The Academy awards the Leopoldina postdoc scholarship to outstanding postdoctoral scientists in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland.
The target group for the program is up-and-coming young scientists from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland who already indicate an independent research profile in natural science or medicine. Provided funding is approved, they conduct independent projects at the most renowned research institutions of their disciplines abroad. German research fellows have to choose a foreign research institute, while Austrian and Swiss research fellows must select a host institute in Germany.
Recipients are expected to return to their home country at the end of the funding period and implement their newly acquired knowledge and skills there.
- Young scientists from all areas of the natural sciences, medicine, the history of sciences or any other disciplines covered by sections of the Academy are eligible to apply. Applications can be submitted up to seven years after completion of the doctoral degree. Applicants must have a distinctive research capability, display an independent research profile and be distinguished by excellent achievements.
- The funding includes a personal, individual full scholarship. This comprises a basic grant (according to the rates of the German Research Foundation -DFG- for postdoctoral/research grants), surcharges (according to marital status and host city), as well as a monthly budget of €250 for material and consumables (travel expenses, laboratory supplies, etc.). Any additional costs must be listed and applied for separately when submitting the application.
- The basic scholarship may be increased by up to ten percent in cases of particularly outstanding achievements during the funding period.
- Funding at the host institute is possible for projects which can be carried out in one, up to two years.
- The objective is to largely remain financially independent of the host institute.
