Starter Grant Programme 2027

Final date to receive applications

15 September 2026

The University of Bayreuth Centre of International Excellence "Alexander von Humboldt" offers Starter Grants for the year 2027, open to all disciplines (see specific rulings for African Studies at the bottom of this page). The Centre promotes excellent research and international collaboration across disciplines, cultures, and countries, and engages in activities that connect the research community to society and politics.

Award sum: 10,000 €.

Grantees receive the full sum to cover all project costs. If the grantee has at least one child, an additional monthly family allowance of 250 € is granted.

Successful grantees may apply for a follow‑up Booster Grant of 20,000 €. Proof of a successfully completed Starter Grant is required, demonstrated through joint publications, organized workshops or conferences, or other outcomes. Success criteria will be evaluated during the Booster Grant selection process.

The Centre supports academic exchange across existing boundaries: across disciplines, between cultures and countries, and between established and emerging researchers. It also encourages activities that open the research community to society and politics.

Grantees are invited to carry out their research projects in Germany in cooperation with a local host licants must identify a researcher in Bayreuth with whom they intend to conduct their project before submitting the application. The host provides suitable office and lab space and up‑to‑date infrastructure.

The Grant commences upon signing the Declaration of Acceptance, and funds are transferred with the first visit of the grantee to UBT. This visit, an integral part of the program, must occur within the first year after acceptance. Fifteen months after acceptance, a report must be submitted. It is recommended that grantees visit UBT shortly after accepting the Grant.

Applicants must be affiliated with an institution abroad, hold a fully completed PhD (including the diploma), and present a top‑quality, innovative research project.

Selection criteria emphasize academic excellence (e.g., high‑ranking publications) and the potential for networking with UBT beyond the local host.

The Centre is committed to gender equality and encourages applications from female scholars and individuals who can contribute to a diverse research profile.

Applications must adhere to the guidelines on eligibility, required documents, evaluation criteria, and timelines. Non‑compliance with the guidelines will result in the application not being considered.

• Members of the Cluster of Excellence (as defined by 11 (3) of the Cluster Rules) cannot act as host if the research focus is on African Studies, in accordance with German Research Foundation regulations.
• In case of doubt, applicants should contact the Centre before applying.