Are you a prospective leader working academically or practically in climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation in your home country – a non-European developing or transition country (see list of countries, PDF)? Then  apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

The fellowship enables you to conduct a one-year research-based project in Germany focusing on combating climate change, on adaptation strategies, on preserving ecosystems and biodiversity, or on the sustainable use of the oceans and seas. Sustainability topics relating to natural resources, resource-efficient consumption or urban development are also welcome.

Up to 15 International Climate Protection Fellowships will be awarded to prospective leaders and up to five to postdoctoral researchers each year. The fellowships are funded through the International Climate Initiative of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU).

ELIGIBILITY

As future decision-makers and multipliers, you aim to take on the global challenge of climate change through international, cross-border cooperation. Apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship if you

• explore questions in the natural or engineering sciences or address legal, economic, health-related or societal aspects of climate change
• are a citizen of a non-European developing or transition country (see list of countries, PDF) and have been predominantly living and working there
• completed your first academic degree (Bachelor or comparable degree) no more than 12 years ago (cut-off date: 1 March of year of application)
• have initial experience in a leadership role and corresponding leadership skills
• are a prospective leader with extensive professional experience (at least 48 months at the time of applying)
• are a postdoctoral researcher with a successfully completed doctorate in climate protection or climate-related resource conservation and have been published in academic journals and by academic publishers peer reviewed to international standards
• have very good knowledge of English and/or German

BENEFITS

The fellowship facilitates the mutual exchange of knowledge, methods and techniques with hosts in Germany; this also extends to questions of practical applicability in your country of origin. We offer you

• a monthly fellowship of EUR 2,170, EUR 2,470 or EUR 2,670 in the programme line for prospective leaders – depending on your training and career level; a monthly fellowship of EUR 2,670 in the programme line for postdoctoral researchers
• individual support during your stay in Germany
• additional financial support for example for accompanying family members, for travel expenses or for a German language course
• a three-week introductory event where you can connect with other climate protection fellows, visit businesses and research institutions, and attend cultural events in Germany
• extensive alumni sponsorship, in particular to support long-term connections with your cooperation partners in Germany over the duration of your entire professional career

Host institutes receive a monthly allowance for research costs of 800 euros for projects in the natural and engineering sciences or 500 euros for projects in the humanities and social sciences.

HOW TO APPLY?

For more information regarding the programme and the application process please visit the official web page official website.