What is the goal of the grant program?
This grant program is designed for the invitation of excellent researchers from all areas of specialization to spend a short period of time at the University of Bonn (up to 12 days). Preference will be given to scholars from strategic partner universities and universities in priority countries for international collaboration.
The idea is to involve the fellows in Bonn’s academic life as much as possible and make them visible to the public (or at least the academic public). Additionally, these fellowships are supposed to open up areas for future collaboration projects between applicants and fellows.
Who is eligible for funding?
Post-doctoral scholars and experienced faculty who research and/ or teach abroad at a university or research institute and who have a strong international reputation in their field of research. Researchers need to be invited by a host from the University of Bonn. Applications can only be submitted by members of the University.
Please note that we cannot establish contact between interested fellows and faculty from the University of Bonn.
What is the size of the funding?
The funding covers:
A travel allowance for the fellow (depending on country of origin)
An allowance of €160 per day for the fellow (up to 12 days including day of arrival and departure)
Material expenses for events organized by the hosting institut (up to €500 per proposal), i.e.
Catering costs (up to €50 per guest/ €40 for university members)
Funds for public relations and outreach activities
Fellows must begin their stay between January 01, 2026 and December 31, 2026. The funding must be fully spent by December 31, 2026.
What are the selection criteria?
Scientific reputation of the fellows in their areas of specialization
The fellows’ contribution to academic life in Bonn (e.g. through public lectures, seminars or colloquiums)
The expected longer-term impact of the stay and a plan to further develop the collaboration between the fellow and host institute in Bonn.
Who submits the application?
Researchers functioning as hosts at the University of Bonn who have completed a doctorate. The fellow declares their agreement to the nomination in an informal letter.
What does the application include?
Online form
Project description (PDF of no more than 6 pages plus fellow’s declaration of consent), consisting of:
Planned time period for the fellow’s visit (month)
Reasons for inviting the fellow, in particular an account of their key research accomplishments and international reputation
If applicable: an overview of the existing collaboration between the applicant and the fellow
A plan of how the fellow will be integrated into Bonn’s academic life during his or her stay
A description of the envisaged short- or long-term outcome of the stay; if applicable, a plan or list of goals for further collaboration
The fellow’s informal declaration of consent to the application
CV of the fellow (PDF)
Signed Invitation Letter from the Host at University of Bonn (PDF)
