The Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship supports researchers from Germany at all career levels and in all disciplines to conduct research abroad with members of the Humboldt Network. This fully funded fellowship enables postdoctoral and experienced researchers to pursue their research projects worldwide.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, funded by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, grants this fellowship. It aims to open up the international Humboldt Network to junior researchers from Germany and promotes diversity and equal opportunities among its fellows.
Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship Benefits
- Fellowship amount varies by target country and life situation
- Travel expenses reimbursed
- Family allowance for accompanying marital partner
- Child allowance if children are staying with you
- Childcare support such as subsidy for childcare costs
- Personal support throughout sponsorship
- Flexible start date
- Return fellowship for reintegration in Germany
- Alumni sponsorship measures
Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- For Postdoctoral Researchers
- Must have completed a doctoral degree within the last four years, or
- Be close to completing the doctorate within six months of application
- Demonstrate strong academic achievements and publication records
- For Experienced Researchers
- Must have completed a doctorate within the last twelve years
- Demonstrate an independent research profile
- Have substantial publications in internationally recognized academic journals
- General Requirements
- Must be based in Germany
- Must secure a host researcher connected to the Humboldt Network
- Must demonstrate excellent academic qualifications
- Must submit all required application materials
Required Documents
Applicants are generally required to submit:
- Two-page Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Research proposal or research outline (maximum five pages)
- Complete publication list
- Selected key publications
- Doctoral degree certificate or proof of completion
- Host researcher statement
- Two expert recommendation letters
Degree Level
The fellowship is available for:
- Postdoctoral Researchers
- Experienced Researchers
- Early-Career Academics
- Independent Researchers
How to Apply for Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship
- Discuss the details of your independently developed research outline with your chosen academic host
- Apply online only via the Humboldt Foundation application portal
- Upload curriculum vitae (two pages max)
- Upload research outline (five pages max)
- Upload complete list of your publications
- Upload list of selected key publications
- Upload key publications
- Upload doctoral certificate or proof of completion within six months
- Ensure host’s statement and confirmation of research facilities are uploaded by host
- Ensure two expert reviews are uploaded by reviewers
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
Can I apply before I have completed my doctorate?
You may apply if you will complete your doctorate within the next six months. If selected, you must complete your doctorate before commencing the research fellowship. Your application will be rejected for formal reasons if your dissertation has not been published and you do not have any further academic publications at the time of application.
What determines the date of a doctorate?
The relevant date is that of completing the final academic part of the doctoral process, e.g., defence of thesis or doctoral viva. This date will usually be included on your doctoral certificate alongside the date of issue. The key date for calculating the period following your doctorate is the date on which your application is received by the Humboldt Foundation.
Which date is valid if I have several doctorates?
In the case of multiple doctorates, the effective date is that of the first doctoral degree (PhD/CSc.).
My doctorate was completed less than four years ago. Can I apply for a fellowship for experienced researchers?
Yes. You should, however, already have a clearly recognisable own research profile and, as a rule, be working at the level of at least assistant professor or junior research group leader, or have a record of several years of independent scientific work.
My doctorate was completed more than four years ago. Can I apply for a fellowship for postdoctoral researchers?
We cannot consider your application for a fellowship for postdoctoral researchers if your doctorate was completed more than four years ago. In case you already have a clearly recognisable own research profile, you can apply for a fellowship for experienced researchers.
I obtained my doctorate more than twelve years ago. Can I still apply for a fellowship for experienced researchers?
We cannot consider your application if you obtained your doctorate more than twelve years ago. If you have missed the deadline, an exception may be made in well-founded cases, e.g. recognition of parental leave. Please send us your CV and a list of your publications before you apply so we can advise you.
How will child-rearing periods be considered in the application process?
Periods in which you interrupted your academic activities after completing your doctorate in order to rear children may be taken into account as career breaks after examination. Mothers can claim two extra years for each child born after their PhD plus any further verifiable parenting periods. The extension is limited to 6 years.
Which other career breaks are considered in the application process?
Periods in which you interrupted your academic activities after completing your doctorate in order to perform military or alternative service, to care for close relatives, due to long-term illness, or due to the closure of institutes during a lockdown may be taken into account as career breaks after examination. Job hunting, unemployment and non-academic employment do not count as career breaks.
I am a German citizen and am already living abroad. Can I apply?
Applicants should have their principal residence and place of work in Germany. However, there are certain exceptions regarding stays abroad. You can apply if you have been in the host country for less than six months within the last 18 months prior to submitting your application, or if you have been living abroad for less than five years at the time the Humboldt Foundation receives your application.
I am not a German national. Can I apply?
You can apply, provided that you are already integrated in the German science system, intend to come back into the German science system after your planned stay abroad and are in Germany at the time of application. As a rule, you are integrated if you have been working in Germany in a scientific capacity for at least five years at the time of application.
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