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Platzhalter

IScO Newsletter May 2026
Platzhalter

Dear Reader,

May brings many more outdoor activities and festivals to the region. It’s a great time to get to know your neighborhood or check out some new neighborhoods or near-by towns and cities. If you like traveling by train (and have lots of patience), consider a Deutschland Ticket. For €63/month, you can travel on almost all public transportation in all of Germany. This includes trams, buses, S-Bahn, U-Bahn and regional trains. The fast trains (ICE, EC, IC) are not part of the system, nor are private trains and buses (FlixTrain, FlixBus). Germany is known for its efficiency and punctuality —  but this does not always reflect on the everyday life we experience, such as the Deutsche Bahn. Plan with delays and take it in stride – and rejoice when all goes according to schedule. The Deutschland Ticket is available as a subscription, which means you do need to provide bank account information from which the money is directly taken. If you only want the ticket for a month, be sure to cancel by the 10th of that month. Purchase can be via the Deutsche Bahn, or kvv (local public transportation).

Important dates in May/June 
May 1 — Labor Day (Tag der Arbeit). Official public holiday in all of Germany. All stores and government offices are closed. Most museums are open. Many restaurants are open. 
May 10 — Mother's Day celebrations in Germany. 
May 14 — Ascension Day (Christi Himmelfahrt). Official public holiday in all of Germany. This is also considered Father’s Day in Germany, which means that men gather together and go hiking and drinking and singing together, so you may see groups of men of all ages, who aren’t necessarily fathers, with a hand cart full of alcohol. For the most part, they are harmless. It’s also a Thursday holiday – perfect for a long weekend. 
May 24 – Whit (Pentecost) Sunday (Pfingstsonntag). 
May 25 – Whit (Pentecost) Monday (Pfingstmontag) is an official public holiday in Germany. Government offices are closed. Many museums and restaurants are open, although it is a Monday. 
May 26 – June 5 — Pentecost holidays for the Karlsruhe public school system. 
June 4 – Corpus Christi Day (Fronleichnam) is an official public holiday in Baden-Württemberg and some (but not all) German states. It’s a Thursday, so take Friday off and make a long weekend of it. 
This wraps up the official German holidays until October 3rd. 
*Remember that because of the holidays, your garbage collection day may shift. 

With so many news for this coming springseason, there is plenty to explore in this newsletter. You’ll find updates on upcoming IScO events, KIT news and announcements, and external news that could be of interest to you, including exciting funding opportunities. Plus, we’ve gathered the latest calls for proposals that might just spark your next project. Whether you're looking for new collaboration opportunities or staying up-to-date with cultural initiatives, there’s something for everyone!

Stay curious and take care!
Platzhalter

Good Morning, Karlsruhe

Good Morning, Karlsruhe is a new welcome series by the International Scholars and Welcome Office (IScO). It offers international academics and researchers a warm, personal point of contact at KIT. The next event will be on Tuesday, May 18 at Campus North. 
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IScO’s International BBQ

Enjoy an international BBQ filled with delicious specialties. Grill together, laugh together, and make new connections — an evening for cultural and intellectual exchange!
The BBQ will take place on Thursday, May 21, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM. 
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IScO’s Excursion: Heidelberg Cabrio-Sightseeing

Join IScO for a day trip to Heidelberg. Experience the historic city from a different perspective with Cabrio-Sightseeing. There will also be plenty of time to discover the city by foot.
The tour will take place on Saturday, June 20, 2026 from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM. 

Overview
Excursions and News from IScO

News and Announcements from KIT External News and Announcements 
Current Calls for Proposals

Excursions and News from IScO

Good Morning, Karlsruhe

What?
Good Morning, Karlsruhe is a new welcome series by the International Scholars and Welcome Office (IScO). It offers international academics and researchers a warm, personal point of contact at KIT and will be hosted every other week. Meet the IScO team in person, ask questions, get orientation on institutional and practical matters, and connect with fellow international scholars in an informal and welcoming setting. Light refreshments will be provided. Please note that photos may be taken for communication and documentation purposes. If you prefer not to be photographed, please inform the organizers in advance.

Goals of the events 

  • Form a foundational pillar of a strong international welcoming culture at KIT
  • Serve as an approachable and reliable reference point between international scholars and their new academic and social environment.
  • Appreciate the diverse cultural backgrounds and experiences of international visitors.

Target group
Newly arrived international researchers and visitors at KIT. International academics who are already at KIT are also welcome to join.

Upcoming event
KIT-Campus North:
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 10:00 - 12:00 AM (launch event, followed by a campus tour)

Institute of Nanotechnology, Main Building 640, Seminar Room, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen

Registration: Please register for the event at Campus North.

