Einstein Guest Researcher (Academic Freedom)
Funding for threatened or scientifically restricted doctoral researchers for up to twelve months scholarship ("Immediate support") or up to two years position ("Advanced support") at Berlin universities.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The program promotes academic freedom by enabling doctoral researchers who are threatened in crisis regions or restricted in their scientific work in their home countries to undertake a research stay at one of the eligible Berlin universities. It strengthens Berlin's profile as a tolerant, cosmopolitan research city and supports integration into the German scientific system.
Eligible expenses
- Scholarship/Salary (TV-L 13)
- Material resources (language courses, further training, publications)
- Personnel costs for student assistants (Advanced support only)
Non-eligible expenses
- Overhead costs
- Incidental expenses for scholarships
- Basic equipment (computers, furniture, etc.)
- Moving costs
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Host university in Berlin (FU Berlin, HU Berlin, TU Berlin, UdK Berlin, or Charité) must act as the applicant
- PhD-qualified researchers with proof of an acute threat or restriction to academic freedom
- Exclusion of German, Swiss, Norwegian, and EU nationals as well as "domestic education residents"
- PhD completed by the application deadline
Documents required for application
- Application form
- Curriculum vitae with list of publications
- Letter of support from the host institution
- Project summary (Attachment C)
- Financial plan (Attachment D)
Evaluation criteria
- Proof of threat or restriction to academic freedom
- Scientific qualification and publication record
- Suitability of the research project to the host institution
- Integration perspective into the German scientific system
Description
The scholarship program supports doctoral researchers whose work is severely restricted by political circumstances or acute threats in their home countries. Public universities in Berlin – Free University, Humboldt University, Technical University, University of the Arts, or Charité – nominate candidates who carry out application-oriented or independent projects in a fundable subject area for one to two years. The Einstein Foundation covers 100% of eligible personnel and material costs: Under “Immediate Support,” a monthly stipend of up to €2,100 and up to €5,000 for further training, language courses, and publications are available. Within the framework of “Advanced Support,” a position at salary group TV-L 13 is funded, along with an additional material budget of up to €30,000. Expenses for basic equipment, overhead, relocation, or ancillary costs are excluded.
Requirements include a completed doctorate, proof of acute endangerment of academic freedom, and a detailed project and financing plan. A letter of support from the host institution must demonstrate the professional suitability and integration prospects into the German research system. Applications can be submitted at any time and are subject to review by external experts as well as the decision of the Foundation’s board. The program strengthens Berlin’s international profile as an open-minded research metropolis and supports the long-term development of secure networks for endangered researchers. Interim and final reports ensure transparent use of funds and document successful integration into Berlin’s scientific community.
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