Sofja Kovalevskaja Award

Updated: about 3 hours ago
Location: Alling, BAYERN
Deadline: The position may have been removed or expired!

Hint

The Sofja Kovalevskaja Award was awarded to a total of 139 outstanding young researchers from 2001 to 2020. Since then, the programme has been closed to new entries. Funding for the last award winners will expire in 2026.


Award for top-rank junior researchers

Submit an application if you are a successful top-rank junior researcher from abroad, only completed your doctorate with distinction in the last six years, and have published work in prestigious international journals or publishing houses. The Sofja Kovalevskaja Award, which is endowed with up to 1.65 million euros, allows you to spend five years building up a working group and working on a high-profile, innovative research project of your own choice at a research institution of your own choice in Germany.


  • Dossier Sofja Kovalevskaja Award

Application requirements

  • Doctorate or comparable academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent), completed with
    distinction less than six years prior to the application submission deadline.
  • Career level: the award would enable the successful applicant to take on a leadership position (e.g. head of a junior research group) in Germany for the first time. Moreover, the applicant must not have held or accepted an offer of permanent employment in Germany. The relevant date is the date of the selection.
  • Cutting-edge academic achievements documented by a comprehensive list of independent academic publications reviewed according to international standards and printed in journals and / or by publishing houses.
  • Support of the German host institution, evidenced by a detailed expert's report from the academic host as well as the host's agreement and the confirmation from the administration at the host institution.
  • Two supporting expert reviews from academics (at the applicant's own institute or other institutes, where possible including some outside the applicant’s country oforigin).
  • Language skills: scholars in the humanities or social sciences and physicians must have a good knowledge of German if it is necessary to carry out the project successfully; otherwise a good knowledge of English; scientists and engineers must have a good knowledge of German or English.
  • No previous Sofja Kovalevskaja Award.
  • Origin: Foreign academics staying in Germany are eligible to apply if they have lived outside Germany for a minimum of 12 months in total in the 18-month period prior to the application submission deadline. Educational residents are subject to the regulations governing Germans. German academics are eligible to apply if they have been working in an academic capacity abroad for a longer time. For more details please check with the FAQ.
  • The Humboldt Foundation assumes that candidates will abide by the Rules of Good Scientific Practice and the legally-binding principles of scientific ethics  (PDF) during the application and sponsorship periods.

  • Application procedure and selection

    Applications may be submitted to the Humboldt Foundation online provided they have been duly completed and all of the following required documents have been uploaded:

    Curriculum vitae (two pages max)

    • Research outline (25 pages max)
    • Financial plan
    • Information on the financial plan (one page max)
    • Complete list of publications
    • List of selected key publications
    • Key publications
    • Doctoral certificate
    • German language certificate, if applicable
    • Host’s statement and hosting agreement as well as confirmation of administration*
    • Two expert reviews*
    • Additionally, where required: publishers' letter(s) of acceptance and/or acknowledgment(s) of receipt as well as summaries or translations of the key publications

    *The host and expert reviewer(s) upload the required documents in a secure area themselves. Applications can be submitted only after these documents have been uploaded. The application form contains further instructions and information.

    It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that he or she has submitted all the necessary documents. The Humboldt Foundation will confirm receipt of the online application by email.

    After the application has been checked to ensure that it is complete and meets the formal requirements for eligibility, the application documents will usually be forwarded to three independent reviewers for written review. On the basis of these independent peer reviews a selection committee composed of about 25 academics from all disciplines reaches a decision on approving Sofja Kovalevskaja Awards.

    If an application has been approved, the award winners must start their research in Germany in the course of the calendar year of the award conferment at the latest.

    If your application is not approved, you may send an informal email requesting feedback to be sent to you and your host on the reasons for the rejection. This will usually follow approximately four to six weeks after the selection committee meeting.

    It is not possible to appeal. However, applicants who have been rejected may submit a revised application response to a future call for applications provided that fundamental aspects of the original application have been manifestly improved and the then applicable submission requirements are met.


    • Members of the selection committee for the allocation of Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Research Awards

    Support
    Support during research stay

    One of our hallmarks is the degree of support we try to provide for every single guest researcher. This is why we offer you extra benefits in addition to the award amount: from invitations to events to language courses.


    • Regulations on the use of funds (PDF, 737 KB)
    • Information and Recommendations for Award Winners (PDF, 355 KB)
    • Support during research stay

    Alumni programmes

    Once a Humboldtian, always a Humboldtian: Even after your initial research stay has come to an end, we shall still maintain close contact with you. Our alumni sponsorship is flexible and designed to support every Humboldtian’s particular path in life and development as well as collaborations between individuals.


    • Alumni programmes

    Questions & Answers
    Application requirements
    What determines the date of a doctorate?

    The relevant date is that of completing the final academic part of the doctoral process (e.g., defence of thesis, doctoral viva). This date will usually be included on your doctoral certificate alongside the date of issue. The key date for calculating the period following your doctorate is the application deadline (31/07).

     


    Which date is valid if I have several doctorates?

    In the case of multiple doctorates, the effective date is that of the first doctoral degree (PhD/CSc.).

     


    I obtained my doctorate more than six years ago. Can I still apply?

    We cannot consider your application if you obtained your doctorate more than six years ago. If you have missed the deadline, an exception may be made in well-founded cases (e.g. recognition of parental leave). Please send us your CV and a list of your publications before you apply so we can advise you (info[at]avh.de ).

     


    It is either not customary or not possible to take a doctorate in my country of origin / in my discipline. Can I apply?

    You can apply if you can prove that your academic performance is equivalent to a Ph.D., e.g. by academic publications in internationally reviewed journals and for publishing houses. In this case, you can apply up to 10 years after your first degree (B.A., M.A., etc.). Please send us your complete CV (without gaps) and a list of your publications before you apply so we can advise you (info[at]avh.de ).

     


    I'm a physician (M.D. / Dr. med.). Are there any special admission requirements?

    You are eligible to apply if you hold a research doctorate or a comparable academic degree.

    In addition, please read our Admission questionnaire for physicians (MD / Dr. med.) for detailed information.

    If you have several research doctorates, the above-mentioned FAQ on the subject of "several doctorates" applies.


    To what extent will parental leave be taken into account?

    If you have ever interrupted your academic career for child-rearing purposes, either partially or completely, please list all periods of leave on the application form. We will assess whether these periods can be taken into account in calculating your eligibility in relation to your career stage. Mothers can claim two extra years for each child born after their PhD plus any further verifiable parenting periods. Fathers and other persons responsible for raising children are only credited with verifiable parenting periods. The extension is limited to 6 years. If you have any further questions please contact info[at]avh.de .

     


    Which other career breaks are considered in the application process?

    Periods in which you interrupted your academic activities after completing your doctorate in order to perform military or alternative service, to care for close relatives, or due to long-term illness may be taken into account as career breaks after examination. The proportionate offsetting of such career breaks is also possible. Please always indicate career breaks when filling in our application form.
    Job hunting, unemployment and non-academic employment do not count as career breaks.In general, applications are permitted up to 6 years after completing the doctorate. Recognized career breaks may correspondingly extend these maximum timeframes during which the submission of applications is possible; the extension is limited to 6 years.
    Please contact info[at]avh.de  if you have any questions.

     


    I am already or have recently been in Germany. Are there formal reasons that would make me ineligible to apply?

    The aim of the programme is to enable highly qualified academics from abroad to launch their academic career in Germany by establishing an independent junior research group here. Applicants should therefore be living and/or working outside Germany at the time of application.

    If you are already in Germany or have recently been to Germany, you may only apply if you have spent a total of over 12 months within the 18 months immediately preceding the application deadline (31/07) outside Germany. Any time spent in Germany within those 18 months is taken into account, regardless of duration or reason. This also applies to employment contracts with institutions in Germany.

    In all other cases you are unfortunately ineligible to apply.

    German citizens and/or educational residents* (see following FAQ) are generally ineligible to apply if they have been in Germany within the 18 months immediately preceding the application deadline or are already in Germany at the time of applying.

    * Educational residents are individuals who have completed their school education and a university degree, or a university degree and their doctorate in Germany.

     


    I'm German / an educational resident. Can I apply if I'm working abroad?

