Are you a prospective leader working academically or practically in climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation in your home country – a non-European developing or transition country? Then apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

The fellowship enables you to conduct a one-year research-based project in Germany focusing on combating climate change, on adaptation strategies, on preserving ecosystems and biodiversity, or on the sustainable use of the oceans and seas. Sustainability topics relating to natural resources, resource-efficient consumption or urban development are also welcome.

The foundation awards up to 15 International Climate Protection Fellowships to prospective leaders and up to five to postdoctoral researchers each year. The fellowships are funded through the International Climate Initiative of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).

Benefits

The fellowship facilitates the mutual exchange of knowledge, methods and techniques with hosts in Germany; this also extends to questions of practical applicability in applicants country of origin. The foundation offers:

• a monthly fellowship of €2,170, €2,470 or €2,670 in the programme line for prospective leaders – depending on the training and career level; a monthly fellowship of €2,670 in the programme line for postdoctoral researchers
• individual support during stay in Germany
• additional financial support for example for accompanying family members, for travel expenses or for a German language course
• a three-week introductory event where applicants can connect with other climate protection fellows, visit businesses and research institutions, and attend cultural events in Germany
• extensive alumni sponsorship, in particular to support long-term connections with cooperation partners in Germany over the duration of entire professional career

Host institutes receive a monthly allowance for research costs of 800 euros for projects in the natural and engineering sciences or 500 euros for projects in the humanities and social sciences.

Eligibility Criteria

As future decision-makers and multipliers, the applicants aim to take on the global challenge of climate change through international, cross-border cooperation. The foundation invites to apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship if applicants:

• explore questions in the natural or engineering sciences or address legal, economic, health-related or societal aspects of climate change
• are a citizen of a non-European developing or transition country and have been predominantly living and working there
• completed first academic degree (Bachelor or comparable degree) no more than 12 years ago (cut-off date: 1 March of year of application)
• have initial experience in a leadership role and corresponding leadership skills
• are a prospective leader with extensive professional experience (at least 48 months at the time of applying)
• are a postdoctoral researcher with a successfully completed doctorate in climate protection or climate-related resource conservation and have been published in academic journals and by academic publishers peer reviewed to international standards
• have very good knowledge of English and/or German

For more information, visit The Foundation.