The Global Fellowship Program of the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung is designed to support outstanding early-career researchers from countries of the Global South. The program provides doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers with the opportunity to conduct high-quality research in collaboration with Senckenberg scientists while strengthening international scientific exchange and long-term cooperation networks. The fellowship promotes academic excellence, fosters global knowledge transfer, and enhances research capacity through access to world-class collections and infrastructure. Program Overview The fellowship is awarded for a duration of: Three months (standard duration) Up to six months (in selected cases) Financial support includes: PhD candidates: 1,600 € per month Postdoctoral researchers: 2,700 € per month One-time travel allowance: up to 1,200 € The program aims to: Support innovative, high-impact research projects Strengthen international collaboration Encourage long-term scientific partnerships Expand global biodiversity and sustainability research networks Fellows benefit from access to: Approximately 40+ million natural history collection units Advanced laboratories and research platforms Specialized libraries and databases Interdisciplinary expertise across biodiversity, anthropology, geology, genomics, conservation ecology, and collection-based research Application Periods and Deadlines Applications are accepted twice per year: March 1 (12:00 pm CET) October 1 (12:00 pm CEST) The online application portal opens four weeks prior to each deadline. Processing time is approximately eight weeks after submission. Approved fellows must begin their stay within three months of confirmation. Extensions are only granted in exceptional cases, such as visa delays. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must meet the following requirements: Originating from countries classified as part of the Global South (according to OECD criteria) Holding a Master’s degree or PhD in a research field represented at Senckenberg Not receiving parallel funding during the fellowship period (double funding is excluded) Not permanently residing in Germany, the EU, North America, Australia, or comparable regions Applicants are required to: Identify and contact a suitable host scientist at Senckenberg Develop a joint research proposal aligned with Senckenberg’s research landscape Ensure the proposed project contributes scientific innovation or closes existing knowledge gaps Young researchers currently abroad on other temporary grants may apply if double funding can be clearly excluded. Required Application Documents All applications must be submitted online and include: Letter of motivation (max. 1 page) Research interests and experience Project goals and implementation plan Explanation of methodological and academic advancement Indication of innovative or groundbreaking aspects Host support letter (max. 1 page) Confirmation of collaboration Scientific relevance within Senckenberg Added value to the host group and broader research field Curriculum vitae (including full publication list) Degree certificates (Master’s and/or PhD) Optional additional recommendation letters Incomplete applications cannot be considered. Selection Procedure Applications are reviewed by a scientific selection committee composed of distinguished researchers from Senckenberg. Evaluation criteria include: Scientific potential to achieve proposed objectives Excellence and originality of the research project Feasibility and methodological rigor Potential for future funding or follow-up projects Successful applicants and their hosts are notified approximately eight weeks after the deadline. Senckenberg actively promotes equal opportunities and strongly encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups. Equally qualified applicants with disabilities are given preference. Research Environment and Infrastructure Senckenberg provides a dynamic research environment characterized by: One of Germany’s largest natural history collections Interdisciplinary collaboration across institutes Open-minded, international research teams Shared research infrastructure with external accessibility Core infrastructure includes: Scientific collections Laboratories and genomics facilities Research platforms and databases Libraries and archival resources The fellowship allows visiting researchers to engage directly with both physical and digital research assets. Travel, Visa, and Logistics Fellows are expected to: Advance travel expenses where possible (reimbursed up to 1,200 € after arrival) Coordinate travel arrangements with their host if necessary For visa purposes, Senckenberg provides: Letter of invitation Visiting scientist contract Hosting agreement Administrative support is available throughout the relocation process. Project Reporting Requirements Within three months after completion of the fellowship, fellows must submit a project report via the online form. The report (maximum two pages) must include: Original project objectives Practical implementation Achieved results Outlook on publications and future research plans A signed confirmation form must also be uploaded. Commitment to Excellence and Global Collaboration Through the Global Fellowship Program, Senckenberg reinforces its commitment to: Advancing biodiversity and earth system science Building equitable international partnerships Supporting emerging scientific leaders Promoting inclusive academic development The program serves as a catalyst for sustainable scientific cooperation and long-term research impact across continents. VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram , WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and Telegram Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering the fellowship. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.