Fraunhofer-Bessel Research Award
Offered by Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
This research award recognises internationally respected academics whose work has made an important contribution to their discipline and promises further influential achievements. It offers €45,000 and the opportunity to undertake a research project in Germany with specialist colleagues.
- Deadline
- Rolling – no fixed deadline
- Who can apply
- The nominee must have lived and worked predominantly outside Germany for at least five years and must not yet hold permanent employment in Germany. A qualifying researcher in Germany submits the nomination; individuals cannot apply directly.
- Last verified
- Checked today at the official source
Opportunity overview
This research award recognises internationally respected academics whose work has made an important contribution to their discipline and promises further influential achievements. It offers €45,000 and the opportunity to undertake a research project in Germany with specialist colleagues. A total research stay of six to twelve months can be divided into visits. The route is nomination by an eligible researcher in Germany, rather than a direct individual application. Nominations can be submitted online at any time.
Who can apply
The nominee must have lived and worked predominantly outside Germany for at least five years and must not yet hold permanent employment in Germany. A qualifying researcher in Germany submits the nomination; individuals cannot apply directly.
The nominee must have internationally recognised research achievements and strong potential for further influential work in applied research. The doctorate must normally have been completed within 18 years; justified career-break exceptions need Foundation advice. No previous Humboldt Foundation award for academic work is permitted. The nominee must have lived and worked predominantly outside Germany for at least five years, and must not yet have permanent employment in Germany. A Fraunhofer institute director or leading researcher in Germany nominates; a Humboldt award winner abroad may nominate jointly with a Fraunhofer researcher. Self-nominations and nominations of close relatives or spouses/registered partners are prohibited. A German academic host is needed for the proposed research collaboration. Scientific-integrity rules apply; consult the programme’s detailed nominee/nominator conditions before submitting.
Check the provider’s complete eligibility and country rulesBenefits and funding
How to apply
- An eligible nominator should consult the official information for nominators and submit the online nomination with the requested supporting material. Self-nomination is excluded. Nominations are accepted at any time; the selection committee normally meets in March and October.
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