Visiting Fellows 2026
Funding program of the Charité Foundation to attract established and leading scientists for multi-month guest stays and the establishment of research groups in Berlin. Three funding tracks with maximum funding amounts ranging from €150,000 to €600,000 over up to 3 years. Applications possible until 09.02.2026.
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Grant criteria
Funding objective
The Charité Foundation aims to attract renowned scientists from Germany and abroad as Visiting Fellows to Berlin, to collaboratively develop major research projects with hosts at Charité or MDC, implement pilot phases, or carry them out in full. The goal is to strengthen the life sciences in Berlin through international exchange, the establishment of new research groups, and the preparation of third-party funded consortia, as well as to promote diversity at the location.
Eligible expenses
- Expense allowance/compensation for Visiting Fellow
- Personnel funds for working group
- Material resources for research project
Eligible to apply
- Public Institutions
Funding requirements
- Host must be a member of the board or head of a center, institute, clinic, or research group at Charité (including BIH and DHZC) or MDC
- Nominated Visiting Fellow must be established or leading in the respective life sciences field
- Collaboration between host and Visiting Fellow in the form of joint application
Documents required for application
- Curriculum vitae of the Visiting Fellow
- Selected list of publications (max. 5 publications)
- Project description with scientific objectives
- Financial plan
- Commitment to provide a suitable workplace
Evaluation criteria
- Scientific qualification and achievements of the fellow
- Quality and added value of the research project for the Berlin life sciences
- Appropriateness of funding amount, duration, and chosen track
Description
The Visiting Fellows 2026 funding program of the Charité Foundation is aimed at established and leading scientists (career levels R3 and R4) from universities, research institutes, or research-oriented companies. The goal is to attract renowned personalities for multi-month guest stays at Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (including BIH and DHZC) or at the Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) and to jointly initiate larger research projects with hosts on site, implement pilot phases, or carry them out in full. The program offers three funding tracks (A–C) with grants of up to €150,000 (Track A), €350,000 (Track B), or €600,000 (Track C) over a maximum of three years. Funding covers allowances for fellows, personnel costs for the research group, and material costs for research projects. A prerequisite is the joint application by a board or institute director as host and the nomination of an established or leading personality in the life sciences field. Additionally, a suitable workplace must be provided through the commitment of Charité or MDC.
Evaluation is based on the scientific qualification of the fellow, the substantive quality and added value of the project for the Berlin life sciences, as well as the appropriateness of the funding amount, duration, and chosen track. The application must include a CV, selected publication list (max. five publications), project description with scientific objectives, financing plan, and workplace commitment. Applications can be submitted via the online portal until February 9, 2026 (11:59 p.m.). The Charité Foundation places great importance on international networking, diversity at the location, and the preparation of third-party funded consortia. The Visiting Fellows program sustainably strengthens research competence in Berlin and helps establish new research groups.
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