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Dear reader,
We hope you had a good end to 2025 and are ready to take on the new year! Although the first month of 2026 has already passed, it is not too late to start working towards your research goals this year. #FundingFebruary is the perfect place to start, offering plenty of funding opportunities for researchers interested in coming to Germany. Funding is also the focus of our social media channels this month. You can find additional open calls using the hashtag #FundingFebruary.
This edition of the newsletter is also here to help you understand Germany’s funding system better: in our “Spotlight” section, you can find a quick guide to research funding, and our “A closer look” section offers useful tips for writing your proposal to secure funding. Finally, don’t miss the upcoming events at the end of the newsletter, which feature three info sessions for major funding opportunities. Enjoy your read and good luck with your applications! | | | | |
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| Wherever you see this tag, the post connects to our monthly spotlight topic. | | | | | | |
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Apply by: 15 February 2026
(Future) Postdocs: all disciplines | | | | |
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Apply by: 28 February 2026
(Future) PhDs: biomedical sciences | | | | |
Curiosity is infectious – joint call for doctoral researchers | | | | |
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Apply by: 15 July 2026 (early consultation required)
(Future) Postdocs & Advanced researchers: all disciplines | | | | |
Scientific Fellowships of the Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg | | | | |
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Apply by: 2 March 2026
(Future) Postdocs & Advanced researchers: all disciplines | | | | |
HIAS Fellowships 2027–2028 | | | | |
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Apply by: contact the respective Helmholtz Center for internal deadline before 6 March 2026; full application due on 4 May 2026
(Future) Postdocs & Advanced researchers: energy, earth and environment, health, information, matter, aeronautics, space and transport | | | | |
Helmholtz Investigator Groups & Helmholtz Innovation Exploration Groups | | | | |
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Apply by: 15 March 2026
(Future) Postdocs & Advanced researchers: basic research in biosciences and medicine | | | | |
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Apply by: 31 March 2026
(Future) Postdocs: energy, infrastructure, environment, materials, chemistry and process engineering | | | | |
Adolf Martens Fellowship Programme | | | | |
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Apply by: 15 April 2026
Female (future) Postdocs & Advanced researchers: biology, medicine, human sciences, chemistry, physics, technical sciences | | | | |
Lise Meitner Excellence Program | | | | |
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Apply by: no deadline
(Future) PhDs: historical humanities | | | | |
PhD Scholarships of the Gerda Henkel Foundation | | | | |
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A spotlight on: research funding | | | | |
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Research funding in Germany – a quick guide
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There are several ways to secure funding for a research career. Our new and updated “Funding & Jobs” page offers a quick and concise guide to research funding in Germany, helping you find the path that best suits your needs.
Here you can find an overview of the five main funding routes, key terms, useful resources on where to search for funding and further information. Learn more about Germany’s major funding organisations and discover which next career step might be right for you. Explore our new funding page and kickstart your research journey in Germany! | | | |
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A closer look: work in Germany | | | | |
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| If you want to secure funding for your research stay in Germany, a strong proposal is essential for a successful application. But what makes a proposal stand out? The German Research Foundation (DFG), Germany’s largest research funding organisation, has compiled practical guidance to support applicants, covering everything from the form and presentation of the proposal to personnel and cost planning. While these tips are particularly relevant for applications to the DFG, they are also useful for proposals submitted to other funding organisations. Visit the DFG website to learn how to make your application convincing! | | | | | | |
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| Germany does not only offer excellent research opportunities but also a dynamic start-up ecosystem. Many young companies work closely with leading enterprises and research institutions across the country. Especially technological innovations are gaining importance, from AI to smart agriculture. Whether you want to work in the lab behind the scenes or become an entrepreneur with your own ideas – this article provides valuable insights into Germany’s start-up scene. Discover rising start-ups, attractive locations for entrepreneurs and funding opportunities. | | | | | | |
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The bigger picture: life in Germany | | | | |
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| When planning to move to Germany, it is useful to have a reliable source of answers to practical questions. The website “Handbook Germany” provides information, advice and resources to help you make Germany your new home. It covers over 150 essential topics, including health, daily life and education – available in nine languages. The platform also offers an interactive experience: you can ask specific questions about coming to and living in Germany, and exchange experiences with others who have already made the move. Use the help from the community and plan your research stay in Germany now! | | | | | | |
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| Each year, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) selects a specific research topic to promote dialogue between the public and researchers. This year’s theme: medicine of the future. With events, projects and other activities, the Science Year 2026 explores new innovations and examines how medical care can be improved, with a special focus on gender-sensitive research. Don’t miss the extensive event calendar to get involved! | | | | | | |
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| The Global Minds Initiative is a new funding programme from the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) designed to invite international researchers into the German research system. Visit the website to discover funding opportunities and read about scientists who have already benefited from the initiative. | | | | | | |
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24.02.
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FEB 2026 · MUNICH / GERMANY | | | | |
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12. & 13.03.
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MAR 2026 · MUNICH / GERMANY | | | | |
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23. – 27.03.
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MAR 2026 · MUNICH / GERMANY | | | | |
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| Get updates about research career options and funding opportunities in Germany, the latest research news, interesting research projects and upcoming events. | | | |
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This newsletter has been prepared by:
Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst e.V. (DAAD)
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Tel.: +49 228 882-0
Fax: +49 228 882-444
E-Mail: webmaster@daad.de
Internet: https://www.daad.de/en/ | | | | |
Authorised Representative of the Executive Committee:
Prof. Dr. Joybrato Mukherjee
District Court of Bonn
Register of associations,
number VR 2107
Sales tax number: DE122276332
Person responsible according to
§ 18 Abs. 2 MStV: Dr. Kai Sicks
Kennedyallee 50, 53175 Bonn | | | | |
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Editors:
Dr. Berenike Schröder (responsible), DAAD e.V.
familie redlich AG – Agentur für Marken
und Kommunikation | | | | |
Liability notice:
We are not liable for the content of any website run by third parties.This remains solely the responsibility of the third parties. | | | | |
Copyright © by DAAD e.V.
The content of this newsletter is copyright-protected. All rights reserved. The full or partial reproduction of a text or images without prior permission by the DAAD is prohibited. | | | | |
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