DFG Walter Benjamin Programme
The Walter Benjamin Programme enables researchers in the postdoctoral training phase to independently conduct their own research project at a location of their choice. The project can be carried out at a research institution in Germany or abroad, with the host institution providing support for the project.
Purpose
By securing funding for their own research project, particularly qualified postdoctoral researchers pave the way for the next stages of their increasingly independent research career and exercise autonomy. The programme thus promotes early research careers with the aim of fostering the mobility and thematic development that are crucial in this career phase; therefore, the programme generally requires that the applicant change his or her research institution.
Eligibility Requirements
Only postdoctoral researchers at an early career phase are eligible to apply to this programme. The project may not be based at an entity that is for-profit or that does not permit the publication of findings in a generally accessible form.
Type and Extent of Funding
This depends on the choice of module. Abroad, funding is provided as a fellowship, whereas in Germany, as a position under the staff category “postdoctoral researcher and comparable” (or temporary substitute position usually under the staff category “medical research assistant”). Combining both is also possible. Regardless of your choice of module, an allowance will be provided for direct project costs, travel expenses and publication costs and, where applicable, increased publication costs (literature).
The fellowship comprises a monthly basic amount and, where applicable, foreign allowances, cost-of-living allowance, travel allowance as well as benefits for fellowship recipients with children.
Funding Duration
As a rule, up to two years
Proposals may be submitted at any time.
Find out more: https://www.dfg.de/en/research-funding/funding-opportunities/programmes/individual/walter-benjamin