    The aim of the programme is to enable highly qualified academics from abroad to launch their academic career in Germany by establishing an independent junior research group here. German citizens/educational residents* are thus not the target group of this funding programme. You are however eligible to apply if you are permanently working abroad.

    We consider you to be permanently established in a foreign country if you have unquestionably been living and working abroad

  • for more than 10 years;
  • for more than 5 years and meet one of the following criteria that unequivocally indicates strong ties to your current country of residence:
  • a permanent/tenured position;
  • additional citizenship of your country of residence;
  • permanent permission to reside in your current country of residence (e.g. permanent residence permit, green card etc.). Permission to reside based solely on your citizenship (e.g. for EU citizens as part of EU freedom of movement) is not accepted;
  • other indications that you intend to permanently return to your current country of residence.
  • German citizens and/or educational residents* are generally ineligible to apply if they have been in Germany within the last 18 months prior to the application deadline (31/07) or are already in Germany at the time of applying.

    If you intend to apply in order to prepare your permanent return to Germany, we recommend that you instead apply to the “Temporary Positions” programme of the DFG.

    If in doubt, we would ask to send us only your complete CV and a list of your publications, so that we can advise you. Please state which criterion applies to you (info[at]avh.de ).

    * Educational residents are individuals who have completed their school education and a university degree, or a university degree and their doctorate in Germany.


    Can I apply for a Sofja Kovalevskaja Award if I am already a Humboldt Fellow?

    The same rules apply to you as to other applicants, e.g. regarding periods spent in Germany.

     


    Can I apply for the Sofja Kovalevskaja Award and a Humboldt Fellowship at the same time if I fulfil the formal requirements?

    No, it is not possible to apply the Sofja Kovalevskaja Award programme and the Fellowship Programme of the Humboldt Foundation concurrently.

     


    Do I need to know German in order to apply?

  • Natural scientists and engineers: good knowledge of German or English is sufficient.
  • Scholars in the humanities and social sciences: should have knowledge of German if it is necessary to carry out the project successfully. In this case, a German Language certificate confirming proficiency must be submitted. Otherwise, a good knowledge of English is sufficient.
  • Physicians: If the research project involves work with patients, the candidate must have a good knowledge of German (language certificate required). Otherwise, a good knowledge of English is sufficient.

  • English or German is my native language. Do I have to submit a language certificate proving my proficiency?

    No, a language certificate is not required.

     


    I have lived and worked in an English-speaking or German-speaking country for a long time. Do I have to submit a language certificate proving my proficiency?

    No, a language certificate is not required.

     


    Academic host
    How can I find an academic host?

    You are free to choose your own academic host. The Humboldt Foundation does not provide any direct support in finding a host.

    We would like to draw your attention to the following search engines for hosts and research institutes:

    • Institutes at German universities and other research institutions
      Searchable Portal (GERiT) of the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
    • Research facilities, disciplines and research in Germany
      Research portal of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
    • Research Map
      Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK)
    • Research facilities, researchers and projects of the DFG in Germany and worldwide
      GEPRIS - Database of the German Research Foundation
    • Research facilities, disciplines and researchers in Germany and worldwide
      World of Learning
    • KISSWIN
      Communication and information platform on career paths and funding opportunities for junior academics

    We would also like to draw your attention to the open access part of the Network Online . This database features a large proportion of the Foundation's more than 30,000 academics sponsored worldwide. Here you can search for names, disciplines and keywords.
    When selecting an academic host, please remember that you are choosing not only your academic, but also your personal living environment for the next five years.We would like to draw your attention to the following search engines for hosts and research institutes:

    • Institutes at German universities and other research institutions
      Searchable Portal (GERiT) of the German Research Foundation (DFG) and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
    • Research facilities, disciplines and research in Germany
      Research portal of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
    • Research Map
      Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK)
    • Research facilities, researchers and projects of the DFG in Germany and worldwide
      GEPRIS - Database of the German Research Foundation
    • Research facilities, disciplines and researchers in Germany and worldwide
      World of Learning
    • KISSWIN
      Communication and information platform on career paths and funding opportunities for junior academics

    We would also like to draw your attention to the open access part of the Network Online . This database features a large proportion of the Foundation's more than 30,000 academics sponsored worldwide. Here you can search for names, disciplines and keywords.
    When selecting an academic host, please remember that you are choosing not only your academic, but also your personal living environment for the next five years.We would like to draw your attention to the following search engines for hosts and research institutes


    Who is eligible to be my academic host?