IScO's International BBQ

We would like to invite you and your friends, family and colleagues to our International BBQ on the roof top terrace of our KIT Guesthouse. Enjoy a relaxed get-together where cultures, conversations, and cuisines come together!

Bring your favorite dish, enjoy grilled food, and connect with fellow researchers from around the world. Whether you're new in town or just love a good barbecue, this is the perfect chance to meet, mingle, and celebrate summer in an international atmosphere.

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026

Time: from 05:00 to 10:00 PM

Venue: KIT International Guesthouse, (Reinhold Frank Str. 48c), 4th floor (rooftop)

What to bring: We provide the drinks (sold at very moderate prices) and some basic side dishes. Please bring your own food to put onto the BBQ! Salads or typical food from your home country are also very welcome!  Of course you don´t have to eat anything, just join us and socialize.

Registration: Until Monday, May 18, 2026. Registration required. Please also register any friends, colleagues or children that you plan to bring along. The event only takes place in good weather conditions. In case of bad weather, we have to cancel the event since it´s a outdoor place.

We are looking forward to meeting you!

If questions arise, please write us an e-mail. 
Please feel free to share this offer among your network!

IScO's Excursion: Cabrio-Sightseeing Bus Tour through Heidelberg

Immerse yourself in the 800 year history of Hiedelberg's historic city center and experience the scenic beauty of this city on the Neckar River. The Heidelberg City Tour offers a perfect overview of the city and provides tips on things to do. The bus tour takes about 40 minutes.

Discover Heidelberg comfortably by bus and later pick and chose where to go!

  • Date and Time: Saturday, June 20, from 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM 
  • Venue: Heidelberg, Cabrio-Sightseeing Heidelberg
  • Cost: €10 per person (no train ticket included)
  • Transportation: We will take the train from Karlsruhe Main Train Station to Heidelberg. The Deutschlandticket is valid for this travel.
  • End: You can chose how long to stay in Heidelberg. The official trip ends after the sightseeing tour.

Registration: Registration required. Please also register any friends, colleagues, or children you plan to bring along in a separate form (for organizational reasons)

We are looking forward to meeting you!

If questions arise, please write us an e-mail. 
Please feel free to share this offer among your network!

News and Announcements from KIT

KIT Career Fair

What?
Job-Open-Air for students, doctoral candidates and alumnae/i of KIT
The KIT Career Fair is your springboard into the professional world - here you can exchange ideas, get your bearings and find jobs. Every year in May, the square in front of the Audimax on KIT Campus South is transformed into a colorful job open-air, organized by the Career Service. Meet recruiting and specialist staff from a wide range of sectors, with different companies at the start every day of the fair. Exchange information in a relaxed atmosphere about job profiles, entry opportunities and specific vacancies that match your degree course. Sustainable and close: without registration, in the middle of university life, you can get information, make contacts and get your career off to a flying start.

When and where?
May 19 - 20, 2026, 12:00 – 5:00 PM
Forum in front of the Audimax (Building 30.95), KIT Campus South.

Who?
Around 170 companies and institutions (changing daily) from various sectors.

Offer for:
All fields of study and semesters.

Admission:
Free of charge and without registration.

Info Session on Ethics & Data Protection for Researchers at KIT

What? 
In many scientific fields, publishing in reputable journals now requires an Ethics Committee approval.
In this Info Session, the staff of the Office GWP and DSB will explain how to obtain an ethics approval and the associated data protection requirements. Afterwards, you will have the opportunity to ask questions.

Who can attend?
The Info Session is open to all researchers at all career levels and is especially helpful for those who handle personal data in their research projects. The Info Session will be held in English.

When and where?
July 3, 2026, from 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM
Lecture Hall of KIT Library (Campus South, Building 30.51, 3rd Floor)

Registration is not required.

KHYS Events

Across Europe, where science and research are core values, 13 May, 2026 is now celebrated as European Doctoral Day. KHYS offers a series of events from 11 to 13 May. The program offers a valuable opportunity to deepen your knowledge, gain orientation for your career path, and connect with peers and experts across disciplines.

Workshop | Get Resilient – Building Mental and Emotional Strength
May 11, 2026, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, online (Zoom)
This interactive workshop focuses on building resilience and coping strategies for handling academic challenges.

Lecture | Doing Your Doctorate at KIT
May 13, 2026, 9:00–10:30 AM, online (Zoom)
An introduction to admission requirements, doctoral procedures, supervision, and available support services at KIT.

