Alexander von Humboldt Professorship

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Germany's most valuable research award

The Humboldt Professorship is financed by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. It enables the holder to conduct forward-thinking, long-term research at universities and research institutions in this country and makes a sustainable contribution to Germany’s ability to compete internationally as a location for research. Since 2008, up to ten Humboldt Professorships have been granted every year as part of the International Research Fund for Germany. Additional Alexander von Humboldt Professorships for Artificial Intelligence (AI) were awarded from 2020 to 2024.

• Dossier Humboldt Professorship - Award winners and background information
• Humboldt Professorship - Programme Information (PDF, 42 KB)
• Recently selected Humboldt Professors
• Our Alexander von Humboldt Professors for AI

WANTED: Alexander von Humboldt Professors (female)

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is keen to award more Alexander von Humboldt Professorships to women academics. In the last 12 years, the share of top female researchers nominated for Germany’s most valuable research award to date was approximately 15 percent. The behavioural ecologist Margaret Crofoot has been an Alexander von Humboldt Professor at the University of Konstanz since 2019. For the American, being in a minority of women in world-class research is a novel experience. A multimedia reportage on Crofoot’s research into the group behaviour of humans and apes as well as her experience of Germany as a location for research:

Multimedia report The Alexander von Humboldt Professor Margaret Crofoot describes her research methods and talks about her role as a model for women in science.

Rob Nelson/Untamed Science

• Handreichung zur Nominierung von Wissenschaftlerinnen (PDF, 110 KB)

Our sponsorship

The award amount totals €5 million for academics in experimental disciplines and €3.5 million for researchers in theoretical disciplines and is made available for a period of five years. The sponsorship facilitates internationally competitive general conditions that build the foundations for award winners’ long-term academic future in Germany. This applies both to salaries and the financial resources for their research work.
The Humboldt Foundation offers award winners as much individual support as possible.

• Regulations on the use of funds (PDF, 531 KB)
• Information and Recommendations for Humboldt Professors (PDF, 839 KB)
• Support for research award winners during the research stay
• Alumni programmes

Who is eligible to make a nomination?

Universities in Germany are eligible to make a nomination. Non-university research institutions in Germany may also initiate a nomination in conjunction with an eligible German university. Nominations must be submitted to the Humboldt Foundation via the rector or president of the respective university and, if applicable, the academic directorate or board of the non-university research institution.

Who is eligible to be nominated?

Nominations may be made for exceptionally qualified world leaders in their fields who are established as academics abroad and would be eligible to be appointed to a professorship in Germany.
Ineligible for nomination are individuals who are in a close personal (marriage, civil partnership) or familial (parents, siblings, children) relationship with the person submitting the nomination.

What are the important points in a nomination?

Apart from the nominee’s academic excellence, the crucial criterion for granting the award is the persuasiveness of the strategy drawn up by the nominating institution for integrating the award winner in the institution and its importance for achieving its strategic goals.

Nominations have a good chance of success if they enjoy the full support of the university leadership, view the Humboldt Professorship as an integral part of the university’s overall development strategy and relate to a department that is earmarked for or has already embarked on significant development of its particular focus and structure.

The nominating institutions must therefore address the following points in detail:

• the nominee’s academic excellence
• her/his potential to fit with the institution’s planned development
• the nominating research institution’s strategic development planning with regard, for example, to reinforcing its capacity to compete internationally
• a guarantee that the nominee can be sustainably integrated in the structure of the research institution even after Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsorship has come to an end

How to make a nomination

Nominations can be submitted online at any time. Please use the relevant online nomination form and address all the points listed in the notes in detail and, if possible, in the order suggested. Also upload the documents required. We will confirm receipt of the nomination by e-mail as soon as the documents reach us. It goes without saying that all information will be treated in strict confidence. If you have any questions or doubts, please contact us (avh-professur[at]avh.de ). We will be pleased to help.

