Every year, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation awards around 20 Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Awards to internationally recognised scientists and scholars who completed their doctorate no more than 18 years ago. Nominations for the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award can be made by academics who are already internationally recognised in their field and who completed their doctorate no more than 18 years ago. The nominees are expected to make a lasting impact on their field of specialisation in the future through further scientific excellence beyond their narrow field of work.
The award winners are honoured for their outstanding research achievements. They are invited to carry out research projects of their own choice in Germany in co-operation with specialist colleagues for a period of up to one year. The stay can be split up over time.
Requirements for nomination: International recognition of the nominee as an outstanding researcher, completion of a doctorate, good future expectations, reference reports from important cooperation partners/researchers; at the time of nomination, their centre of life and work has been abroad for at least five years; at the time of selection, they have not yet entered into a permanent employment contract in Germany.
Application Info
Nominations are made by academics in Germany. A Humboldt Foundation award winner working abroad can also initiate a nomination, but must submit it together with a colleague working in Germany. Self-nomination is not possible.
Submission
Nominations can be submitted at any time
Website
Duration
6-12 month
Countries
Germany
Level of education
Researcher with Ph.D.
Funding Types
awards
Budget
60.000 €
Last update
15.07.2025