Lecture | From Doctoral Researcher to Independent Scientist – Your Postdoc at KIT
May 13, 2026, 10:30 AM –12:00 PM, online (Zoom)
An overview of the postdoc phase in Germany and the counseling, support, and funding opportunities available at KIT.

Lecture | Application Tips and Tricks – Focus Industry
May 13, 2026, 2:00 – 3:30 PM, online (Zoom)
Practical guidance from the KIT Career Service on applying for jobs outside academia in Germany.

Online Workshop | Postdocs - Qualification & Career Development - From Postdoc to Professorship!/? Academic Career Options, Requirements, and Strategies for Your Next Steps

The event will be held in English and run for two days, on May 12 and 13, 2026, from 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM each.

 

All events will be held in English. For further information and registration, please follow the links provided in the title of each event.

If you have any questions, please contact us at events@khys.kit.edu.

NEXT LEVEL YOU – Your weekly 90-minute empowerment boost HOC

What?
Intergenerational and cross-hierarchical learning promotes dialogue on equal terms, fosters mutual understanding and opens up new perspectives for everyone involved.

Where and when?
May 19, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM: Mind the Trap – Awareness of the fine line between pattern and prejudice [EN]

May 27, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM: Your voice counts: Vocal presence in 3 steps [EN]

Both Events take place at K26 (Kaiserstraße 26, 76131 Karlsruhe)

Who can attend?
All students, staff, lecturers and PhD students are warmly welcome!

Registration:
You can register here.

KIT Award for Outstanding Doctoral Supervision

What?
With the newly established KIT Award for Outstanding Doctoral Supervision, KIT honors supervisors who demonstrate exceptional commitment to supporting doctoral researchers and highlights the importance of a supportive and inspiring culture of supervision at KIT.

We are seeking supervisors (individuals or teams) who demonstrate excellence and outstanding dedication in doctoral supervision.

You can nominate candidates, following these guidelines.

Deadline
Friday, June 12, 2026

Campus North Library 70th anniversary

In 2026, we will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the KIT Library on Campus North (BIB-N). Since its founding in 1956, it has been a central place of knowledge, exchange, and innovation.

We look forward to celebrating this anniversary with you and cordially invite you to our events during the anniversary year.

See the various events on the Campus North Website.

Special Program for International Academic Freedom

What?
The program is run by the Baden-Württemberg Foundation. The aim is to offer research opportunities in Baden-Württemberg to young academics whose academic freedom or research mobility is restricted due to political circumstances or their nationality.

Who can take part?
Postdoctoral researchers whose academic freedom or research mobility is restricted due to political circumstances or their nationality. Candidates may come from abroad or from Germany (e.g. if a previously planned research stay abroad was canceled due to such restrictions).

Funding
Duration: up to 24 months

Funding amount:

  • 2,500 € monthly stipend

  • One-off lump sum of € 1,500 (e.g. for participation in a conference)

Maximum: up to two scholarship holders per university

Submission / Nomination
Submission of the project proposal by the KIT Institute by e-mail to oliver.kaas@kit.edu.

Internal deadline
July 1, 2026

Further details about the nomination process and required documents are available via the application document (only available in German).

If you have any questions, please contact Oliver Kaas.

ICM Future Mobility Grants of the InnovationCampus Mobility of the Future (ICM)

The ICM Future Mobility Grants of the InnovationCampus Mobility of the Future (ICM) support institutes at KIT in quickly and pragmatically initiating or expanding international research collaborations. The grants are particularly suitable for preparing joint research projects and larger third-party funding proposals. International guests are closely supported by the ICM and IScO team both during the preparation phase and throughout their stay, ensuring smooth onboarding and effective collaboration with the host institute.

Four funding formats are available:

Mid-term Fellowships for Experts:

For two to six-months stays of international senior scientists at the University of Stuttgart or at KIT (Fellowships).

  • For whom: Postdocs, experienced scientists, professors from abroad
  • Duration: 2-6 months stay at KIT or the University of Stuttgart

Short-term Grants for International Collaboration:

For multiple stays of international senior scientists at KIT or at the University of Stuttgart.

  • For whom: Postdocs, experienced scientists, professors from all countries.
  • Duration: several short research stays within one calendar year at KIT or the University of Stuttgart.

Visiting Professors / International Experts:

For advisory contracts of international senior scientists at KIT or at the University of Stuttgart.

  • For whom: Postdocs, experienced scientists, professors from all countries.
  • Duration: advisory contract with minimum duration of 12 months

Short-term Grants for Talents:

For a several weeks stay abroad of young scientists of KIT or the University of Stuttgart.

  • For whom: Doctoral researchers and postdocs of KIT or the University of Stuttgart
  • Duration: research stay abroad for several weeks

If you already have a potential partner or collaboration idea in mind, we would be happy to advise you briefly on the most suitable funding line. Please contact Catherine Baumann via e-mail or by phone: +49 173 97 97 896.

Information sessions on a broad range of funding schemes and support options, organized by KIT Research Office (FOR)

The KIT Research Office (FOR) is pleased to invite all KIT researchers to a series of free online information events in 2026, providing comprehensive information on a broad range of funding schemes and support options:

The KIT Research Office offers an overview for all events in 2026.

KHYS FIT Course Offerings: Fit for your next career step

What?
The KHYS Further Education Program “Fit for your next career step” is a structured portfolio of training courses that supports your professional development during the doctoral and postdoc phase. It brings together expertise from established external trainers and institutions at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.

Who is it for?
The overall FIT course program is aimed equally at doctoral researchers and postdocs. Courses with a particular focus for doctoral researchers or postdocs are marked accordingly (D or P). You can also use the dedicated KHYS overview pages for Doctoral Researchers and for Postdocs to identify courses that fit your current qualification phase.

How to choose the right courses
The FIT overview helps you filter in two ways:

  1. By topic area, for example Research Skills, Communication, Management and Leadership, Languages, Career, E Learning, and Teaching.

  2. By career path, using the module labels FIT for Science, FIT for Industry, FIT for Founding, and FIT Basics.

Examples of topics covered
Within Research Skills, listed course topics include Doctoral and Postdoc Phase: Milestones and Processes, Managing Information and Data, Third Party Funding, and Methods and Good Research Practice. Research skills are described as relevant for careers in science, and also useful for industry paths and founding.

Where to find the individual course dates
Use the Event Calendar. Icons with coloured borders indicate which subject area a course belongs to, and you can match them to the subject areas shown in the overview.

If you have further question, please contact Viola Schroff for organisational questions and Dr. Claire Earnshaw and Dr. Lisa Leander for content-related matters.

Aspirant Grant (Doctoral Researcher/Postdoc) by Karlsruhe House of Young Scientists (KHYS) 

Asprirant Grant (Doc/Postdoc) enables KIT professors and research group leaders to invite promising scientists who are interested in doing research at KIT as a doctorate researcher/postdoc in the near future to spend one month on-site. During the visit, both parties receive the chance to get to know each other and to discuss the possibility of doing a doctorate/postdoc at KIT. The funding measure is part of the KHYS Postdoc Office and is sponsored by the Initiative and Networking Fund of the Helmholtz Association.

Target group: KIT professors and research group leaders

Funding: KHYS will cover the travel and accommodation expenses for the aspirant’s stay

Deadline: Applications for both measures may be handed in anytime as long as funds are available.

If you have further questions, please contact Denisa Kičmerová (KHYS) via e-mail.

Please feel free to share this offer among your network!

External News and Announcements

Events in Karlsruhe

Do you want to get in touch with other English speaking people?

  • The American Library has regular events in English for kids and adults.
  • For adults:  LitNight (May 5 & 19), New(s) Views (May 12), MovieTalk (May 13), Poetry?Please! (May 26).
  • For kids and teens:  Storytime in English for Kids 3 to 5 (May 13 & 27), Reading Time (Ages 6 & up) (May 8), TeenTime (May 8).
  • The Karlsruhe Toastmasters (Website only available in German) meet every 1st, 3rd and 5th Monday of the month from 7:15 to 9:15 PM to practice public speaking in English with friendly, relaxed support from speakers from around 
    the world. 
  • Karlsruhe's English-Speaking Meetup Group is a means for anyone to organize events and activities. The most popular regular event is the monthly Stammtisch where you can meet nice people who speak English in a relaxed atmosphere. Start is 6:30 PM until around 10:00 PM. The May Stammtisch is on Tuesday, May 12th at Kaisergarten. Anyone can participate, but it helps the organizers if you sign up first – and remove your name if you can no longer attend!

Do you want to improve your German?

  • Sprecht miteinander! Speak with each other!
    Practice your spoken German in a relaxed atmosphere. People of similar language ability form groups moderated by a volunteer. Free and no registration required. Wednesdys and Fridays from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.
    Bürgerzentrum Mühlburg (BZM)  Weinbrennerstr. 79a  76185 Karlsruhe
    Just stop by
  • The IBZ offers practice in speaking German via Skype on Mondays and in person on Thursdays from 6:30 to 8:00 PM.
  • Other opportunities to practice speaking in German can be found on the Integration page of the City of Karlsruhe. Just switch the language (Sprache) at the top of the page to find out more.

What events are coming up in Karlsruhe?

  • May 13 – 17 — dokKa – Karlsruhe’s Documentary Festival. Most events are at the Kinemathek.
  • May 17 — International Museum Day. Look for special programs, and often free entry, in the local museums or wherever you might be.
  • May 29 - June 8 — Karlsruher Mess' at the Messplatz on Durlacher Allee. This is one of Karlsruhe's largest temporary fairs with roller coasters and other rides, music, games, food. Fun for the whole family. Open daily from 2 to 11 PM – Friday and Saturday to midnight.
  • May 30 — The Knit & Lit at 2 PM at the American Library. Join fellow yarn enthusiasts for a relaxing afternoon of knitting or working on your own favorite portable craft project. Pleasant conversation in English and German and a cup of tea or coffee round out the program. Please bring your own craft project. Free. Reservations requested, but not mandatory.
  • June 4 - June 7 — Horse racing (Frühjahrs Meeting) in nearby Iffezheim (close to Baden-Baden). Recycle your Easter bonnet to see and be seen or come casual — it's a beer to champagne event. Entry fee – plus betting costs! 

Uni Stuttgart Event: Pension Rights

What?
Webinar on everything you need to know about pension rights in Germany.

Do you have questions about your pension rights in Germany after your stay here? Or don’t know how pension insurance is organized in Germany? Or whether you will be entitled to get a pension from Germany when you reach pension age? What special offers does the VBL (Versorgungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder) has to offer for researchers? These questions and many more will be answered by representatives of the VBL.

Where and when?
Online via Webex, May 21, 2026, 4:30 PM

Registration
You can register here until May 18, 2026.

For further information, please contact gwl@ia.uni-stuttgart.de.

AOK Event: Attract and integrate skilled personnel from abroad!

What?
This Event covers the following questions: How can we attract skilled workers from abroad quickly and without red tape? How can we ensure successful and lasting integration? These questions will be answered in an expert forum. There will be ample opportunity to exchange ideas with experts. This event is free of charge.

Where and when? 
Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 5:30 PM
AOK Mittlerer Oberrhein, Kriegsstraße 41, 76133 Karlsruhe 

Registration:
You can register here. (Website only available in German)

Sino-German Short-Term Workshops for Students and Early-Career Researchers 2026 

What?
In accordance with an agreement reached by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and the DFG and endorsed by the Joint Committee of the Sino-German Center for Research Promotion (SGC), the SGC launches a call for proposals for Sino-German Short-Term Workshops for Students and Early-Career Researchers in 2026. The themes should focus on the disciplinary spectrum covered by the NSFC, including mathematical sciences, natural sciences, medical and life sciences, engineering sciences, earth sciences and management sciences.

Deadline
May 31, 2026 at 4:00 PM Beijing time.

If you have any questions, please see the website for further information on application requirements and limits.
 

DFG Funding Opportunities for Postdocs

What?
The DFG gives an overview over the funding portfolio for postdocs. There will be information about the Walter Benjamin Program, the Emmy Noether Program and the Heisenberg Program, as well as the Individual Research Grant with a temporary position for principal investigators. You will get advice on how to prepare your proposal and what happens once you submit it to the DFG. We are happy to answer questions during and after the talk.

Who can attend?
PhD candidates and postdocs of all disciplines from all countries as well as research support staff are welcome to join.

When and where?
May 20, 2026, at 2:00 PM
The Webex link will be published on the website shortly before the event.

Registration
No registration required.

If you have any further questions, please see the dfg website.

MSCA and ERC Grant Writing for Young Researchers

What?
This online course is designed for early-career researchers who want to strengthen their grant-writing skills and better understand the European research funding landscape. Participants will learn how to prepare competitive proposals for MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships and ERC Starting Grants, including what reviewers expect and how funding agencies evaluate proposals.

Drawing on extensive experience as a Research Manager and Expert Evaluator for the European Commission, trainer Dr. Paolo Simonelli will share practical strategies and examples to help participants quickly develop a strong proposal concept.

Participants will:

  • Get an overview of major European funding schemes, including MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships and ERC Starting Grants;
  • Learn what reviewers expect and the key differences between a research paper and a project proposal;
  • Avoid common “killer mistakes” that often weaken early-stage proposals;
  • Draft a short project concept in a practical exercise;
  • Learn the core elements of a compelling and well-structured proposal.

Who can take part?
Early-career researchers planning to apply for European research funding schemes such as MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships or ERC Starting Grants.

