IWO Newsletter July 2026

• Announcement
• Good Morning, Karlsruhe
• International Deutschrunde: Practice speaking German
• IScO's BBQ
• IScO's Excursion: Natural History Museum Karlsruhe

• Survey on your experiences
• PhD and PostDoc Info Session
• Campus North Library 70th Anniversary
• ICM Future Mobility Grants of the InnovationCampus Mobility of the Future (ICM)
• Information Sessions on Funding Schemes and Support Options, organized by KIT Research Office (FOR)
• KHYS FIT Course Offerings: Fit for your next career step
• Schmidt Science Fellows 2027: Call for Nominations
• KHYS-Aspirant Grant

• Events in Karlsruhe
• University of Stuttgart: Webinar on Income Tax

• Seed Money of EUCOR - The European Campus
• GIF Young Scientists' Meeting
• Research Travel Grant
• PSI Researchers at Risk
• HIDA Mobility Program: Call for Applications
• Virtual Career Coaching (DAAD and Humboldt Community)
• JSPS Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Université Franco-Allemande (UFA) – Deutsch-Französische Hochschule (DFH)

Announcement

As of July 1, 2026, the International Scolars and Welcome Office (IScO) will undergo a reconstruction. Together with the International Students Office we will merge to be the International Welcome Office - IWO.

What does that mean for you?
Regarding this newsletter - next to nothing. We will continue to send you information about events and calls for porposals. Except there will be announcements suited for international students as well.

Good Morning, Karlsruhe

What?
Good Morning, Karlsruhe is a new welcome series by the International Welcome Office (IWO). It offers international academics and researchers a warm, personal point of contact at KIT and will be hosted every other week. Meet the IWO 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: July 29, 2026

Registration: Please register for the event at Campus North.

IWO's Deutschrunde: German Meetups for International Scholars

What?
From confusion to confidence, practice speaking German with professional language teacher Ms. Maike Schröder.

We offer
• Regular German conversation and speaking practice.
• Support with grammar questions and language challenges.
• A welcoming international learning community.
• Exchange with fellow researchers, PhD students, and postdocs who share similar international experiences.
• Guidance from a professional German language instructor, Ms. Maike Schröder, who will guide and support whenever needed.

Where?
Campus South
Building 50.20
Room 005

When?
Every Wednesday from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

Registration
No registration required.

IWO's International BBQ in July

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.

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!

IWO's July Excursion: Natural History Museum Karlsruhe

The Karlsruhe Natural History Museum is not only popular with visitors from Karlsruhe; thanks to its outstanding collections and research activities, it ranks among Germany’s leading natural history museums. The institution’s dual role as both a scientific research institute and a visitor-oriented museum also contributes to this. Its mission is to combine the classic areas of a museum’s work: research, collecting and preservation, and the dissemination of knowledge. The exhibitions are the part of the museum that visitors can see. Here, they convey specialized knowledge to all visitors in an accessible way.

• Date and Time: Saturday, July 18, from 10:45 AM to 1:00 PM
• Venue: Naturkundemuseum Karlsruhe, Erbprinzenstraße 13
  76133 Karlsruhe
• Cost: €10 per person
• Meeting point: We will meet at the entrance of the museum at 10:45 AM

Registration: Registration required. Please also register any friends, children, or colleagues 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!

Survey on your experiences

Your perspective matters: If you are a doctoral researcher at KIT, help improve mental health support – and don’t miss upcoming opportunities to gain recognition for outstanding research.

Last Call: Your Voice Matters – Shape the Future of Mental Health Support at KIT
Take just 10 minutes to share your experiences of barriers and facilitators during your doctorate in our survey, or actively co-create solutions in one of the ideation workshops. By participating, you’re not just giving feedback – you’re helping shape better conditions for yourself and future doctoral researchers at KIT. 

Dissertation Awards: Upcoming Calls 2026
• KIT Doctoral Award: expected in July
• Helmholtz Doctoral Award: expected in September
• Dissertation Prize (Südwestmetall-Verband): expected in September
• Erna Scheffler Award (female graduates, Master´s & dissertation): expected in October
• Bertha Benz Award (female candidates): expected in December
We encourage doctoral researchers to take part in the survey. Please share both opportunities with colleagues who might be interested.

PhD and PostDoc Info Session

What?
Information on PhD and PostDoc Opportunities at KIT for incoming scholars.

Where and when?
July 23, 2026, 11:00 AM to 12:oo PM
at the KHYS Building

Who can attend?
Open for all.

Registration:
Register via Mail to Sarah Arnoldi.

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.

