‘Freigeist’ Fellowships 2021 by Volkswagen Foundation, Germany
Designation/Position- ‘Freigeist’ Fellowships 2021
Volkswagen Foundation, Germany invites application for ‘Freigeist’ Fellowships 2020 from eligible and interested candidates
About- A ‘Freigeist’ fellow: for the Volkswagen Foundation this means a young researcher with a strong personality, a creative mind, an ability to identify and use freedom, dedicated to overcoming resistance. If necessary, he or she will be a free spirit, enjoying the unexpected, even unexpected difficulties. A ‘Freigeist’ fellow opens up new horizons and combines critical analysis with imagination and innovative solutions. By thinking ahead the ‘Freigeist’ fellow will act as a catalyst in overcoming existing disciplinary, institutional, and even national boundaries. ‘Freigeist’ Fellowships 2021
Research/Job Area- All disciplines
Location- Institution in Germany
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Eligibility/Qualification–
- Their doctorate must have been obtained not longer than four years but at least one year previously (with regard to the date of the defense relative to the deadline of the initiative).
- The Fellowship must be integrated within a university or an extra-mural research institution in Germany.
- Candidates must already have changed their academic environment and moved to a new location – at the latest when starting the Fellowship. A return to the working context of the doctorate will only be accepted under exceptional circumstances.
- A previously completed research sojourn abroad, at the latest integrated in the proposed research project.
Job/Position Description-
The initiative focuses on early-career researchers from all disciplines. The aim of the Foundation is to facilitate the implementation of extraordinary research projects and to make a substantial contribution to the establishment of dependable career paths for the upcoming generation of researchers. Since 2014, ten to fifteen Freigeist fellows have been selected each year.
The main focus is on junior researchers (up to 4 years of postdoctoral experience) working at the borders of neighbouring fields or disciplines.
The ‘Freigeist’ initiative offers freedom for creative thinking, whilst at the same time providing security for at least 5 years and in the long run the opportunity to establish a career within a scientific research organization or university in Germany.
How to Apply-
- Applications must be filed electronically via the application portal.
- Applications have to be submitted in English, as the review panel is recruited internationally.
- The Foundation processes the applications submitted in a multi-stage, interdisciplinary and comparative assessment procedure.
- First, written reviews are obtained. Subsequently, a panel of experts considers the applications and selects the candidates who will be invited to present their plans to the reviewers.
- The review panel is composed in such a way that it satisfies both the subject-specific requirements as well as the interdisciplinary character of the projects.
Selection Criteria
 the applicant’s personal qualifications
ï‚· the scientific quality and originality of the project
 accuracy of fit between the project proposal, applicant’s personal profile, and aims of the funding initiative
ï‚· a capability for independent research
ï‚· the potential for breakthroughs, new methodological approaches, interdisciplinary cooperation
ï‚· a constructive approach to possible risks
Last Date for Apply– 01 April 2021
Please note: The deadlines 2020 and 2021 will be merged. The next date and only deadline in 2021 is 01 April 2021, which has no effect on the eligibility of those who are eligible to apply by October 15, 2020. Please submit your application by 01 April 2021. Persons who obtained their doctorate (date of defense) less than one year ago as of April 1st, 2021 are not eligible to apply. Please read the FAQ for further information.
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