Where and when?
Online. May 20, 2026, 9:00–12:00 AM (CEST).

Registration
Register online to secure your place.


If you have any questions, please contact Melinda Lantos (Communication Manager, Europa Media) via e-mail.

Current Calls for Proposals

Research Travel Grant

What?
With the Research Travel Grant, we support your travel and living expenses for a three to six-month research stay at a university or company abroad. The stay abroad should be an extension of your research work and not constitute an essential component thereof.

Use the opportunity to get to know other scientific systems, expand your scientific and intercultural skills, establish international contacts and strengthen your future career options. 

Target Group: KIT doctoral researchers & postdocs

Supported Activities
Three to six-month research stay at a university or company abroad

Scope of Funding
Grant amount is based on the support rates of DAAD and depends on the duration of the research stay as well as the destination

The Research Travel Grant cannot be used for participation in congresses and conferences.

For further information, please visit the KHYS-website.

Colombian–German Collaboration in Research: Joint Research Projects between DFG and Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (PUJ)

What?
The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) and the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (PUJ) in Colombia offer joint funding opportunities for bilateral research projects in any field of research. The programme operates under a Standing Open Procedure (SOP) based on a Memorandum of Understanding between both institutions.

Researchers from Germany and PUJ can apply for joint research projects of outstanding scientific quality under the DFG Research Grants Programme (“Sachbeihilfe”). Funding can be requested for up to three years, and proposals may be submitted at any time without fixed deadlines.

There are no separate funds for this initiative. Proposals compete with all other submissions within the DFG Research Grants Programme and must succeed based on their scientific quality and the strength of the research team. The scientific content of the proposals submitted to both organisations must be identical.

Who can apply?
A project consortium with at least:

  • One researcher based in Germany eligible for DFG funding
  • One researcher from the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (PUJ) in Colombia

All applicants must meet the eligibility requirements of their respective funding organisation.

Additional requirements / selection criteria

  • Proposals are evaluated independently by both funding organisations. Funding of the joint project is contingent upon positive assessment by both DFG and PUJ
  • The DFG strongly encourages applications from researchers of all genders, career stages, institutional backgrounds, and diverse social or cultural backgrounds.
  • Funding may only be awarded to institutions that have implemented the DFG Code of Conduct for Safeguarding Good Research Practice.

Timeline and deadline

  • Standing Open Procedure (SOP): proposals can be submitted at any time
  • Maximum funding period: up to three years
Additional information and guidelines are available on the DFG elan portal pages. 
The complete terms of reference for this call can be found via the following links for Bogotá and Cali.

If you have further questions, please contact:

Weave Lead Agency Initiative: New Collaboration Opportunity with the Croatian Science Foundation (HRZZ)

What?
The Weave Lead Agency Initiative supports cross-border collaborative research projects between researchers in up to three European countries or regions. The initiative simplifies the application process through a single international peer-review procedure. A coordinating applicant submits the joint proposal to their national funding organisation, which acts as the Lead Agency and conducts the review. The funding recommendation is then shared with the other participating organisations (Partner Agencies).

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) already participates in Weave with several European partners and has now extended the initiative to the Croatian Science Foundation (HRZZ). Projects are funded through the regular programs and budgets of the participating organisations. There is no separate funding budget, and proposals compete within the respective national programs.

Who can apply?
A project consortium with:

  • Researchers from two to three European countries or regions participating in Weave
  • Applicants who meet the eligibility requirements of their respective national funding organisation
  • A coordinating applicant who submits the joint proposal to their national funding organisation (Lead Agency)

Timeline, key dates and deadline

  • DFG as Lead Agency: proposals can be submitted any time
  • HRZZ as Lead Agency (2026):
    • Call information: late March 2026
    • Expected deadline: late April 2026

The application documents are available on the HRZZ website.

If you have further questions, please write an e-mail to DFG and HRZZ.

HIDA Mobility Program: Call for Applications

What?
The HIDA Mobility Program enables fully funded short-term research stays (1–3 months) for all Helmholtz employees at another Helmholtz Center or at international partner institutions in Norway and South Korea. Projects must have a clear link to (applied) data and information sciences. The program aims to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, facilitate the exchange of expertise, and support the exploration of new research domains.

Who can apply?
PhD researchers, postdocs, senior scientists, and administrative staff at Helmholtz Centers working in fields with a strong connection to data and information sciences.