    The term "host" refers to the person who will act as the award winner’s direct academic contact at the host research institution, e.g., the chair holder or head of department in whose team you would like to establish a working group. .
    If you have already worked in Germany for a longer period of time (12 months or more) you should look for a new academic environment. Applications that involve returning to the supervisor of the doctoral thesis or to the mentor of a longer postdoctoral stay are generally rejected by the Selection Committee on the basis of a lack of academic independence. In case a return to the academic environment of the supervisor of your doctoral thesis or to the mentor of a longer postdoctoral stay is necessary on scientific reasons, you should elucidate this in your research outline.

     


    Can I conduct my research with two academic hosts?

    No. In particular, it is not possible to carry out research at two different research institutions. Provisions for changing the host institution during the sponsorship period are in principle not provided in the programme. The award winner must use the award funds to carry out his or her approved research outline at the host institution in Germany which has been presented in the application.

     


    Preparation/Planning
    What is the final date for submitting my application?

    You will find the current application deadline in the latest version of the Programme information.

     


    Can I apply for parallel funding to another institution?

    On principle it is possible to apply to another institution for funding at the same time. However, you must state this on the application form and inform us immediately about any parallel applications and decisions, even during the application procedure. Please indicate in the “Information on the financial plan” any third-party funding (e.g. German Research Foundation, European Union, industry) that has been granted for this project or for which you have applied.

     


    Can I apply for a Sofja Kovalevskaja Award for more or less than the five-year period?

    It is not possible to apply for a period in excess of five years. Applications for a significantly shorter period (less than about four and a half years) have no chance of success.

     


    What is the earliest date on which sponsorship can begin?

    The research stay in Germany commences in the calendar year in which the award is granted. The exact date should be agreed upon with the host institution prior to application.

     


    What determines the award amount?

    The financial plan you have submitted will be examined in an independent specialist review and by the members of the selection committee to ascertain whether your itemisation is plausible and appropriate. Their assessment will determine the award amount.

     


    Will there be any support for taking German language courses?

    The Humboldt Foundation is firmly in favour of award winners and their partners learning German during their research stay so that they can take an active part in social and cultural life in Germany as well as conducting research. On application, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is therefore able to cover the costs of a German course.

     


    My partner would like to accompany me to Germany but s/he does not work in the same field. What opportunities are there?

    The host institution is allowed to use a percentage of the administrative flat-rate to provide opportunities for partners in dual career relationships.

    We would like to draw your attention to the site: Dual Career Couples on the EURAXESS Germany portal.

     


    Application documents
    Should my expert reviews be sent directly to the Humboldt Foundation or enclosed with the application?

    Your host and expert reviewers upload the required documents in a secure area themselves, adding them to your application form. You can find the links to this area in the application form. Please send these links on a timely basis to your designated scientists/ academics. Once all the documents have been uploaded, you will automatically be notified by email and will then be able to submit your application. You are responsible for ensuring that your documents are complete.

    Expert reviews should not be more than 12 months old at the time of application.

     


    Who should provide an expert review for my application and how many reviews are required?

    The expert review should assess your development as a researcher, your potential, and your academic accomplishments to date. It is, therefore, important that expert reviewers are well acquainted with your academic work to date. You must submit two expert reviews. Please note: The host’s statement does not count as an expert review!
    You are responsible for requesting all expert reviews and the host’s statement.

     


    Can more than two expert reviews be submitted?

    No, only two expert reviews should be submitted for an application. Additional ones cannot be taken into consideration.

     


    Which publications should I enclose in my application?

    Your application must contain five key publications that demonstrate your previous outstanding achievements. (You may optionally submit published reviews of your key publications by other authors.)

    If you wish to cite your dissertation as a key publication but have not yet submitted it for printing, please upload the original manuscript of your doctoral thesis.

     


    May I include works that have not yet been submitted for publication in the list of key publications and the complete list of publications?

