Gerhard Bersu Scholarship

The Gerhard Bersu Scholarship of the “Pro Archaeologia Saxoniae” Foundation is aimed at highly gifted early-career researchers in the field of archaeology who are preparing demanding dissertations or habilitations on the archaeology of Saxony, Lower Silesia, and Bohemia. It supports independent, innovative research projects with an annual grant of up to €13,200 (for residents in Germany) or €10,800 (for residents in the Czech Republic or Poland) over a maximum period of 24 months. Selection is based on the criteria of innovativeness, scientific quality, and alignment with the foundation’s purpose. Eligible costs include living expenses as well as equipment costs, provided these are applied for separately and justified. The aim of the scholarship is to enable the completion of outstanding theses by doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in the funding area and thereby to strengthen archaeological research in Central Germany and neighboring regions.

The application must include a project description (maximum 10 pages), a curriculum vitae in tabular form, a timeline, an evaluation by the supervising institution, as well as information on the manuscript’s scope and the completed application form. The complete documents must be submitted by the application deadline; the next call for applications is expected to be published in spring 2027. The scientific advisory board reviews the applications and advises the foundation’s board, which makes the final decision. The scholarship supports independent research achievements and offers the scholars the opportunity to further develop their work in close coordination with the foundation’s supervisory circle. Publication of the results citing the funding is a condition for the disbursement of funds.