• Information for nominators
• Information for independent peer reviewers

Selection procedure

The closing dates for nominations are 15 April and 15 September.

The review process by independent peer reviewers from Germany and abroad takes approximately six months.

An independent selection committee composed of researchers from various disciplines meets twice a year to decide on the nominations under consideration. It makes its decision on the basis of the nominee’s academic excellence and the strategy submitted by the nominating institution.

The competition between nominations is independent of discipline. There are no quotas for countries, research areas or the gender of the individuals nominated.

We will inform nominators of the selection decision immediately after the meeting. If the nomination is unsuccessful, we will provide information on the level of competition and the selection criteria on request.

• Members of the Committee for the Allocation of the Alexander von Humboldt Professorship - International Award for Research in Germany

Rules of good scientific practice

Nominees and nominators must always abide by the rules of good scientific practice  (PDF) and the principles of scientific ethics. The foundation provides information on dealing with generative AI in the selection area .

 

FAQ
Counselling
Where do I find answers to the questions that are not addressed in these FAQs?

If you have any questions or comments regarding the programme, feel free to contact Alexander von Humboldt Foundation headquarters.
We strongly recommend applicants to contact the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation prior to submission to clarify any questions pending:

Email: avh-professur[at]avh.de
Regina Basse, Tel. +49-(0)228-833-170
Walter Denk, Tel. +49-(0)228-833-147
Dr. Michelle Herte (Artificial Intelligence), Tel. +49-(0)228-833-550.

Processing may be delayed if applications are submitted incomplete or require further clarification. Find detailed information on previously awarded Humboldt Professorships here .

What are the basic differences between an Alexander von Humboldt Professorship and many other endowed professorships?

You can apply for a Humboldt Professorship in any academic discipline. The Humboldt Foundation makes no stipulations on this point.

The Humboldt Professorship is intended for the long term, i.e. the receiving institution must ensure from the beginning that the award winner will be given a tenured academic leadership position when the five-year sponsorship period comes to an end. This will usually be a W3 position.

With the administrative lump sum (see “award funds”) the Humboldt Foundation provides the receiving institution with a tool that will facilitate the transition from Humboldt Foundation financing to its own financing.

Preparing an application
What are the most important application criteria?

The nominee's academic qualifications, indicating that he or she is clearly at the forefront of the respective discipline internationally.

The persuasiveness of the concept outlining the nominee’s importance for and prospective involvement in the process of achieving the nominating institution’s strategic goals.

There are no quotas for countries or disciplines, for example.

Which concepts promise chances of success?

It is assumed that the Alexander von Humboldt Professorship will contribute to the internationalisation of especially promising research areas in Germany.
It is expected that synergies will be achieved in the focus and structure of the academic environment at the receiving institution. Even though the award winners will be at the centre of the sponsorship provided by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, they will also be the starting point for sustainable structural change both at the receiving universities and research institutions as well as in their environment. As such, they should act as a catalyst for the continuation of development at the receiving institution.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation expects the receiving institution to make a substantial contribution, going beyond providing basic equipment and facilities, already from the start of sponsorship. This contribution is to be complemented meaningfully by the measures financed from the award funds.

 

Under what circumstances is it worthwhile to submit an application?

Only applications which have the full support of the university leadership have a chance of being successful.
The Humboldt Professorship is conceived as an integral part of the university’s overall strategic development. You should therefore choose a department which is a planning major realignment and restructuring or has already embarked on this process.

 

Are there guidelines for joint applications by universities and non-university research institutions?

The application must indicate how the Humboldt Professor’s work, as well as the award funds (working group, material investments), are to be distributed. Precise figures are not required. The Humboldt Professorship must be utilised to strengthen the university significantly.
It is not possible that the Humboldt Professorship should almost exclusively benefit the non-university research institution, i.e. that the university should only submit a pro forma application.

 

What agreements should the applicant institution in Germany make with the candidate before submitting an application?