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:

• Intensive Writing Workshop: Mastering DFG Proposal Requirements for Early-Career Researchers
  • October, 6, 2026, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM, in English
• Q&A Session zum ZIM-Förderprogramm
  • November, 12, 2026, 11:00-12:00 AM, in German
• Funding opportunities for young researchers
  • December, 16, 2026, 11:00 -12:30 AM, in English
• DFG Emmy Noether Programme & Helmholtz Investigator Group
  • December, 17, 2026, 10:00-12:30 AM, in English

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!

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 children: Storytime in Englisch (July 22) ages 3-5
• For adults: Lit Night (July 21)
• 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 July Stammtisch is on Tuesday, July 14 at Antalya Restaurant (Schützenstraße 10, 76137). 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?

• July 3 - 4: Durlach Historic Center Festival
•  
• July 23 - 26: DAS FEST - Karlsruhes annual Festival

Uni Stuttgart Event: Webinar on Income Tax

What?
The webinar will cover topics like tax identification number and its purpose, tax deductions and tax brackets, tax returns and benefits and how to file an income tax declaration.
Afterward, you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Where and when?
Online via Webex, June 25, 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Registration
You can register here until June 22. If you already registered for both the VBL Pension Rights and Income Tax webinar you do not need to register again.
If you register as an external researcher i.e., not from the University of Stuttgart, please state the name of your University at the Your institute at the University of Stuttgart*  bracket.

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

Seed Money of EUCOR – The European Campus

What?
The Seed Money scheme aims to provide initial financial support for innovative cross-border projects within EUCOR – The European Campus. Created by the universities to promote the exchange and networking of teachers and researchers from member institutions, it consists of an annual call for projects divided into two funding streams, namely the “Teaching” stream on the one hand, and the “Research, Innovation and Transfer” stream (which covers doctoral training programs) on the other.

Funding
Currently, Seed Money is endowed with 300,000 euros per year, the maximum funding for any project being 60,000 euros.

Who can apply?
Only project consortia that actively involve at least two member universities of EUCOR from at least two countries in the project are eligible to apply. It is also essential that no grant – national or international – has already been granted to the project.

Deadline
September 24, 2026

If you have any further questions, please visit the EUCOR website.

GIF Young Scientists' Meeting

What?
The GIF Young Scientists’ Meetings (GYSM) offer a platform for early career scientists from both countries who are taking their first steps in academia to meet, become acquainted with each other’s work, learn about funding opportunities, and receive the chance to discuss their ideas with established scientists in their field of research.

For each GYSM a Scientific Advisory Committee is established consisting of established scientists  from both countries. The typical 2-3 day meetings are open to a maximum of 20 participants in equal numbers from Israel and Germany.  The meeting may be held in either Israel or Germany.

There are two tracks for the GYSM, the ones which are initiated by GIF and those which are initiated by scientists.

Who is eligible?

• All institutions eligible to submit a grant application can submit a GYSM proposal.
• Applicants must have a doctoral degree (PhD, MD, DVM or equivalent). Please note that post-doctoral candidates are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants must have a confirmed position at a GIF eligible research institution for the full duration of the planned GYSM.
• Each applicant can be a Principal Investigator (PI) in only one proposal at a time.
• Each proposal must include at least one eligible institution from Germany and Israel.

For further questions please visit the GIF website.

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.

Philipp-Schwartz-Initiative for Researchers at Risk

What?
The Philipp Schwartz Initiative enables universities and research institutions in Germany to host researchers at risk on the basis of a full fellowship. Accordingly, host institutions receive funding which is composed of two components:

Fellowship amount: Sponsorship covers a fixed-amount fellowship. It is earmarked for a period of up to 24 months; application may be made during the initial fellowship period for an extension of up to 12 months in the framework of a co-financing model.
The host institution receives a lump sum allowance of € 20,000 for each individual sponsored.

When?
Project start from January 2027.

• Proof of vulnerability.
• Doctorate or comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent). In the case of legal or medical doctorates, proof of equivalence to a research doctorate must be provided.
• At the time of application, the person has not been living outside their home country for more than five years; "Bildungsinländer" are excluded.
• Language skills required for the successful completion of the research project.
• Scientific qualifications (e.g. publications).
• Potential for integration into the (science-related) labor market.

Deadline:
The application deadline for the KIT-internal deadline is July 27, 2026.
The selection results are expected to be available by the end of November 2026. Funding can be accepted from January 1, 2027.

If you have further questions, please visit the website of the Philipp Schwartz Initiative. Or contact Oliver Kaas.

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.

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.

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.