Application Deadline: 15 March 2015
For young climate experts from developing countries interested in conducting a project in Germany and developing long-term collaborations
The fellowship allows future leaders to spend a year in Germany working on a research-based project of their own choice in the field of climate protection. Fellows are free to choose their own hosts.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation aims to develop a personal relationship between the fellows from all countries and disciplines and Germany itself. This does not only happen in laboratories or libraries, but in everyday life: through contacts to the people of the country. In order to intensify these contacts, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors German courses for fellows.
Events like the introductory seminar and study tour, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s annual meeting and the final meeting provide ample opportunities for fellows to network amongst themselves and to meet the Foundation’s staff personally.
Target group:
- Applicants must demonstrate clearly visible leadership potential based either on experience in initial leadership positions or on appropriate references.
- They must also have completed their first university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent ) less than 12 years prior to the start of the fellowship ( 1 March 2016) with outstanding results.
- Furthermore, they must have extensive professional experience in a leadership role (at least 48 months at the time of application) or hold a further academic or professional qualification.
- They are also expected to have gained initial practical experience through involvement in projects related to climate protection and climate- related resource conservation.
Application requirements:
- First university degree(Bachelor’s or equivalent), completed less than 12 years prior to the start of the fellowship (1 March 2016)
- Extensive professional experience in a leadership role (at least 48 months at the time of application) in the field of climate protection or climate-related resource conservation or a further academic or professional qualification
- Initial practical experience (at least 12 months at the time of application) through involvement in projects related to climate protection and climate-related resource conservation (possibly already during studies)
- Leadership potential demonstrated by initial experience in a leadership position and/or appropriate references (see no. 8)
- A detailed statement by a host in Germany, including a mentoring agreement; details of the proposed project must be discussed with the prospective host prior to application
- Citizenship of a non-European emerging or developing country (see list of countries) which is also the fellow’s habitual abode and place of work
- Very good knowledge of English and/or German, documented by appropriate language certificates
- Two expert references by individuals qualified to comment on the candidate’s professional, personal and, if applicable, academic eligibility and his / her leadership potential
Additional benefits:
- Allowance for research costs to be paid to the hosts in Germany amounting to 800 EUR per month (for projects in the natural and engineering sciences) and 500 EUR (for projects in the humanities and social sciences);
- Language fellowship for a one-to two-month intensive language course in Germany immediately prior to the start of the fellowship; when a fellowship has been granted, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation may provide financial support for improving fellows’ language skills while they are still in their own countries.
- Fellows with little or no knowledge of German are strongly advised to take a two-month intensive language course in Germany;
- Lump sum for the fellow’s travel expenses if the costs are not borne by a third party;
- Europe allowance for a maximum of one to two months spent studying or researching at an institution in another European country during the fellowship, provided that this is necessary to carry out the project in question;
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Family allowances for visits by family members lasting at least three months (up to 326 EUR per month for the marital partner and up to 234 EUR per month for each child);
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For single parents accompanied by children under the age of 18 on stays of at least three months, an allowance is available (400 EURper month for the first child, 100 EUR for every additional child);
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Additional extension of the fellowship by up to three months if children under 12 also accompany the fellow to Germany;
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Extensive alumni funding after successfully completing the stay in Germany, especially support for networking with collaborative partners in Germany during the fellow’s entire career
Fellowship specifications:
- The fellowship amount reflects the fellow’s academic and professional qualifications, current position and professional experience and is currently set at 2,150 EUR, 2,450 EUR or 2,750 EUR per month. This includes a mobility lump sum and a contribution towards health and liability insurance.
The following timetable for the one-year stay in Germany is designed to facilitate networking amongst the fellows and is mandatory for everyone:
- January,February 2016: intensive language course in Germany (optional)
- March 2016: introductory seminar
- April 2016–February 2017: work on project at host institutes in Germany
- June 2016: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Annual Meeting including reception held by the President of the Federal Republic of Germany
- Autumn 2016: several-day training course
- January/February 2017: final week including reception held by the leadership of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety Fellowships may be extended by up to three months on application
How to Apply:
- Submit an application if you come from a non-European transition or developing country (list of countries) and
- Are active in any of the following areas: scientific, engineering-based, legal, economic, health-related or social aspects of climate change.
Downloads:
- Programme details
- Form for the proposed host and confirmation of support
- Form for letters of recommendation
For More Information: