hour on 9 December 2025 from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. to learn more about the role of host and the application process. Registration is via the registration form. | |||
The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK) supports companies, research institutes, universities and other institutions. New technologies, processes and services are needed to make Germany climate-neutral by 2045. At the same time, the resilience and security of the entire energy system must be maintained and expanded. Collaborative projects involving industry and science are particularly welcome. The application procedure is usually a two-stage process. | |||
The "Central Innovation Program for SMEs" (ZIM) is an open-topic program to promote research and development (R&D) for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and for non-profit research institutions cooperating with them. Funding is available for R&D cooperation projects between companies or between companies and research institutions for the development of innovative products, processes or technical services without restriction to specific technologies or industries. At Heidelberg University, you can obtain advice on knowledge and technology transfer, on the exploitation of research results and on planning start-ups from the transfer agency hei_INNOVATION. | |||
In view of the current situation, the German Research Foundation (DFG) is offering targeted support and relief measures to researchers in DFG-funded projects who are affected by the terrorist attacks by Hamas on Israel and the current situation in the region. Additional proposals of up to 20,000 euros can be submitted informally by the project leader at short notice with appropriate justification and should be decided on promptly. The DFG Head Office is available for individual consultations for more extensive project adjustments and additional funding requirements. In general, funding that has already been approved can also be used to ensure the continuation of research work without any further effort. | |||
With this scholarship program, the DAAD supports master's students, doctoral candidates and postdocs from various disciplines who are working in the field of "green hydrogen". Funding is provided for research projects and self-organized internships in the extended European Research Area (ERA). Funding is also available for a stay in other non-European countries (e.g. Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Korea, Japan). PhD students and PostDocs can submit their application at any time. | |||
The fellowship are intended for life scientists who wish to pursue a career in science journalism and journalists who wish to deepen and broaden their knowledge of the latest research fields and technologies. Fellows will receive stipends for a duration of three to twelve months to fund stays in media outlets of any type, editorial offices or research institutions of their choice to help advance their careers. Life scientists applying must have a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, or higher, and must have published samples of any kind of their work in science journalism on topics related to basic biological research. Applicants must reside in one of the 31 EMBC Member States. Applications can be submitted throughout the year, with three selection rounds per year. All complete applications received by 1 February, 1 June or 1 October will be considered. All applicants will be notified no later than four weeks after the respective selection deadline. | |||
With the scholarships for German scientists, the Fulbright Commission supports the establishment and deepening of contacts between German and American universities and research institutions, the establishment of German and American guest lectureships and joint research projects at the respective universities involved. Applications are open to postdoctoral scholars (professors, lecturers, and junior research assistants) who plan to spend three to nine months teaching and/or conducting research at an academic institution in the United States. Applications can be submitted at any time, but at least nine months before the planned start of the stay. If you have any questions about the Research and Teaching program, please contact germanscholars@fulbright.de. | |||
The Henriette Herz Scouting Program enables successful scientists in Germany to actively approach highly sought-after international researchers from abroad who have not yet applied to the Foundation and invite them to carry out joint research projects at their institutions. Apply to become a scout if you hold a (junior) professorship or comparable management position (e.g. group leader) in Germany, can demonstrate visible academic success, have a good international network and successfully promote the careers of junior researchers. As a Humboldt Scout, you can identify up to three potential research fellows abroad per year and propose them for a Humboldt Research Fellowship. Applications for a position as a scout can be made online at any time via the foundation's website. | |||
To facilitate the support of collaborative work between US groups and their German counterparts, the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Physics Division (PHY) and the DFG’s Physics and Chemistry division have recently agreed on a joint lead-agency process for projects in the area of Physics. Proposals in which the DFG is the lead agency can be submitted on a continuous basis. For proposals in which the lead agency is the NSF, please refer to the NSF-Physics Division for specific timing of deadlines. | |||