There are enormous personal and organisational consequences resulting from being appointed to a Humboldt Professorship.
At the time the application is submitted the nominee must confirm that he or she will move to your institution in Germany on a permanent basis if the professorship is awarded. Guarantees must be given that the candidate will be able to embark on the research work in Germany twelve months after the selection committee’s decision at the latest. Thus, prior to application, the nominating institution should draw up as detailed a scenario as possible and come to an agreement with the nominee as to how he or she should be involved in the receiving institution.
We also recommend you to discuss the details of the appointment offer in advance, both in relation to the items to be financed from the award funds as well as those to be covered by the contribution to be made by the university. In addition, you should discuss how the position is to be continued after sponsorship has come to an end – this also helps to underpin the presentation in the application package. Experience shows that this also has a beneficial effect on later appointment negotiations.
Points to be discussed might include

• salary structures for the award winner and the working group
• teaching duties
• dual career options
• staffing resources, possibly a working group budget
• opportunities and limits for staff recruitment (employment contracts for members of the working group, advertising formalities; contracts for knowledge bearers also moving to Germany may hold surprises)
• pension provision, including previously accrued pension rights
• depending on age: potential concept for a senior professorship
• technical resources, facilities
• financial and technical challenges involved in laboratory relocation; time required for acquiring laboratory equipment
• current structures in the receiving department
• "road map" for commencing work in Germany and completing research abroad
• legal aspects pertaining to research in Germany, e.g. in relation to legislation on stem cells, animal rights, safety at work and buildings etc.; scheduling applications for permission, if applicable
• current relationship of the candidate to universities and research institutions in Germany (mentoring of doctoral or habilitation theses, working group leaderships etc.). It may be important to contact the Humboldt Foundation in advance to discuss whether any formal obstacles speak against a nomination (cf. FAQs on target group for Humboldt Professorships)

What stage should have been reached in appointment or employment procedures before an application is submitted?

When the application is received an appointment may have been offered but it may not have been accepted.
Applications are independent of appointment or employment procedures; it may be necessary to submit additional information (see hints in the online form).
Should a researcher be nominated prior to the appointment or advertising process, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation recommends the nominating university and non-university research institution to reach an agreement on the potential appointment or employment with the relevant committees, so that in the event of a positive award decision, an appointment or employment decision can be made without further internal coordination.
Should the appointment be accepted prior to the decision on awarding the Humboldt Professorship, we recommend justifying the importance of the Humboldt Professorship funds for recruiting this top researcher.

 

Can a university submit several applications at the same time, and can several Humboldt Professors work at the same university concurrently?

Yes.

 

Applicant university / research institution
Which institutions are eligible to apply

Any university in Germany is eligible to apply. Non-university research institutions in Germany may make a nomination jointly with a university. Joint applications make sense when both partners would benefit significantly from such a professorship. This must be explained convincingly in the joint university concept. Sponsorship must benefit the university to a large degree.

 

Can two universities submit a joint nomination?

Yes, it is possible for two universities to submit a nomination jointly. In the application, the universities must explain how they are going to cooperate in the recruitment of the nominee and at which university, and in which way, the nominee will be integrated.

 

Target group for a Humboldt Professorship
May researchers nominate themselves?

No, self-nomination is not possible.

 

What constitutes an eligible candidate?

The programme addresses "research luminaries" of all disciplines from abroad. Choose your candidate carefully with an eye to academic excellence and the greatest possible coherence between his or her research profile and your strategic development planning.

 

What qualifications are the candidates expected to bring with them?

Candidates are expected to hold a position of international eminence in their field and must also have the potential to lead their new department in Germany to the forefront of international excellence. Their academic qualifications should be comparable to that of a Leibniz Prize winner.

 

Are Alexander von Humboldt Professorships awarded in certain preferred disciplines?

No.

 

Is there a formal age limit?

