Bayreuth Humboldt Centre Research Grants 2026–2027: Starter and Short-Term Funding Opportunities in Germany

Bayreuth Humboldt Centre Research Grants 2026–2027 | Fully Funded Research Funding in Germany. Apply for the Bayreuth Humboldt Centre Starter Grants 2027 and Short-Term Grants 2026. International researchers with a PhD can receive up to €10,000 or €3,500 to conduct collaborative research at the University of Bayreuth, Germany.

The Bayreuth Humboldt Centre (BHC) at the University of Bayreuth, Germany, has opened applications for its Starter Grants 2027 and Short-Term Grants 2026, offering outstanding international researchers the opportunity to collaborate with academics at one of Germany’s leading research universities.

These competitive funding programmes are designed to strengthen international research collaboration by supporting innovative projects across all academic disciplines. Successful applicants will work closely with a host researcher at the University of Bayreuth while expanding their global research networks and contributing to high-quality academic partnerships.

Researchers from institutions worldwide are encouraged to apply, particularly those with excellent academic records and innovative research proposals that align with the university’s research priorities.

About the Bayreuth Humboldt Centre

The Bayreuth Humboldt Centre promotes international academic excellence by fostering collaboration between researchers at the University of Bayreuth and leading scholars from around the world.

Its funding programmes support interdisciplinary research, encourage international networking, and strengthen long-term scientific cooperation between the University of Bayreuth and partner institutions worldwide.

Successful applicants become members of the Bayreuth Humboldt Centre research community and gain access to the university’s internationally recognised research environment.

Bayreuth Humboldt Centre Starter Grants 2027

The Starter Grant Programme 2027 supports international researchers who wish to establish or strengthen research collaboration with a host at the University of Bayreuth.

Funding

Successful applicants will receive:

Research grant worth €10,000
Flexibility to use the funding for project implementation costs
Additional €250 monthly family allowance for grantees accompanied by at least one child
Opportunity to apply for a Booster Grant worth €20,000 after successfully completing the Starter Grant project

The Booster Grant is available to researchers who demonstrate successful collaboration through outcomes such as:

Joint publications
Collaborative workshops or conferences
Other measurable research achievements

Bayreuth Humboldt Centre Short-Term Grants 2026

The Short-Term Grant Programme supports brief research visits to the University of Bayreuth.

Funding

Selected researchers will receive reimbursement of:

International travel expenses
Accommodation costs in Bayreuth

Funding is available up to a maximum of:

€3,500

Duration

Research visits are expected to last approximately:

1–3 weeks

The programme enables researchers to conduct collaborative research while building international academic partnerships.

Programme Objectives

Both funding programmes aim to:

Promote international research collaboration.
Strengthen interdisciplinary academic partnerships.
Encourage networking between researchers from different countries.
Support innovative research projects.
Foster long-term cooperation with the University of Bayreuth.
Enhance academic exchange between established and emerging researchers.

Research Collaboration Requirement

Applicants must identify and secure a host researcher at the University of Bayreuth before submitting their application.

The host researcher will:

Collaborate on the proposed research project.
Provide office or laboratory space.
Offer access to research infrastructure.
Support academic networking during the research stay.

The Bayreuth Humboldt Centre does not arrange research hosts on behalf of applicants.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

Be affiliated with a research institution outside Germany.
Hold a completed PhD (doctoral degree must already be awarded).
Demonstrate outstanding academic excellence.
Propose an innovative research project.
Show strong potential for future collaboration with the University of Bayreuth.
Secure a University of Bayreuth host before applying.

Applications are welcome from all academic disciplines, although specific restrictions apply to certain African Studies projects involving members of the University’s Cluster of Excellence.

The programme strongly encourages applications from:

Female researchers.
Scholars who contribute to greater diversity within the university’s research community.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare:

Letter of motivation (maximum two pages), including:
- Why the University of Bayreuth is a suitable research partner.
- The research cluster or project relevant to the proposed work.
- The University of Bayreuth staff member(s) with whom collaboration is planned.
- Expected research outcomes.
Research schedule outlining:
- Planned activities in Bayreuth.
- First and second preferred dates for the research visit.
Curriculum Vitae (CV).
Letter from the employer or PhD institution confirming current affiliation throughout the proposed research stay.

All documents must be combined into a single PDF before submission.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

Academic excellence.
Research quality and originality.
Scientific publications and research achievements.
Strength of the proposed collaboration.
Long-term networking potential with the University of Bayreuth.
Merit-based competitive assessment.

Application Deadline

Applications for both funding programmes must be submitted by:

15 September 2026

Researchers should ensure all required documents comply with the official application guidelines before submission.

Why You Should Apply

The Bayreuth Humboldt Centre Grants provide an excellent opportunity for researchers seeking to establish meaningful international collaborations while working in Germany’s vibrant academic environment.

Whether applying for the Starter Grant to launch a substantial collaborative project or the Short-Term Grant for an intensive research visit, successful applicants benefit from financial support, access to world-class research facilities, and opportunities to build lasting academic partnerships.

For researchers looking to expand their international profile, develop joint publications, and establish long-term collaboration with the University of Bayreuth, these programmes represent valuable funding opportunities that can strengthen future research careers and international networks.

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