In view of the dramatic situation in Ukraine, the Vector Foundation would like to offer low-threshold support to refugee scientists quickly and unbureaucratically. To this end, the Vector Foundation provides funding to universities and research institutions in Baden-Württemberg to temporarily employ Ukrainian researchers who have fled in existing working groups and projects. Universities, colleges and research institutions in Baden-Württemberg can apply for the funding together with the guest researcher. The funding will be paid out in the form of a fixed sum of 25,000 € per funded person. This call is open to all subject areas. Applications for funding can now be submitted online via the Foundation's application portal. | |||
The Vector Foundation has opened its 2025 call for proposals for the project "Research for Climate Protection". Project applications can be submitted on an ongoing basis. The program supports researchers in their search for scientific and technical solutions for better climate protection. The current call for proposals is aimed at scientists who are working on new innovative concepts or technological (further) developments to reduce CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. Universities, colleges and non-university research institutions in Baden-Württemberg are eligible to apply. Projects can be carried out as individual or joint projects. Up to 350,000 euros can be applied for per project for a maximum duration of 36 months. There is no deadline for submission. Applications for funding can be submitted online via the application portal throughout the year. | |||
The BMBF is participating in the partnership "Joint Undertaking Chips" (JU Chips). Within this framework, one of the objectives of the "Chips for Europe" initiative is to support the development and introduction of state-of-the-art quantum technology. In particular, advanced capacities are to be created to accelerate the development of innovative quantum chips. As a rule, the Chips JV publishes annual calls for proposals. Projects are selected for European funding by the JV Chips in a one- or two-stage procedure involving external experts. Applicants are obliged to contact the responsible project management organization (VDI TZ) of the BMBF before submitting a project proposal and to submit a pre-proposal in order to ensure support at national level in the subsequent process. | |||
The Research Council of FoF4: „Self-Regulation and Regulation: Individuals and Societies” plans to fund research projects by early-career researchers (i.e., regularly post-doctoral researchers with non-permanent positions but eventually also doctoral students) who intend to use on of the core facilities at Heidelberg University for a specific research project. This call is open for all areas of research. Projects should address one specific research aim or comprise one particular study that then provides the necessary preliminary work for acquiring third-party funding (e.g. a DFG individual grant). | |||
Introducing the option of bridging funding for independent junior researchers on the path to professorship within the framework of the heiTRACKS programme. For independent junior researchers who from July 1st, 2021 acquire an ERC Starting Grant or a DFG Emmy Noether Independent Junior Research Group Leader, Heidelberg University offers bridging funding as part of its heiTRACKS programme for the promotion of young researchers. Subject to a positive evaluation, the position of the junior research group leader will continue to be financed until a professorship is attained (but for a maximum of three years). The evaluation takes place at the end of the fourth year of the project and includes as criteria (1) the successful acquisition of further third-party funding, amounting to at least 200,000 EUR and (2) subject-specific outstanding and independent publication achievements. Please note: Bridging funding does not apply to the Medical Faculties Mannheim and Heidelberg. For further questions on bridging funding and advice on the application procedures for ERC Starting Grants and the DFG Emmy Noether programme, please contact the project manager(s) responsible for your area of research in the Heidelberg Research Service of the Research Division (D6). | |||
The European Commission has launched the Open Access publishing platform "Open Research Europe" for publishing research results from Horizon 2020. The platform facilitates OA compliance for project beneficiaries and provides a publishing venue for researchers to share their results and findings and engage in open, constructive research discussion, including through peer review. | |||
Das Stipendienprogramms der Max-Kade-Foundation zielt darauf ab, Forschungsaufenthalte von Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftlern aus den Bereichen der Naturwissenschaften und Medizin aus der Bundesrepublik Deutschland in den USA zu fördern. Die Stipendien sind für überdurchschnittlich qualifizierte Nachwuchswissenschaftlerinnen und Nachwuchswissenschaftler (im Regelfall bis zu 12 Jahren nach Promotion) bestimmt, die sich bereits durch eine mehrjährige Forschungstätigkeit oder herausragende Forschungsleistungen fachlich ausweisen können. Die Stipendien werden für die Dauer von 12 Monaten vergeben. Das Grundstipendium beträgt 53.500 USD. Es können Zuschläge für Ehegatten/Lebenspartner/Kinder/Reisekosten gewährt werden. | |||