No. As a matter of principle, however, the candidate must be eligible to be appointed to a professorship in Germany.
Furthermore, the issue of sustainability should be observed: the proposal will normally be considered to be sustainable if the Humboldt Professor can be expected to continue productive academic activities for at least 10 years from the beginning of the sponsorship period. If retirement is scheduled to fall within this period, please explain how you intend to proceed in order to ensure the sustainability of the funding (concept for a senior professorship or similar).

 

Are child-rearing periods taken into account in the assessment of academic achievements?

Yes, because the assessment of academic achievements is always made on an individual basis at the Humboldt Foundation. Therefore, when filling in the application form, please specify all periods in which the nominee partially or completely interrupted academic activities after finishing a doctorate in order to rear children.
The voluntary disclosure of private circumstances may help increase equal opportunities during the selection process. The consideration of personal circumstances allows for a fairer assessment of academic achievements.
Please contact info[at]avh.de  if you have any questions.

 

Are other career breaks taken into account in the assessment of academic achievements?

Yes, because the assessment of academic achievements is always made on an individual basis at the Humboldt Foundation. Therefore, when filling in the application form, please specify all periods in which the nominee partially or completely interrupted academic activities after finishing a doctorate in order to perform military or alternative service, to care for close relatives or due to long-term illness. Job hunting, unemployment and non-academic employment do not count as career breaks.
The voluntary disclosure of private circumstances may help increase equal opportunities during the selection process. The consideration of personal circumstances allows for a fairer assessment of academic achievements.
Please contact info[at]avh.de  if you have any questions.

 

Can a German national be nominated?

Academics of German nationality are eligible to be nominated provided that they have established their academic careers abroad. This is considered to be the case if they fulfil at least one of the following conditions:

• They have a tenured position abroad.
• They have worked abroad in an academic capacity for an uninterrupted period of at least five years.

Is it possible to nominate an academic who has already accepted an appointment in Germany?

No, with one exception: If the candidate accepts an appointment at the nominating institution after the Humboldt Foundation has received the application documents, it has no adverse effect on the application and does not formally exclude him or her from the selection procedure.

 

Can the Humboldt Professor commute between his former location and Germany ("split appointment")?

Not indefinitely. However, there might be a transitional period during which he or she finalises current research or mentoring work with students and doctoral candidates abroad.

 

May candidates be nominated who already are or have been in Germany immediately prior to nomination?

Whether this academic is eligible to be nominated for a Humboldt Professorship depends on the type and duration of activity in Germany. Academics may usually be nominated if the stay in Germany was temporary, i.e. in the context of a visiting professorship.
Academics who are academically established abroad, but also hold a regular position in Germany at the same time (such as a professorship, directorship or any other position under an employment or service contract), may not be nominated. If in doubt, please consult the Humboldt Foundation in advance.

 

Is it possible to nominate an academic who is not permanently associated with any research institution?

Yes, this is not an obstacle provided that he or she conducts research abroad on a long-term basis. If in doubt, please consult the Humboldt Foundation in advance.

 

Is it possible to nominate an academic who has been sponsored by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation in the past?

Yes.

 

Is it possible to submit a nomination for an academic who has previously been unsuccessful?

Yes, this is possible. You should, however, definitely consult the Selection Department at the Humboldt Foundation (avh-professur[at]avh.de ) before submitting a further application.

 

Award funds
Which factors must be taken into account in determining the Humboldt Professor's personal income?

We recommend that you discuss the salary with the candidate as early as possible. In the interest of sustainability, you should ensure that the award winner will not suffer any loss of income even after the sponsorship period comes to an end. In general, any questions with regard to taxation and social security should be clarified. Personal income is normally subject to German income tax.
The Humboldt Professor's personal income may be supplemented using funds allocated in connection with the Humboldt Professorship, or from other funding at the receiving institution’s disposal. Hybrid financing and top-up benefits are also possible.

 

Is it possible to use the award funds for research purposes only (i.e. not for salary payments)?

Yes, this is possible, although15 percent of the award funds must be designated as a lump sum for administration.

 

Must the application explain how the award funds are to be used?

Yes, but only in general terms. A numerical breakdown of the intended use by type of expenditure will only be required after the Selection Committee has made a positive decision.

 

Should we provide specific information on the use of the lump sum for administration?

No, specific information is not required. We do recommend, however, that you provide some information on how you intend to utilise the lump sum for administration in order to integrate the Humboldt Professor into the receiving institution.

 

How should the lump sum for administration be used?

The so-called lump sum for administration, which amounts to 15 percent of the requested funding amount, represents the portion of the award funds that the receiving institution can use at its own discretion. The use of these funds is very flexible. They can be used to finance any measures to recruit the Humboldt Professor for the new institution and ensure that he or she remains long-term, such as integration or dual career measures or compensation for any pension entitlements that he or she may have accumulated abroad and forfeited upon relocation. Please contact the respective state ministries or pension offices for further information.
It is not possible any more to build reserves from the lump sum for administration.
The general purpose of the lump sum for administration is to help the receiving institution make the future Humboldt Professor an offer that is too good to refuse. It is therefore advisable to find out about the candidate’s very specific wishes and needs in advance and to prepare a tailor-made package of measures.

 

Selection procedure
Will the Humboldt Foundation confirm receipt of the application?

As soon as we receive your nomination we will notify you by email. We will also notify the contact person if any important documents or information are missing or need amending, usually a few weeks after receiving the application.

 

Who reviews the nomination?

Independent German and international peer reviewers will evaluate the application.

 

Is it possible to name individual academics who should be excluded from the independent review process?

This is possible but should only be invoked in exceptional cases, such as reviewers who are themselves applicants in the same appointment procedures.
It is not possible to exclude entire “schools” from the review process. However, we do take the greatest care in selecting the individual, appropriate reviewers.

 

Who decides on the applications?

A Selection Committee appointed specifically for this purpose will make the final decision on the Humboldt Professorships by two-thirds majority. It is composed of academics of all disciplines and ex officio members. Humboldt Foundation headquarters has no voice on the Selection Committee. For the list of Selection Committee members visit: website .

 

Who will be notified of the selection decision and when?

The rectors or presidents as well as the directorates or boards of non-university research institutions will usually be notified on the first working day after the Selection Committee meeting. Rejected candidates will not receive a selection notice from the Humboldt Foundation; the Humboldt Professors are usually notified three working days after the Selection Committee meeting.

 

Which deadlines must be observed after the selection decision?

The date of the award letter to the Humboldt Professor serves as reference date for the following deadlines:

• within 4 weeks at the latest: submission of the declaration of acceptance;
• within 8 months at the latest: successful conclusion of appointment negotiations between award winner and receiving research institution; submission of the "Agreements between the award winner and the receiving institution" (cf. Form, Enclosure 1) to the 'Regulations on the use of funds' ) and the research and financial plan;
• within 12 months at the latest: award winner begins his or her work at the receiving research institution in Germany.

In case these deadlines are not met, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation reserves the right to revoke the award.

Selection
How high is the success rate?

Only those applications that leave no doubt whatsoever about the academic excellence of the candidate and the persuasiveness of the university concept will ultimately be approved. In the past, this applied to about one in four applications on average.

 

To what extent should applicants and candidates be prepared for a negative decision?

Applicants and candidates should plan for the possibility of a rejection. We recommend that you explore in advance under which conditions the candidate would be willing to transfer to the academic institution in Germany even without the support of the Humboldt Foundation.

 

Does the Humboldt Foundation give reasons for a rejection?

There is no detailed written explanation for a rejection. After each Selection Committee meeting, we are available by telephone to give you information on the competitive situation and the selection criteria for the Humboldt Professorships. We also give advice on potential future nominations.