    No. Please only cite publications that are already in print, have been accepted for publication or have at least been submitted to a publishing house. In the latter case you must include the acknowledgement of receipt from the publisher; in the case of publications that have been accepted, please include the letter of acceptance from the publisher. Any other works cited on the list will be deleted.
    Exception: Your dissertation may be cited as a key publication even if you have not yet submitted it to a publisher. If you wish to cite your dissertation as a key publication but have not yet submitted it for printing, please upload the original manuscript of your doctoral thesis.

     


    What are key publications?

    You yourself should choose the key publications from your publications. You should choose works which present your most important academic results. In cases of multiple authorship you should select those to which you have made a major contribution. When choosing key publications we recommend including works that reflect your more recent publication activity.
    Please note that you cannot amend your selection of key publications once the selection process has begun.

     


    How should I explain why I have chosen a key publication?

    Please address the particular academic relevance of the results contained in the key publication and briefly explain the significance of the publication for your academic profile (cf. Sample key publications ). In cases of multiple authorship please also indicate your own personal contribution to the publication.

     


    Should my key publications also be cited in the complete list of publications?

    Yes. Please cite all your publications in the complete list of publications, including your key publications. An unpublished dissertation, however, may not be listed in the complete list of publications. In this list the key publications should be cited without explanations. (cf. Sample publication list ).
    Please note that it is not possible to amend the list of publications submitted to the Humboldt Foundation once the selection process has begun.

     


    Research outline

    You can find information on drawing up a research outline in the application form.

     


    How do I draw up a financial plan?

    You can find information on drawing up a financial plan in the application form. Use our Sample financial plan to help draw it up.
    Your financial plan will be assessed for its appropriateness and plausibility in the specialist review.

     


    What kind of position is foreseen for Sofja Kovalevskaja award winners at the host research institution?

    The award winners will head a junior research group. They will be independent and largely unaffected by administrative constraints. In order to attract top international researchers, it is therefore possible to draw an amount from the award funds for the award winner’s personal income that significantly exceeds the rates usually paid to junior researchers in Germany.

    The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation emphasises that the scope thus given should be utilised: as of 1 April 2019, the award winner may draw a monthly sum from the award funds to cover his/her living expenses in Germany (in the amount of 1/12 of annual earnings) of €7, 652,43 (employee’s gross earnings; maximum monthly income). This is equivalent to an employer’s gross contribution of approx. €114,000.00 p.a. (see Programme information for current amount).

    Apart from that, in agreement with the host institution, the award winner is free to define the contractual arrangements referring to personal income drawn from the award amount in the framework of the valid legal and (non-)tariff or public service salary law regulations. For their part, potential host institutions in Germany are bound by rules that they cannot directly influence themselves (Examples for Länder salary law ); furthermore, the options differ depending on the respective legal and institutional constitution (university, non-university research institution etc.). Consequently, the models for Sofja Kovalevskaja award winners’ future positions and personal income may vary. They may include non-tariff contracts, for example, as well as fixed-term professorships (W 1 and/or W 2, in some cases ad personam) or tenure-track options. Given that the latter may involve further obligations (tasks in the context of academic self-governance, teaching, examination invigilation), which require additional time commitments, applicants should consider the option that is most appropriate for the next step in their careers.

    In order to ensure that the transfer can be effected in accordance with the successful candidate’s wishes, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation recommends discussing the form the position is supposed to take and the conditions regarding personal income with the host institution in Germany whilst the application is still being prepared.

     


    Are Sofja Kovalevskaja award winners eligible to apply for a tenure track professorship at the host university?

    In principle, it is possible for Sofja Kovalevskaja Award recipients to apply for a tenure track professorship at the host university, e.g. within the tenure track programme of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). But the universities themselves are responsible for the decision if they implement those regulations in their guidelines. Please also consider that it may not always be the optimal career decision at this time because additional duties are connected with a professorship quite often. We recommend contacting your host university and your host concerning this matter.

     


    Is it necessary to state the names of future staff?

    No, it is not necessary to state their names on the application. Please ask your host about the titles usually associated with the positions in Germany. It is recommendable to discuss staffing matters with the administration at an early stage before making appointments.

