Leibniz – DAAD Research Fellowships 2017, Germany

The Leibniz – DAAD Research Fellowship programme is jointly carried out by the Leib- niz Association (Leibniz-Gemeinschaft e.V.) and the German Academic Exchange Ser- vice (DAAD). Leibniz-DAAD fellowships offer highly-qualified, international postdoc- toral researchers, who have recently completed their doctoral studies, the opportunity to conduct research at a Leibniz Institute of their choice in Germany.

Leibniz Association

The Leibniz Association is an umbrella organisation currently consisting of 91 independent research institutions located throughout Germany. It has an annual budget of over €1.7 billion. More than 18,500 people are employed at Leibniz Institutes, 9,300 of whom are scientists working in the humanities and educational sciences, the social sciences, economics, business administration, regional and life sciences, as well as in mathematics, the natural sciences, engineering and environmental research. All Leibniz Institutes have an interdisciplinary ap- proach. They conduct problem-oriented research and provide scientific infrastructures of na- tional and international significance. Leibniz Institutes foster close cooperation with universi- ties, other research institutes, and industry in Germany and abroad. Leibniz researchers up- hold the highest standards of excellence. Their aim is to offer research-based solutions to current challenges facing society. The Leibniz Association has developed a comprehensive system of quality management: Independent experts assess each institute at regular intervals. Leibniz Institutes contribute to clusters of excellence in fields such as mathematics, optical technologies, materials research, bio-medical research, environmental research, bio- and nan- otechnology, as well as biodiversity, economic policy, and educational research.

The Leibniz Association is structured into five scientific sections.

DAAD

The DAAD is the largest funding organisation in the world supporting the international ex- change of students and scholars. Since it was founded in 1925, more than 2 million scholars in Germany and abroad have received DAAD funding. It is a registered association and its members are German institutions of higher education and student bodies. In addition to award- ing grants and scholarships, it supports the internationalisation of German universities, pro- motes German studies and the German language abroad, assists developing countries in es- tablishing effective universities and advises decision-makers on matters of cultural, education and development policy. Its budget (approx. €470 million in 2015) is derived mainly from the federal funding for various ministries, primarily the German Federal Foreign Office, but also from the European Union and a number of other enterprises, organisations and foreign gov- ernments. The DAAD runs over 250 programmes, through which it funds more than 74,000 German and foreign scholars worldwide each year.

Application Documents

•   Curriculum vitae;

•   List of publications;

•   Description of the research project (max. 3 pages);

•   Detailed work plan and timeline (max. 1 page);

•   Abstract of the doctoral thesis (max. 3 pages);

•   Copy of the Master degree certificate;

•   PhD diploma;

•   University certificates on all annual examinations with individual grade(s) of the Master and the PhD studies (transcripts of records), incl. explanation of grading system;

•   Officially recognised English language certificate (e.g. TOEFL, IELTS) or confirmation of the English language skills by a university teacher of the applicant ́s own choice.

  This does not apply to applicants whose mother tongue is English.

2. Documents to be sent to the DAAD application address by post:

Two letters of recommendation, which should be written by scholars of the applicant ́s own choice: The form of the letter of recommendation has to be generated in the DAAD portal in the section "Request reference" after registration and downloaded. Please send the form by e-mail to your referees (senior academics) and ask for the completed reference form to be sent to the application address in Bonn in a sealed envelope. References are confidential and should not be read by the applicant.

1. Documents to be uploaded to the DAAD online portal:

•   Online application form (available in the portal);

•   Cover page;