 

Appropriation, use and provision of funds
Can award funds be transferred from one budgetary year to the next?

Yes, within the sponsorship period of 5 years. Payments are made in instalments according to the financial plan and are effected – depending on the demand and the availability of budgetary means – as soon as possible. The cash balance as per Dec. 31st of each year must not exceed 20% of the total instalment paid that year; in exceptional cases this amount can be exceeded.

 

How precise should the details on the "fund request" form be?

As detailed as possible to help the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation's budgetary planning.

 

By when should the entire amount of award funds be spent?

By the end of the sponsorship period. Any remaining funds must be remitted to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

 

How should travel expenses be claimed?

According to the regulations governing the receiving institution (e.g. the respective state law on travel expenses).

 

Is it possible to use award funds to finance the costs of an official mobile phone?

An official mobile phone may be financed from award funds ("expendable items/miscellaneous").

 

Is it possible to take a lump-sum from the award funds to cover certain very small expenses (mobile phone, meals on journeys, public transport)?

It is possible on principle; it is not forbidden in the regulations. How this "ready cash" is actually dealt with is a matter for agreement with the administration of the receiving institution.

 

Does the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation subsidise moving expenses or may award funds be used to finance domestic moving expenses?

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation does not pay subsidies towards moving expenses. The regulations governing travel expenses for public service at the place of employment obtain (including the payment of moving expenses).

 

Which sections of the receiving institution are entitled to the administrative flat-rate? Is it paid directly to the department in which the administrative costs are actually incurred or could the central administration/rectorate also make claims?

This question has to be clarified with the receiving institution. In the agreement between the award winner and the receiving institution, as well as in the Regulations on the Use of Funds, the receiving institution in general is cited as the recipient of this lump-sum.

 

Is the amount of the administrative flat-rate based on the original amount of award funds or may accrued interest also be taken into account in calculating the amount?

The basis for calculating the administrative flat-rate is the original amount of award funds (excluding interest accrued).

 

Is it possible to use award funds to finance invitations to national and foreign academics to hold guest lectures etc. at the award winner's receiving institution? (Travel expenses, accommodation, meals, remuneration)?

Yes, based on the regulations and cost unit rates pertaining at the receiving institution.

 

I would like to take my group on a cultural/scientific outing to Hamburg. May I use award funds for the travel expenses?

Yes, award funds may be used to cover travel expenses as the outing arises from the employment situation which, apart from a salary, also includes other social contributions (which may embrace a group outing).

 

May expenses incurred in connection with interviewing applicants for potential membership of the working group be financed from the award funds?

To cover expenses incurred in connection with interviewing applicants the relevant regulations obtaining at the receiving institution should be the determining factor.

 

May award funds be used to finance the cost of German language courses attended by members of the working group?

If attending a language course is the precondition for working on the project successfully and providing it cannot be financed from other funding – yes.

 

May the costs of entertaining (academic) guests be taken from the administrative flat-rate?

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has no objections to using award funds to cover the costs of entertaining invited guests. And it is possible to use the administrative flat-rate for this purpose. In chapter III of the Regulations on the Use of Funds general information can be found on the sort of expenses covered by the administrative flat-rate.

 

We should like to set up a small kitchen with a coffee machine, fridge, etc. for the staff and invited guests. May we finance these purchases from the award funds?

Yes, preferably from the proportion of award funds earmarked for the administration of the host institution as the administrative flat-rate. Upon purchase, any equipment and utensils immediately become property of the receiving institution.

 

May research funding from other sources (e.g. third-party funding from the DFG, EU etc.) be applied for in addition to the award funds?

Yes. Please note that you are obligated to inform the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation of applications for or any further funding granted for the same research project. Your contacts within the administration will advise you. It is forbidden to duplicate financing for one and the same research project (double funding). If additional funds are granted for a subproject on a closely related topic (parallel sponsorship), careful attention should be paid to a strict division of budgets - especially when preparing the documentations on the use of funds. In the event of violations of these regulations the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation retains the right to reclaim part or all of the award money.