     


    What happens to any equipment purchased?

    Any equipment purchased in the course of your research project will become the property of the host institution when the project has come to an end.

     


    Selection procedure
    Will you confirm receipt of my application?

    As soon as we receive your application, we will notify you by email. If important documents or information should be missing from your application, we will notify you.


    Who will review my application?

    Your application will be reviewed by independent peer reviewers.

     


    Who will decide on my application?

    The final decision on all applications is made by the Selection Committee. The Selection Committee consists of researchers of all disciplines who decide on all applications by a two-thirds majority vote. The Humboldt Foundation has no vote on the Selection Committee.

     


    When will I know whether my application has been successful?

    The Selection Committee which makes the final decision on Sofja Kovalevskaja award winners is scheduled to meet at the end of March. You will be informed about the outcome of the meeting immediately afterwards.

     


    May I accept a leadership position in Germany (e.g. head of a junior research group) prior to the selection meeting?

    No. The purpose of the award is to enable you to take on your first leadership position in Germany. If you assume a leadership position prior to the selection meeting, unfortunately, your application becomes ineligible.

     


    May I accept a permanent employment contract in Germany while the selection procedure is underway?

    No. The award is meant to be an opportunity for international candidates who do not have any substantial ties with Germany to gain an academic foothold here. If you enter into a permanent employment contract prior to the selection meeting, unfortunately, your application becomes ineligible.

     


    Will I be notified of the reasons for a rejection?

    If your application is not approved, you may send an informal email requesting feedback to be sent to you and your host on the reasons for the rejection. This will usually follow approximately four to six weeks after the selection committee meeting. Please note that we cannot provide any personalised information before this juncture so as not to delay the notification process.

     


    How much time do I have to submit further documents or update my application?

    You can only submit complete applications. Once the review process by independent reviewers has been initiated, it is not possible to submit or exchange any documentation. If any papers or books that have only been submitted for publication at the time of application should subsequently be accepted, you should send us a copy of the acceptance letter immediately by email. This information can be fed into the process prior to the selection meeting. It is not possible to add to the publication list once the procedure has started.

     


    Selection
    How high is the success rate?

    We expect to grant up to six awards this year. In the most recent selection rounds the probability of success has been approximately 10%.

     


    What are the most important selection criteria?

    The applicant's own academic qualifications are the most important facet of the assessment. Detailed information on the selection criteria can be found in the Programme information .

     


    In the context of my proposed research, working in a group is unusual or unnecessary. Can I still apply even if I work alone?

    This is possible in certain cases provided that the circumstances are explained and documented. Usually, Sofja Kovalevskaja award winners are expected to set up and lead a working group

     


    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 December 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 host 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 on journeys)?

    It is possible on principle; it is not forbidden in the regulations. How this "ready cash" is actually provided should however be discussed with the administration of the host institution in each instance.

     


    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. If an employment contract has been concluded, the regulations governing travel expenses for public service at the place of employment obtain (including the payment of moving expenses).

     


    Which sections of the host 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 host institution. In the agreement between the award winner and the host institution, as well as in the Regulations on the Use of Funds, the host 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 host institution? (Travel expenses, accommodation, meals, remuneration)?

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

     


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

    Yes, award funds may be used to cover travel expenses if 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 host 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 that can be covered by the administrative flat-rate.

     


    We should like to set up a small kitchen with a coffee machine, fridge, dishwasher 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 the property of the host 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 receipt of (partial) funding from German or foreign sources, and observe the general obligations of award winners. This includes for e.g. that you must fully focus your work on the funded research project in Germany (Chap. IX, 3.). You are also obligated not to make use of any congruent sponsorship from funding deriving from German academic sponsorship. 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 host 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.

     


    What must be considered when awarding fellowships? What are the regulations applying to the granting of fellowships to PhD students by comparison with postdocs?

    The award winner can make funds available to his/her home institute with which to award fellowships (for example to doctoral students or postdocs), particularly to scientists and scholars from abroad. For your application, please consider the rates specified in the financial plan. Should deviations be unavoidable, please indicate these in the “Information on the financial plan”. The general underlying basis for determining


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