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Researchers at Risk - Philipp Schwartz-Initiative by Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

COLOURBOX4169911, Fotografin: Nataliya Dvukhimenna

The Philipp Schwartz Initiative offers universities and research institutions the opportunity to host researchers at risk through a fellowship program. The program was launched in 2015 by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the Federal Foreign Office to provide scientists who can demonstrate that they face significant and ongoing personal danger in their home countries with the opportunity to continue their work at German universities and research institutions.

  • Who can apply?

    Only academic institutions in Germany are eligible to nominate researchers. Please note that candidates cannot apply directly. They must be nominated by faculty members at Philipps University of Marburg through the International Office (see contact information below).

  • Who is eligible for the Philipp Schwartz Scholarship? 

    Researchers from countries outside the EU who can demonstrate that they are exposed to significant and imminent danger are eligible for nomination. Researchers may not apply on their own behalf.

    In addition, candidates must meet the following criteria: 

    ·         A doctoral degree or comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc., or equivalent). For doctoral degrees in law or medicine, equivalence to a research-based doctoral degree must be demonstrated.

    ·         At the time of application, the applicant must generally not have been outside their home country for more than five years; “foreign students” are excluded.

    ·         Language skills necessary for the successful completion of the research project.

    ·         Academic qualifications (e.g., publications)

    ·         Potential for integration into the (science-related) job market

  • Risk assessment 

    Evidence of the threat may consist of either

    ·         residence status in connection with an asylum procedure within the EU, indicating a recognized risk, or

    ·         credible evidence of the risk from a third party, issued no more than 12 months prior to the application deadline, e.g., documentation from the Scholars at Risk Network (SAR) or the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA)

    Proof of Risk: Due to the numerous global crises, our partner organizations SAR and CARA can only handle a limited number of risk assessments. We therefore recommend that you contact us as soon as possible. Please note that requests for proof of risk can only be submitted by nominating institutions. For Afghan and Ukrainian nominees, a self-declaration regarding the risk is sufficient.

  • Funding Scope and Duration

    Host institutions receive funding consisting of two components:

    Fellowship funding: A fixed-amount grant is provided for a research fellowship. The fellowship is intended to last up to 24 months; an extension of up to 12 months under a co-funding model may be requested during the initial funding period.

    Lump sum grant for the host institution: The host institution receives a flat rate of 20,000 euros per funded individual.

  • Selection Criteria

    The decision on which applications will receive funding is made by the relevant independent selection committee of the Humboldt Foundation based on the submitted application materials. The selection is based on the following key question:

    Does the combination of 

    ·         Concept of the host institution

    ·         Academic match between the guest and the designated academic mentor (also in relation to the research project)

    ·         Academic qualifications of the guest

    ·         Commitment of the host institution to the nominated person

    ·         Concrete support measures on the part of the host institution and mentor

    suggest that a promising new start to a career in academia or a related field in Germany, another country, or even the home country beyond the Philipp Schwartz Fellowship is likely?

    Please note:

    The proposal for the host institution has already been prepared by the Office of International Affairs and Family Services and therefore does not need to be submitted by the nominating faculty members at Philipps University of Marburg.

  • Application Documents

    You can find the latest program materials and additional information on the website of the Philipp Schwartz Initiative.

  • Application Deadline and Funding Start

    The deadline for nominations for the current 17th call for applications at the International Office of Philipps University is February 8, 2026. If you are interested in being nominated, please contact us as soon as possible (see below).

    The selection results are expected to be announced in late May 2026. Funding may begin on July 1, 2026.

  • Contact

Funded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation with funds from the German Federal Foreign Office