 

Human and material resources
How may or should I employ my staff?

The employment of staff should be based on the relevant legal framework regulations governing the receiving institution. All designated forms are possible, including employment contracts on the basis of the TVöD-/TV-L-tariff and fee agreements. In addition to this, the Regulations on the Use of Funds draw specific attention to the fact that fellowships may be granted.

 

Are there rules/guidelines on advertising positions?

The advertisement should conform to the relevant legal framework conditions at the respective receiving institution. As with all public presentations, at a suitable point reference should be made to the sponsorship by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) as donor.

 

In which geographical locations should positions be advertised? Only in Germany, or in Europe, or should they address academics all over the world?

Depending on needs and target group advertisements may be placed in publications disseminated world-wide.
We would like to draw your attention to the site: EURAXESS Jobs  on the EURAXESS – Researchers in Motion  portal. Euraxess Jobs is a Europe-wide job exchange for researchers, where universities, research organisations and industry can post their vacancies.

 

Members of the working group not employed by the receiving institution do not have professional indemnity insurance. How can this problem be solved?

By taking out a professional indemnity insurance privately.

 

What are the regulations applying to the granting of fellowships to PhD students by comparison with postdocs?

The award-winner is entitled to earmark funds from the award money which the receiving institution may use to grant fellowships, particularly to scientists and scholars from abroad. The basis for determining the value of the fellowship should be the monthly instalments paid by the German Academic Exchange Service  and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation  to graduate and post-doc fellows respectively (cf. Regulations on the Use of Funds, cf. IV, Personnel).

 

How flexible am I with regard to the amount granted for monthly fellowship payments and additional benefits? Can I deviate from the rates foreseen for Humboldt Fellows and DAAD Scholars?

Divergence is possible, should, however, be convincingly and soundly substantiated and should be noted in the files accompanying the documentation of payment. Possible implications with regard to tax liability are to be clarified in advance.

 

Does the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation provide forms for managing fellowships (e.g. sample grant letters, sample declarations of acceptance)?

Yes, they can be provided on request.

 

Are representatives of the receiving institution signatories to the procedures involved in granting fellowships?

Yes, inevitably, as in the interests of the award winner, it is only the receiving institution which is entitled to grant fellowships. Cf. Regulations on the Use of Funds, ch. IV, "The receiving institution acts as employer on the award winner's behalf. The award winner is entitled to earmark funds from the award money which the receiving institution may use to grant fellowships...".

 

I am a doctoral student in the working group of an awardee and receive a fellowship from the Australian National University which will continue during the period of time I spend in Germany. As the cost of living in Australia is lower than in Germany...
 ... I have been told that my fellowship will be raised to the level of the German doctoral tariff TVöD EG 13/2 (BAT IIa/2). Is it possible to use award funds to pay partial fellowships?

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has no objections to the planned increase in the fellowship up to the level of remuneration received by German doctoral students (TVöD EG 13/2 / BAT IIa/2). Information on granting fellowships from the award funds can be found in ch. IV (Personnel) of the "Regulations on the Use of Funds". These details also apply to granting partial fellowships.

Are there any special procedures required by the receiving institution in order to pay fellowships or can I simply choose those who should be sponsored by a fellowship?

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation recommends setting up an ad hoc committee for selecting fellows, e.g. comprising of the award winner, the head of department, an additional scientific member of the department and the dean or vice-dean. It is not out of the question that the award winner should "have a free hand" in selecting fellows. The act of granting the fellowship can, however, only be carried out by the receiving institution. At the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation the following procedure applies: selection of excellence, documented by academic qualification, on the basis of specialist reviews and discussion/decision in the selection committee.

 

11. Is a fellowship granted in the framework of the Alexander von Humboldt Professorship free of