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Are you working academically or practically in climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation in your country of origin – a non-European developing or transition country? Then we invite you to apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
Opportunity Details
The Humboldt Foundation aims to achieve a good balance between genders and a high level of diversity among its fellows in all areas. They therefore expressly invite female prospective leaders and members of underrepresented groups to apply.
They welcome all applications, regardless of ethnic, cultural or social background, gender identity, age, religion, worldview, disability or sexual orientation.
If you are a prospective leader you will do a one-year research project in Germany as part of your fellowship; if you are a postdoc, long-term academic research (12-24 months). It should focus on combating climate change, adaptation strategies, preserving ecosystems and biodiversity, or on the sustainable use of the seas and oceans. Sustainability topics relating to natural resources, resource-efficient consumption or urban development are also welcome.
They award up to 15 International Climate Protection Fellowships to prospective leaders working practically and up to five to postdocs each year. The fellowships are funded through the International Climate Initiative. The Initiative (IKI) became the responsibility of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) in 2022. The IKI programme cooperates with its founding ministry, the Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), as well as the Federal Foreign Office.
The fellowship facilitates the mutual exchange of knowledge, methods and techniques with hosts in Germany; this also extends to questions of practical applicability in your country of origin. They offer you
Hosts receive a monthly allowance for research costs of 800€ for projects in the natural and engineering sciences or 500€ for projects in the humanities and social sciences.
They invite you to apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship if you
In addition, you meet the following criteria as a prospective leader or postdoc:
Did you complete your first academic degree (Bachelor’s or comparable degree) during the last twelve years (cut-off date is the application deadline on 1 February)? Do you have extensive professional experience, at least 24 months on the application deadline – or alternatively a Master’s degree in any field (or comparable degree) plus at least twelve months of relevant professional experience related to climate issues after the first university degree? If so, apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship.
Did you complete your first academic degree(Bachelor or comparable degree) during the last twelve years (cut-off date is the application deadline on 1 February)? Additionally, did you complete your doctorate no more than four years ago by the application deadline (1 February) or will you complete it until 31 August of the respective selection year? Have you published in academic journals and publishing houses that are reviewed according to international standards? If so, apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship for postdocs.
Selection procedure
A selection committee comprised of researchers from academia and industry working in relevant fields decides who will be awarded an International Climate Protection Fellowship. The peer review is conducted largely on the basis of three selection criteria:
An individual’s personal and educational background – including and especially with regard to equal opportunities and accessibility – are also taken into account in the selection procedure.
Before applying, you should agree your research project with your independently chosen host.
The application is submitted online via the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s homepage. The following application documents are to be included:
The application form contains links where the hosts and referees can upload their statements. Please forward these links to the relevant individuals as soon as possible. They will send you a confirmation e-mail as soon as they have received all the required documents. If you have any doubts or questions, please contact them by e-mail (info[at]avh.de) before submitting your application.
Resources
Apply for Humboldt Foundation International Climate Protection Fellowship