With the International Climate Protection Fellowships, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables prospective leaders in academia and industry to implement a research-based proposal in the field of climate protection or climate-related resource conservation during a one-year stay in Germany. The Humboldt Foundation grants up to 20 International Climate Protection Fellowships annually, funded under the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety’s (BMU) International Climate Initiative. The fellowships target prospective leaders from non-European transition and developing countries.

Fully Funded International Climate Protection Fellowship

The Humbolt Foundation offers the fully funded International Climate Protection fellowship up to 20 Candidates. Moreover, the candidates will receive:

• a monthly fellowship of between €2,170 and €2,670, depending on your qualifications
• individual mentoring during your stay in Germany
• additional financial support for items such as family members accompanying you, travel expenses or a German language course
• a three-week introductory phase, during which you will have the opportunity to make contact with other climate protection fellows and visit companies, research institutions and cultural events in Germany
• extensive alumni sponsorship, particularly to help you sustain contact with collaborative partners in Germany during your entire professional career.

Eligibility for the International Climate Protection Fellowship

In order to be eligible for the International Climate Protection Fellowship, candidates need to submit their own research-based proposal which they then implement in collaboration with a host in Germany. Moreover, proposals are eligible from candidates who fit the following profile.

• A future leader from a non-European transition or developing country.
• Active in any of the following areas: scientific, engineering-based, legal, economic, health-related, or social aspects of climate change.
• Further, the fellows are interested in spending a year working with a host of your choice in Germany on a research-based project you have developed yourself in the field of climate protection and climate-related resource conservation.

Selection Criteria

The selection panel at the Humboldt Foundation will assess the applicant’s proposal on the basis of the following criteria:

• Academic and professional career to date (mobility, determination, expertise, academic success).
• Leadership skills (initial experience in leadership positions and/or appropriate references).
• Quality, originality, and relevance of the research-based proposal. (convincing selection of methods; clear focus and feasibility; relevance to climate protection or climate-related resource conservation; the viability of both the host institution chosen and the concomitant communication strategy).
• Future potential (further development in academia and industry, career prospects).

How to apply for the Fully Funded International Climate Protection Fellowship?

In order to apply for the fully-funded International Climate Protection Fellowship, applicants must complete and submit the online application form. Further, the candidates must also provide the following documentation (meeting the defined Criteria) along with the application:

• First university degree (Bachelor’s or equivalent), completed less than 12 years previously, counting back from the end of the application period (1 March 2020).
• Leadership skills demonstrated by initial experience in leadership positions and/or appropriate references.
• Extensive work experience (at least 48 months at the time of application) or a successfully completed doctorate in the field of climate protection or climate-related resource conservation.
• Scientific publications (for post-doctoral applicants) in peer-reviewed journals according to international standards.
• A detailed statement by a host in Germany, including a mentoring agreement; details of the proposal must be discussed with the prospective host prior to application.
• Citizenship of a non-European transition or developing country which is also the applicant’s habitual residence and place of work.
• Very good knowledge of English and/or German, documented by appropriate language certificates.
• Two expert references by individuals qualified to comment on the candidate’s professional, personal and, if applicable, academic eligibility as well as his/her leadership potential.