Deadline: October 31, 2025
Applications are open for the University of Bayreuth Centre of International Excellence “Alexander von Humboldt” Starter Grant Programme 2026. 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 the Starter Grants for the year 2026.
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.
Grant
- 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.
Eligibility
- The grants are awarded 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.
- They view the diversity of 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.
Application
Submit your complete application via the online form by October 31, 2025.
For more information, visit Starter Grant Programme.
