The purpose of the Walter Benjamin Programme is to enable researchers in the postdoctoral training phase to independently conduct their own research project at a location of their choice, in Germany (postdoctoral position) or abroad (fellowship), including projects that combine periods in Germany and abroad.
Refugee researchers who have been forced to leave their home country within the last 3 years could embark on their own research project
Aim: to foster the mobility and thematic development
Duration: as rule 2 years, 1 year extension is possible in exceptional cases
The host institution is expected to provide a workplace and the additional funds necessary to carry out the project
Eligibility:
- In Germany: postdoctoral researchers at an early career phase (once the thesis is submitted)
- Abroad: Eligible are researchers who are integrated into Germany’s academic research system, i.e. immediately prior to submitting a proposal, they have worked as a researcher in Germany for a continuous period of at least 3 years during their doctoral and/or postdoctoral phase; must not have worked longer than 1 year at the host institution abroad as of proposal time. After the stay abroad a Return grant for up to 6 months for reintegration into the German research system can be applied for.
DFG: Upcoming talks in the Prospects Series:
- 14/09/2022 – Emmy Noether Programme (in English)
- 12/10/2022 – DFG Funding Opportunities for Scientific Careers (in German)
Presentation “DFG Funding Opportunities for Postdocs” (in English) on July 5, 2022