The Heraeus Research Fellowship is a prestigious funding opportunity for early-career physicists in Germany, offering €100,000 over two years to support independent research projects. This fellowship is designed to help emerging scientists build their academic profiles without the restrictions of traditional grants.
The Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation, based in Germany, is a well-known supporter of physics research, conferences, and scientific exchange. The foundation awards up to five fellowships annually to promising researchers at German universities or research institutes, aiming to foster innovation and leadership in physics.
Heraeus Research Fellowship Benefits
- €100,000 funding spread across two years
- Flexible research support for projects, collaborations, and scientific activities
- Funding can be used for research equipment, conference participation, international collaboration, scientific travel, research assistants, and publication costs
- Institutional recognition and career signal for early-career researchers
Heraeus Research Fellowship Eligibility Criteria
- Must have earned a doctorate in physics or a related subject no more than six years before nomination
- Must be employed at a university or non-university research institution in Germany throughout the fellowship period
- Must show long-term academic prospects within Germany’s research ecosystem
- Researchers already holding permanent professorships are not eligible
- Candidates must be nominated by a university dean or the leadership of a non-university research institution; self-nominations are not accepted
How to Apply for Heraeus Research Fellowship
- Institutions must submit a nomination letter explaining the researcher’s achievements and future development potential
- Applicants must provide a detailed curriculum vitae
- Include a complete publication list
- Provide a list of scientific presentations or lectures
- Submit three representative publications highlighting independent research contributions
- All nomination materials must be submitted as a single PDF file in either English or German to the foundation’s managing director, Dr. Stefan Jorda
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the Heraeus Research Fellowship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
What is the Heraeus Research Fellowship?
The Heraeus Research Fellowship is a funding program by the Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation for early-career physicists in Germany. It provides €100,000 over two years for research-related activities, helping researchers build independent scientific profiles.
Who can apply for the Heraeus Research Fellowship?
Eligible candidates must have a doctorate in physics or a related field earned no more than six years before nomination. They must be employed at a German university or research institution and show long-term academic prospects in Germany. Permanent professors are not eligible.
How much funding does the Heraeus Research Fellowship provide?
The fellowship provides €100,000 spread across two years. The funds can be used flexibly for research equipment, conference participation, international collaboration, scientific travel, research assistants, and publication costs, but not as personal salary.
How do I apply for the Heraeus Research Fellowship?
You cannot apply directly. Candidates must be nominated by a university dean or the leadership of a non-university research institution. The nomination package includes a nomination letter, CV, publication list, list of presentations, and three representative publications.
What is the deadline for the Heraeus Research Fellowship 2026?
The deadline for nominations is 31 May 2026. All materials must be submitted as a single PDF file in English or German to the foundation’s managing director, Dr. Stefan Jorda.
Can the fellowship funds be used for salary?
No, the fellowship funds cannot be used as personal salary income. They are intended for research-related activities such as equipment, travel, collaboration, and publication costs.
How many fellowships are awarded each year?
The Wilhelm and Else Heraeus Foundation awards up to five research fellowships annually. The program is highly competitive and carries significant prestige in the German scientific community.
What disciplines are supported by the Heraeus Research Fellowship?
The fellowship is primarily for early-career physicists and researchers in closely related disciplines. Candidates must have a doctorate in physics or a related subject.
Can international researchers apply for the Heraeus Research Fellowship?
Yes, international researchers already working in Germany at a German university or research institution are eligible. However, they must be nominated by their institution and show long-term academic prospects in Germany.
What documents are required for the nomination?
The nomination package must include a nomination letter, a detailed curriculum vitae, a complete publication list, a list of scientific presentations or lectures, and three representative publications. All documents should be combined into a single PDF file.
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