Gerda Henkel Foundation Research Scholarship provides a valuable opportunity for postdoctoral researchers to advance innovative projects in the humanities. These prestigious full-time scholarships are designed to support scholars by covering living expenses and project-related costs for up to 24 months, allowing recipients to focus entirely on their research.
Eligible applicants must hold a PhD or an equivalent postdoctoral qualification. For postdoctoral candidates, the PhD should have been awarded within the last ten years, with the thesis already published. Importantly, the proposed research must present a distinct topic that expands beyond the scope of the candidate’s doctoral work, ensuring originality and academic contribution.
Benefits of Gerda Henkel Foundation Research Scholarship
- Research funding for a duration between 1 and 24 months.
- Support may include:
- Monthly scholarship award: 2,760 euros
- Full-time research scholarships
- Monthly family allowance (for one child: EUR 480; for each further child: EUR 120)
- Allowance for research stays abroad
- Support for student assistants
- Travel and material aid
Eligibility for the Gerda Henkel Foundation Research Scholarship
- Eligible Countries: All nationalities are eligible.
- Acceptable Course or Subjects: Funding is available for research projects in the following fields:
- Archaeology
- History
- History of Art
- Historical Islamic Studies
- History of Science
- History of Law
- Prehistory and Early History
- Admissible Criteria: To be eligible, applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Hold a PhD or Postdoctoral Lecture Qualification.
- For postdoctoral researchers:
- The PhD must have been awarded within the last ten years.
- The dissertation must already be published.
- The proposed research must differ clearly from the PhD topic.
- Applicants previously funded by the Foundation may reapply only after five years.
- Applicants whose proposals were rejected may reapply only after three years.
- No institutional affiliation is required.
- Applicants cannot simultaneously receive a salary or retirement pension.
- The Foundation accepts academic ranks equivalent to the German Habilitation (e.g., Associate or Full Professor, Senior Lecturer, or Reader).
Required Documents
- Description of the research proposal (max. 8 pages, plus bibliography if needed)
- Curriculum vitae with a list of publications
- Copies of academic certificates (Master’s, PhD, professorship)
- At least one signed letter of recommendation
How to Apply for Gerda Henkel Foundation Research Scholarship?
To apply for the Gerda Henkel Foundation Research Scholarship, you must complete the entire application process through the Foundation’s official online application portal. Follow the steps below and ensure all required documents are prepared in German or English.
- Visit the official application portal: Gerda Henkel Foundation Online Application System.
- Create a new applicant account or log in to your existing profile.
- Select the appropriate funding program under the Research Scholarships section.
- Complete all required online forms with accurate personal, academic, and project details.
- Upload all supporting documents in the required format (PDF recommended).
- Review all information carefully before submission to avoid delays or rejection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Gerda Henkel Foundation Research Scholarship supports post-PhD scholars worldwide in archaeology, history and related humanities fields. It offers 1–24 month funding (€2,760/month for postdocs; €3,720 for those with lecture qualification), does not require institutional affiliation, excludes concurrent salaries, and also supports smaller grants up to €30,000.
Who can apply for the Gerda Henkel Foundation Research Scholarship?
Applicants who already hold a PhD and work as post-doctoral researchers or scholars with a post-doctoral lecture qualification (or equivalent) can apply. No formal institutional affiliation is required for the scholarship application.
What academic fields are eligible for funding under the scholarship?
Eligible fields include archaeology, history of art, historical Islamic studies, history, history of science, history of law, and prehistory/early history. Only these areas within the historical humanities are supported.
What is the typical duration of a research scholarship?
The funding period for a research scholarship is generally between 1 and 24 months. This allows recipients to focus on a clearly defined research project over a limited time.
What is the monthly stipend for postdoctoral researchers under the scholarship?
Postdoctoral researchers awarded the scholarship receive a monthly stipend of € 2,760. If they have children under 18, a family grant is added for each child.
What is the funding for scholars with post-doctoral lecture qualification (or equivalent)?
For applicants with a post-doctoral lecture qualification (or recognized equivalent), the monthly scholarship increases to € 3,720.
Can scholars receive both a salary (or pension) and a research scholarship at the same time?
No. It is not permitted to receive a regular salary or retirement pension simultaneously with a research scholarship. The funding must be exclusive to the scholarship.
Does the Foundation support scholars from any nationality or country of residence?
Yes. The scholarship is open to German and foreign academics alike. Eligibility does not depend on nationality or country of residence — the Foundation supports international researchers worldwide.
Are there special procedures for smaller funding amounts?
Yes. For smaller research grants (up to € 30,000), the Foundation offers a simplified, accelerated procedure, potentially more flexible than the standard scholarship route.
Does a research scholarship require institutional affiliation?
No. A scholar does not need to be attached to a university or research institution. The scholarship can be awarded to independent researchers working on their own project.
What kind of work qualifies for a research scholarship (individual vs group projects)?
A research scholarship is typically awarded to a single scholar working on a defined project individually, for example, completing a habilitation or dedicated study. It is not meant for group-based research grants.
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