Application Deadline: 15th May 2013
The Georg Forster Research Award is granted in recognition of a researcher’s entire achievements to date to academics of all disciplines whose fundamental discoveries, new theories, or insights have had a significant impact on their own discipline and beyond and who are expected to continue developing research-based solutions to the specific challenges facing transition and developing countries.
Nominees must be nationals of a developing or transition country (excluding People’s Republic of China and India; cf. detailed list of countries). Furthermore, at the time of nomination, they must have had their main residence and place of work in one of these countries for at least five years.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation particularly encourages the nomination of qualified female researchers.
The award amount totals EUR 60,000. In Germany, research awards are generally exempt from income tax under German tax law.
In addition, award winners are invited to conduct a research project of their own choosing in Germany in close collaboration with a specialist colleague. The project duration of about six to twelve months may be divided into segments. In addition, further expenditures (such as travel or language courses) are covered in the context of the invitation to stay in Germany for research purposes.
To support the collaboration, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation may grant additional funding of up to EUR 25,000, particularly for participating in scientific conferences, additional material resources, e.g., specialist literature and scientific equipment for the nominee’s own institute, as well as for involving junior researchers.
An established academic employed by a university or research institution in Germany must take the initiative to nominate a candidate for the Georg Forster Research Award. Nominations may also be initiated by award winners of the Humboldt Foundation working abroad, provided that the nomination is made jointly with a colleague working in Germany. Self-nomination is not possible.
In 2013, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is granting up to four Georg Forster Research Awards.
Nomination Requirements
- The nominee must be recognised internationally as an outstandingly qualified academic (e.g. awards, positive responses to publications, etc.).
- The nominee’s future perspectives must indicate that she/he will continue to be an active, academically influential researcher in the coming years with relevance to the development of the nominee’s own county.
- The nominee must be exceptionally qualified to continue developing research-based solutions to the specific challenges facing transition and developing countries.
- The nominee must be a national of a developing or transition country (excluding People’s Republic of China and India; cf. detailed list of countries). At the time of nomination, he or she must have had his or her main residence and place of work in one of these countries for at least five years.;
- Detailed expert opinion (laudation) by an academic working at a research institution in Germany who would like to invite the nominee to spend time researching in Germany.
- Two expert reviews by important international academics and one from a German scientist/scholar;
- The Humboldt Foundation assumes that candidates will abide by the Rules of Good Scientific Practice during the application and sponsorship periods.
Nominations should be sent to the following address by 15 May 2013:
Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Selection Department,
Jean-Paul-Str. 12, 53173 Bonn, Germany
The selection meeting is scheduled for autumn.
Other important details
- Complete nomination documents (PDF/DOC)
- Programme information (PDF)