Applications are currently accepted for the following funding lines

  • Helmholtz Internal Mobility Program (Exchange between Helmholtz Centers): Allows Helmholtz researchers and administrative personnel who work with a strong link to the data/information sciences to spend a research/project stay of up to three months at another Helmholtz Center to broaden their expertise and initiate new collaborations. PhDs, Postdocs, Senior Scientists as well as administrative personnel are eligible to apply.For an overview of the 18 Helmholtz Centers and their expertise in Data Science and AI, visit the Coming to Helmholtz page.
    Information on Helmholtz scientists who are open to hosting researchers within the HIDA Mobility Program can be found in the Helmholtz Hosts database.
  • Canada Mobility Program: Enables research stays of up to 3 months at one of 12 research centers of the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), our partner in Canada, within the HIDA–NRC cooperation. Helmholtz researchers are eligible to apply for the program.
  • Norway Mobility Program: Enables research stays from 1-3 months at one of the 17 institutes of the Norwegian Artificial Intelligence Research Consortium (NORA), our partner in Norway. PhDs, Postdocs and Senior Researchers as well as administrative personnel at Helmholtz Centers are eligible to apply for the program.
  • South Korea Program: Enables research stays from 1-3 months at one of 22 research institutes of the Korean National Research Council for Science and Technology (NST), our partner in Korea. PhDs, Postdocs and Senior Researchers as well as administrative personnel at Helmholtz Centers are eligible to apply for the program.
  • Austria Mobility Program: Enables research stays of up to 3 months at the Complexity Science Hub Vienna (CSH), our partner in Austria, within the HIDA–CSH cooperation. Helmholtz researchers are eligible to apply for the program.

Funding
The program covers travel and accommodation expenses of up to €2,000 per month.

Additional requirements / selection criteria

  • The proposed project must demonstrate a clear data and information science link.
  • Applicants should aim to strengthen interdisciplinary exchange and initiate or deepen collaborations.
  • Hosts should ideally be listed in the Helmholtz Host Database.

Deadline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Submission
Applications can be submitted through the HIDA Mobility Program portal. 

Call for Helmholtz Hosts: If you are a Helmholtz scientist working with data science and would like to be listed in the Helmholtz Host database in order to welcome scientists in your group, please write an e-maill to hida.mobility@helmholtz.de.

If you have further questions, please contact Stefanie Gruber-Sliva via e-mail.

“Technologies of the Future” Scholarship Program

What?
As part of the “Technologies of the Future” fellowship program (Website only available in French, Calls in English and German), the Science and Technology Section and the Cultural Section of the French Embassy in Germany jointly support the mobility of young researchers working at a university or research institute in Germany (with the exception of French nationals, including those with dual citizenship).

These mobility grants provide funding for a research stay of one, two, or three months at a university or research institute in France. 

Who can apply?
Eligible applicants are young researchers whose research topic is related to the use of new technologies, regardless of their field of study.

Funding
€2,100 per month for postdoctoral researchers.
€1,850 per month for doctoral candidates.
€1,200 per month for research-oriented master’s students.

Additional requirements / selection criteria
Stays must begin between September 1, 2026, and December 31, 2026.

Deadline and Submission
Application materials must be submitted by May 20, 2026 (11:59 PM, Paris time) via the LYYTI application platform (changes can be made until the deadline).

Webinar
An online information webinar will take place on April 15, 2026, at 3:00 PM.

If you have further questions, please contact attache-science.berlin-amba@diplomatie.gouv.fr (as doctoral and postdoctoral students) and info.berlin@campusfrance.org (as master's students).

Virtual Career Coaching (DAAD and Humboldt Community)

What?
Have you just finished your studies or are you about to graduate, and now you are facing applications, interviews, or bigger career decisions? The DAAD and Humboldt Community offers virtual career coaching exclusively for its members. You can get individual advice from experienced career coaches and choose up to two modules of 60 minutes each.

Coaching modules include:

  • Analysis and improvement of application documents, plus guidance on developing your application strategy
  • Preparation for job interviews and selection processes
  • Next career step or career change, including moving into self-employment and developing your career strategy
  • Other topics depending on your needs, such as work life balance, presentations, and mastering new challenges

Where and when?
Career coaching takes place online in virtual rooms. Registrations can be submitted on an ongoing basis.

Who can take part?
Current scholarship holders and alumni of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the DAAD.

Additional requirements / selection criteria

  • Membership in the DAAD and Humboldt Community with a well maintained profile (registration required)
  • Proof of funding from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation or the DAAD may be required
  • Technical requirements: fast and stable internet access, webcam, and headse
  • Members can choose up to two coaching modules (60 minutes each)

Registration
Register for the DAAD and Humboldt Community and submit your registration online on an ongoing basis.

If you have further questions, please contact the DAAD & Humboldt Community via e-mail.

JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship

What?
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Research Fellowship supports highly qualified postdocs from Germany in conducting research in Japan, regardless of discipline. The standard line funds research stays of 12 to 24 months and applications are pre-selected by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation on behalf of JSPS. You must begin your fellowship in Japan between April, 1, 2026 and November, 30, 2026 of the respective financial year. You may not depart for Japan between December, 1, 2027 and March, 31, 2027.

Who can apply?
Highly qualified postdocs from Germany who meet the requirements stated in the call, including:

  • PhD completed no more than six years ago (cut off date: April 1 of the corresponding financial year) and doctoral certificate available by the latest at the start of the fellowship
  • Peer reviewed publications to international standards
  • German citizenship or a permanent residence permit for Germany
  • Excellent English skills (Japanese is not necessarily required, but may be needed in some fields to carry out the research)
  • Japanese citizens are not eligible (also applies to dual citizens with Japanese nationality), and applicants with a permanent residence permit for Japan are also ineligible
  • You also need an academic host in Japan at a university or selected national research institution, and the host cannot be a close personal or family relation.

Funding

  • Monthly fellowship amount currently JPY 362,000
  • One off settling in allowance of JPY 200,000 for stays of three months or more
  • Travel and insurance allowances may also be paid
    During the stay, the Humboldt Foundation provides a contact person and offers additional support measures, including reintegration support in Germany and alumni sponsorship.

Deadline
The Selection Committee reviews applications in June, and October. Please submit your completed application, including all required documents, well in advance of your preferred selection date. Applications are usually processed within four to seven months. Incomplete or inaccurate applications may take longer and are often deferred to a later Selection Committee meeting. After the selection meeting, the Alexander von Humboldt team will inform you of the outcome as quickly as possible by email.

Submission
Apply online to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, in English only. Before applying, discuss your independently developed research outline with your chosen academic host in Japan. The documents required for the submission can be found on the Alexander von Humboldt Website.

If you have further questions, please contact the Alexander von Humboldt team via e-mail before submitting your application.

JSPS Invitational Fellowship short-term

What?
The Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Invitational Fellowship (short term) enables excellent overseas researchers to visit Japan for a short period to engage in collaborative research, discussions, opinion exchange, lectures, and related academic activities with researchers in Japan. Applications are submitted by a host researcher in Japan via their university or institution.

Who can apply?
All fields in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences are eligible to apply. Eligibility is described for both sides:

Host researcher in Japan (applicant):

  • Affiliated with an eligible research institution under the relevant Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology KAKENHI procedure and eligible to apply for a KAKENHI grant, and wishes to host an overseas researcher
  • Full time researcher (or, if not employed full time, considered by the host institution able to fulfil the hosting responsibilities throughout the fellowship period)

Invited overseas researcher (candidate):

  • Citizen or permanent resident of a country with diplomatic relations with Japan (Taiwan and Palestine are treated in this manner)
  • Full time researcher, or holds full time researcher status, at a university or research institution outside Japan and has a position equivalent to professor, associate professor or assistant professor in Japan (including positions such as professor emeritus)
  • Researchers of other status may apply if six years or more have passed since their doctoral degree and the host institution judges they have continuously conducted research at a foreign university or research institution
  • Japanese nationals may be eligible if they have lived abroad for ten years or longer and are judged by the host institution to have played an active role in that country’s scientific community

Funding

  • Duration: 14 to 60 days
  • Round trip economy class airfare (based on JSPS regulations)
  • Maintenance allowance of JPY 18,000 per day
  • Overseas travel insurance
  • Research support allowance of up to JPY 150,000 (applied for by the host researcher through their institution)
  • Note: If the invited researcher has been living in Japan and has a mailing address in Japan before the fellowship start date, outbound airfare and a settling in allowance are not paid.

Deadline
June 5, 2026, 5 PM

Submission
Applications are submitted by the host researcher in Japan through their university or institution, following the JSPS guidelines linked in the call information.

Université Franco-Allemande (UFA) – Deutsch-Französische Hochschule (DFH) 

Different funding opportunities for double degrees*, PhD-Track programs*, preparatory meetings, doctoral colleges*, joint PhDs*, scientific events, Franco-German chairs.

Some of the funding mechanisms are open all the year.

Learn more about the calls in German or French.
For further questions, please write an e-mail to Manuella Werp.
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International Scholars & Welcome Office (IScO) at Karlsruher Institute of Technologie (KIT)
Adenauerring 8
Campus South, Building 50.20
76131 Karlsruhe
Deutschland
+49 721 608-45323
Email: visitingresearcher@intl.kit.edu