The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is inviting you to apply for the International Climate Protection Fellowship 2025
Fellowship for prospective leaders working practically and postdocs
Are you working academically or practically in climate protection or climate-relevant resource conservation in your country of origin – a non-European developing or transition country (see list of countries, PDF)? Then we invite you to apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
The Humboldt Foundation aims to achieve a good balance between genders and a high level of diversity among its fellows in all areas. We therefore expressly invite female prospective leaders and members of underrepresented groups to apply.
We welcome all applications, regardless of ethnic, cultural or social background, gender identity, age, religion, worldview, disability or sexual orientation.
If you are a prospective leader you will do a one-year research project in Germany as part of your fellowship; if you are a postdoc, long-term academic research (12-24 months). It should focus on combating climate change, adaptation strategies, preserving ecosystems and biodiversity, or on the sustainable use of the seas and oceans. Sustainability topics relating to natural resources, resource-efficient consumption or urban development are also welcome.
We award up to 15 International Climate Protection Fellowships to prospective leaders working practically and up to five to postdocs each year. The fellowships are funded through the International Climate Initiative. The Initiative (IKI) became the responsibility of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) in 2022. The IKI programme cooperates with its founding ministry, the Federal Ministry for Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV), as well as the Federal Foreign Office.
- Programme information (PDF, 83 KB)
- Programme information for postdocs (PDF, 84 KB)
- Advice on finding a host
- Information for hosts
- Information on letters of recommendation
- Climate Protection Fellows in portrait
- Recently selected fellows
- Virtual information event
Our sponsorship
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
- as a prospective leader working practically a monthly fellowship amount of 2,200€, 2,500€ or 2,700€ plus ancillary benefits – depending on your training and career level; as a postdoc, a monthly fellowship amount of 2,700€ plus ancillary benefits
- individual support during your stay in Germany
- additional financial support for example for accompanying partners and children, for travel expenses, for full private health insurance 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
Hosts receive a monthly allowance for research costs of 800€ for projects in the natural and engineering sciences or 500€ for projects in the humanities and social sciences.
You must meet the following criteria/What is required of you
As future decision-makers and multipliers, you aim to take on the global challenge of climate change through international, cross-border cooperation. The International Climate Protection Fellowship is designed for prospective leaders working practically and postdocs. We invite you to apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship if you
- engage with climate change issues
- are a citizen of a non-European developing or transition country (see list of countries, PDF) and have been predominantly living and working there
- have initial experience in a leadership role and corresponding leadership skills
- have very good knowledge of English and/or German
In addition, you meet the following criteria as a prospective leader or postdoc:
Prospective leaders working practically
Did you complete your first academic degree (Bachelor’s or comparable degree) during the last twelve years (cut-off date is the application deadline on 1 February)? Do you have extensive professional experience, at least 24 months on the application deadline – or alternatively a Master’s degree in any field (or comparable degree) plus at least twelve months of relevant professional experience related to climate issues after the first university degree? If so, apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship.
Postdocs
Did you complete your first academic degree (Bachelor or comparable degree) during the last twelve years (cut-off date is the application deadline on 1 February)? Additionally, did you complete your doctorate no more than four years ago by the application deadline (1 February) or will you complete it until 31 August of the respective selection year? Have you published in academic journals and publishing houses that are reviewed according to international standards? If so, apply for an International Climate Protection Fellowship for postdocs.
How to apply
Before applying, you should agree your research project with your independently chosen host.
The application is submitted online via the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s homepage. The following application documents are to be included:
- application form with personal information, letter of motivation and research project including communication strategy
- extensive statement including mentoring agreement from your host in Germany
- two letters of recommendation (not more than twelve months old) from individuals who can provide information on your professional, personal and/or academic background
The application form contains links where the hosts and referees can upload their statements. Please forward these links to the relevant individuals as soon as possible. We will send you a confirmation e-mail as soon as we have received all the required documents. If you have any doubts or questions, please contact us by e-mail (info[at]avh.de) before submitting your application. We are happy to help.
Selection of potential hosts
There is a wide variety of institutions in the field of climate protection or climate-related resource conservation in Germany where the potential hosts work. We have compiled a selection that have, in most cases, already hosted Climate Protection Fellows. In some cases you will find links to specific examples of research projects conducted:
For more opportunities such as this please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, What’s App, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram
Universities
Research institutes
NGOs/Think Tanks/Consulting agencies
Timeframe: application, selection, fellowship
ApplicantsFoundationNotification
| Application procedure | Fellowship |
|---|---|
| Programme announcementAugustApplication deadline1 FebruarySelection MeetingSeptember | Intensive German course in BonnJanuary/Februarymay be preceded by German courses in own countryIntroduction meetingMarchIndividual project workApril – February |
Selection procedure
A selection committee comprised of researchers from academia and industry working in relevant fields decides who will be awarded an International Climate Protection Fellowship. The peer review is conducted largely on the basis of three selection criteria:
- academic and professional career (determination, mobility, professional qualifications, academic success, only in the case of applicants with a doctorate: quality of key publications)
- leadership skills in the area of climate protection
- research project (quality, originality, innovative strength, feasibility, relevance to climate protection, practical relevance in the recipient’s country of origin)
An individual’s personal and educational background – including and especially with regard to equal opportunities and accessibility – are also taken into account in the selection procedure.
Please note
The closing date for applications is 1 February of each year.
The Selection Committee aims to issue invitations to suitable candidates by the end of June for a multi-day virtual selection meeting in September, where applicants have the opportunity to present their proposals. An independent Selection Committee will choose the fellowship recipients at this meeting. Applicants must always abide by the rules of good scientific practice (PDF) and the principles of scientific ethics. Please take note of our information on dealing with generative AI in the selection area.
You may not apply if you have previously received funding from the Humboldt Foundation through the fellowship and awards programmes. In such cases, our alumni programme is available to you.
All the best for your application!
