Scholarship programm of the Philipp-Schwartz Initiative

In 2015, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, together with the Federal Foreign Office, launched the Philipp Schwartz Initiative. With the help of this program, scientists and scholars who can no longer work in their home countries because they are threatened or persecuted can continue their work at German universities, scientific institutions and non-university research facilities.

Within this scholarship, the universities and research institutions can apply for funding to host researchers at risk. Successfully nominated at-risk researchers can be awarded fellowships for up to 24-month research stays. An extension of up to twelve additional months is possible under a co-funding model.

At the University of Bremen, there is currently no possibility of extension.

Requirements for application

Researchers from all academic disciplines and all countries of origin who are demonstrably under threat may be considered for research funding within the context of Philipp Schwartz fellowships, if they:

have received a commitment from a mentor at the University of Bremen and have a workplace available
hold a doctorate or equivalent academic degree (Ph.D., C.Sc. or equivalent)
at the time of application, have not been outside their home country for more than five years
possess the language skills necessary for the successful completion of the research project
possess academic qualifications (e.g. publications)
have potential to be integrated into the (science-related) job market
have not yet been funded in the context of the Philipp Schwartz Initiative
can provide proof of endangerment. Acceptable proof includes:
1. a residence permit status related to an asylum procedure within the EU indicating recognized endangerment, or
2. a credible proof of endangerment from a third party, issued no more than 12 months before the application deadline, such as documentation from the Scholars at Risk Network (SAR) or the Council for At-Risk Academics (CARA). Please note that currently only a limited number of endangerment assessments can be handled by SAR and CARA. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the relevant persons as soon as possible.

For Afghan and Ukrainian nominees, a self-declaration of endangerment (1-2 pages, written and signed by the nominated person) is sufficient.

Not eligible are:

individuals holding dual nationality, who thus have access to a safe country, as well as German nationals
individuals with multiple nominations by several potential host institutions
researchers who hold German university entrance qualifications (“Bildungsinländer”)

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Applications and funding are not possible without a mentor!

Nominations for the Philipp Schwartz Initiative (PSI) are made via the International Office, which submits the application for the University of Bremen to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
The contact person for researchers at risk and mentors is Kirsten Beta.

We are looking forward to welcoming new researchers at the University of Bremen.