Call for Applications: Digital GreenTalents Award 2025

The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) hosts the prestigious “Digital GreenTalents –High Potentials in Sustainable Development” Award to promote the international exchange of innovative green ideas at the intersection of digitalization and sustainable development. It focuses on how digitalization can promote greater sustainability in science and society. Aspiring young scientists are invited to Germany for a three-month research stay to turn their ideas and ambitions into reality.

The competition is not only about what you do now, but also about what your aspirations are for the future. The award does not fund research projects, but aims to foster individual development. A high-level jury of German experts will help the ministry in selecting 20 high-potentials to be honored as this year’s “Digital GreenTalents“.

Benefits of GreenTalents

The prestigious Digital GreenTalents program offers you the unique opportunity to become part of an exceptional global network of outstanding young minds and leading German institutions. Spend up to three months at a German institution or company of your choice – this fully funded research stay in Germany in 2026 is the centerpiece of the award.

The 2025 Digital GreenTalents Award includes:

• A formal virtual award ceremony with your fellow Digital GreenTalents and special guests
• A fully funded on-site Research Stay of up to three months at an institution or company of your choice in Germany in 2026. The research stay will be fully sponsored by the BMBF.
• Mentoring for targeted support for integration into the German research landscape and the German GreenTech labour market
• Invitation to a one-week SpringSchool during your research stay in 2026 where you will gain valuable knowledge and be part of the Digital GreenTalent community
• Exclusive access to the prestigious Digital GreenTalents alumni network.

In addition to international travel to and from the research stay, travel to and from the SpringSchool within Germany will also be funded by the BMBF.

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Eligibility for GreenTalents

• Current enrollment in a doctoral program or 3 months after graduation, or current enrollment in the last year of a master’s program. A strong focus on research topics at the interface between digitalization and sustainable development.
• Age: up to 30 years (with exceptions for childcare etc.).
• Proven very good knowledge of English.
• Distinctly above average grades.
• Interest and commitment to actively participate in all parts of the Digital GreenTalents program.

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Application

In the online application form, they ask you for detailed information about your personal background, your scientific research, your educational qualifications and relevant experiences that underline your commitment to digitalization and sustainable development. They also ask about your motivation for participating in the Digital GreenTalents competition and your ideas for your research in Germany.

In a short motivation part in the application form (maximum 300 words), you are supposed to address the following guiding questions:

• Why are you applying for the Digital GreenTalent Award 2025?
• What is your idea for a research topic that you want to address while being in Germany?
• Do you already have a suitable research group or company for this research who might host your research stay (please name up to three possible institutions)?
• How would your current research (e.g. PhD topic) profit from this research stay? What about your future career?

The following documents are also requested:

• Proof of current enrolment in a master’s or doctoral program (if you are currently studying) or proof of your PhD degree (if you have just completed your PhD)
• University transcript indicating final grade(s)
• English language proficiency certificate (for non-native speakers)
• A short video (see FAQs)
• Resume (optional)
• List of publications, if applicable

Certificates, transcripts and translations may be scanned and uploaded in uncertified form. Certified paper copies of submitted documents may be requested upon approval. Ensure that at least one of the uploaded official documents contains your date of birth.

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