Das Walter Benjamin-Programm ermöglicht es Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftlern in der Qualifizierungsphase im Anschluss an die Promotion, ein eigenes Forschungsvorhaben am Ort ihrer Wahl selbständig umzusetzen. Mit der Einwerbung von Fördergeldern für ein eigenständiges Forschungsvorhaben wird der Grundstein für die weitere, zunehmend selbständige wissenschaftliche Karriere gelegt und die erwünschte Eigenverantwortlichkeit von besonders qualifizierten Postdoktorandinnen und Postdoktoranden gestärkt. Das Programm dient damit der Förderung der frühen wissenschaftlichen Karriere. Es hat zum Ziel, die in dieser Karrierephase relevante Mobilität und thematische Weiterentwicklung zu unterstützen, daher ist in dem Programm im Regelfall ein Wechsel der Einrichtung vorgesehen. Antragsberechtigt sind Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler ausschließlich in einer frühen wissenschaftlichen Karrierephase. Eine Förderung bedingt eine abgeschlossene wissenschaftliche Ausbildung (mit Promotion). Das Vorhaben darf an keiner Einrichtung angesiedelt werden, die nicht gemeinnützig ist, oder die die Veröffentlichung der Ergebnisse in allgemein zugänglicher Form nicht gestattet. | |||
Zielgruppe des Programms sind jüngere Nachwuchswissenschaftlerinnen und Nachwuchswissenschaftler aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz aus naturwissenschaftlichen und medizinischen Fachgebieten, die bereits ein eigenständiges Forschungsprofil erkennen lassen. Bei bewilligter Förderung führen sie eigenständige Projekte an den renommiertesten Forschungsstätten ihrer Disziplinen im Ausland durch. Deutsche Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler müssen Forschungsstätten im Ausland wählen. Österreichische und schweizerische Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler können sich nur für Gastinstitute in Deutschland bewerben. Ziel des Programms ist, dass die Geförderten nach Ablauf des Förderzeitraums in ihr Heimatland zurückkehren und ihre erworbene Qualifikation in den Wissenschaftsstandort einbringen. | |||
The Fritz Thyssen Foundation is awarding research stipends to junior postdocs who want to fully focus on a research project of their choice for one to two years. Eligible are postdocs who have been awarded their doctoral / PhD degrees one to two years prior to their applications. They should be able to carry out their project within one to two years. The project needs to be linked to their own, independent research plan that is to be carried out while working at a university or non-profit research organisation. An application can be filed in the following areas of support (for details, please visit the webpage of the Thyssen foundation):
Funding is basically reserved for projects that are related to the promotion areas of the Foundation and have a clear connection to the German research system. This connection can be established either at a personal level through German scientists working on the project, at an institutional level through non-German scientists being affiliated to German research institutes or through studies on topics related thematically to German research interests. No stipends are awarded for doctoral dissertations or “Habilitationen” (post-doctoral research) or to complete such works to follow up support through other institutions. The foundation generally does not accept any applications for projects if applications are being filed with other institutions offering support at the same time. An application that is refused by another institution can be filed with the foundation along with a note explaining why it was refused. | |||
Die Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) bietet u.a. folgende Stipendien für Doktorandinnen und Doktoranden und Wissenschaftlerinnen und Wissenschaftler an deutschen Hochschulen an:
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Heidelberg University supports researchers who are willing to publish articles in open access journals with a publishing fund to cover article processing charges. One of the prerequisites for funding is that you are a researcher at Heidelberg University as well as the submitting or corresponding author of the article, who is responsible for the payment of the publication fee. | |||
Das Deutsche Historische Institut Paris (DHIP) fördert den wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchs im Bereich der Geschichtswissenschaften. Es vergibt hierzu Stipendien an fortgeschrittene M.A.-Studierende, Doktorandinnen und Doktoranden, Post-Doktorandinnen und Post-Doktoranden und Habilitierte für Forschungsvorhaben zur westeuropäischen, insbesondere zur französischen und deutsch-französischen Geschichte. Das DHIP unterstützt laufende Forschungsprojekte in ihrer Durchführung (Mobilitäts-Stipendien, Resident-Stipendien) sowie die Entwicklung neuer Forschungsprojekte (Forschungsstart-Stipendien). Die Stipendien des DHIP richten sich an Bewerberinnen und Bewerber aus der deutschen Wissenschaftslandschaft, unabhängig von ihrer Nationalität. Die Zugehörigkeit zu einer deutschen Krankenversicherung ist obligatorisch. Die Höhe eines Stipendiums des DHIP beträgt monatlich 2.000 € für Habilitierte sowie Post-Doktoranden und Post-Doktorandinnen, 1.500 € für Doktorandinnen und Doktoranden und 1.200 € für M.A.-Studierende. |