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Partial fundingGrants

DFG Research Funding for Postdoctoral Researchers through the Walter Benjamin Programme

By: DFG – German Research FoundationLast update:
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Applicant criteria

NationalityNo specific nationality required
Age
  • 18 - 60
Gender
  • Both

Opportunity criteria

Job locationGermany
Deadlineavailable

Opportunity description

The Walter Benjamin Programme, offered by the German Research Foundation (DFG – Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft), provides support for early-career postdoctoral researchers, helping them carry out an independent research project at a suitable research institution inside or outside Germany.

The program focuses on supporting research independence, developing academic career paths, encouraging academic mobility, and helping postdoctoral researchers build an independent research profile.

Benefits

  • Funding for an independent research project for early-career postdoctoral researchers.
  • Possibility of carrying out the project at a research institution in Germany through the Walter Benjamin Position.
  • Possibility of carrying out the project outside Germany through the Walter Benjamin Fellowship, according to specific conditions.
  • The funding duration usually extends up to 2 years.
  • In Germany, funding is provided in the form of a research position with a postdoctoral researcher salary according to DFG pay scales.
  • Abroad, funding is provided in the form of a fellowship that includes a basic monthly amount and may include foreign allowances, cost-of-living allowance, travel allowance, and support for researchers with children.
  • The researcher receives a monthly allowance for direct project costs, travel, and publication expenses, amounting to EUR 313 for the fellowship outside Germany and EUR 250 for the position inside Germany.
  • Possibility of requesting additional support for high book publication costs of up to EUR 5,000 per year when needed.

Eligibility criteria

To apply for the Walter Benjamin Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  1. The applicant must be an early-career postdoctoral researcher.
  2. The applicant must have completed their academic training by obtaining a doctorate, or must have officially submitted their dissertation with specific proof provided.
  3. The applicant must have an independent research project of high scientific quality.
  4. The applicant must choose a host research institution that is suitable for the project and academic career path.
  5. In general, the researcher should change the research institution where they completed their doctorate or where they are currently working, as the program encourages academic mobility.
  6. There is no official age limit, but the program is intended for researchers in the early stage of their postdoctoral research career.
  7. Doctoral researchers cannot apply, as the program is intended for postdoctoral researchers only.

Required Documents

  1. Detailed research proposal.
  2. Academic CV/resume.
  3. List of scientific publications.
  4. Doctoral certificate or proof of completion of doctoral procedures.
  5. Proof of dissertation submission if the doctoral certificate has not yet been issued.
  6. Letter or confirmation from the host research institution.
  7. Statement from the host researcher explaining the planned academic and professional support for the researcher, especially in the case of a position inside Germany.
  8. Any additional documents required according to the official DFG form and the selected type of funding.
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