Application Deadline: October 31, 2025
Applications are now open for the 2026 University of Bayreuth Centre of International Excellence “Alexander von Humboldt” Starter Grant Programme. The University of Bayreuth Centre of International Excellence “Alexander von Humboldt” promotes excellent research at the University of Bayreuth (UBT) and advances the internationalisation of research and networking with the best universities worldwide. Effective immediately, the Centre is offering
Starter Grants for the year 2026
– open to all disciplines* –
Award sum 10,000 €
The Grantees will have the awarded sum at their disposal for covering all costs of project realisation. Grantees accompanied by at least one child receive an additional monthly family allowance of 250 €. If successful, Grantees may apply for a follow-up grant called “Booster Grant” by the Bayreuth Humboldt Centre (award sum 20,000 €). This requires proof of the successfully completed Starter Grant. Success must be documented in e.g. joint publications, a jointly organized workshop or conference or other results of the starter funding. These success criteria will be evaluated during the selection process for the Booster Grant. Please see the Application Guidelines for details.
International Excellence – Programme Goals
The Centre supports academic exchange across existing boundaries: between disciplines, between different cultures and countries, between established and younger researchers. Furthermore, the Centre engages in activities opening the research community to society and politics. Successful applicants will become Grantees at the Centre and profit from the lively research environment of the university and its seven faculties. Applicants are encouraged to learn about the University of Bayreuth’s focus areas and research strengths.
Experience Bayreuth – Collaboration with Local Host
The program invite the Grantees to carry out their own research projects in Germany in cooperation with a local host at UBT. The research projects shall benefit both the candidate and the host. Prior to submission of the application, applicants are required to identify a researcher in Bayreuth with whom they aim to carry out their research project. The local hosts provide their Grantees with appropriate office and lab space and an up-to-date infrastructure. Applications are welcome from all disciplines, although exceptions apply.*
Requirements
Candidate Requirements
The program award the Grants to individuals affiliated with institutions abroad with challenging and innovative research projects of top academic quality through a highly competitive, strictly merit-based selection process. The all-important selection criteria are the academic excellence of both the applicant and the cooperative project — reflected, for example, in high-ranking publications — as well as the potential for networking with the University of Bayreuth beyond the local host.
The program view the diversity of our awardees as an asset and are expressly committed to the goal of gender equality. Female scholars and anyone who can help make the research profile of the university more diverse are strongly encouraged to apply.
For More Information:
