Humboldt Research Award

Eligibility

Eligible for nomination are researchers whose fundamental discoveries, new theories or findings  have had a lasting effect on their discipline beyond their immediate research area and who are expected, moreover, to continue producing outstanding research in the future. The individual nominated must additionally meet the following criteria:

• The nominee’s academic achievements must be internationally recognised and proven by corresponding successes in research.
• The nominee may not previously have received an award from the Humboldt Foundation for their academic work.
• At the time of nomination, the nominee must have been predominantly living and working outside Germany for at least five years.
• The nominee must not yet have entered permanent employment in Germany at the time of selection.

Self-nominations are not possible, nor may you nominate close relatives or your marital/registered partner. We especially welcome the nomination of qualified female researchers.

Summary

The award is granted in recognition of a researcher's entire achievements to date to academics whose fundamental discoveries, new theories, or insights have had a significant impact on their own discipline and who are expected to continue producing cutting-edge achievements in the future.
Academics from abroad, regardless of their discipline or nationality, may be nominated for a Humboldt Research Award. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation particularly encourages the nomination of qualified female academics.
Award winners are invited to spend a period of up to one year cooperating on a long-term research project with specialist colleagues at a research institution in Germany. The stay may be divided up into blocks.
The Humboldt Foundation grants up to 100 Humboldt Research Awards annually. The award is valued at 60,000 EURO.

 

Application deadlines

Program application deadline

There is no nomination deadline for this Award. Nominations can be sent at any time.
Nominations may be submitted online by established academics in Germany. Nominations may also be initiated by award winners of the Humboldt Foundation working abroad, provided that the nomination is made jointly with a colleague working in Germany. Self-nomination is not possible.

Humboldt Research Award programme information (PDF, 114 KB)