The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is anon-profit foundation established by the Federal Republic of Germanyfor the promotion of international research cooperation. It enableshighly qualified scholars not resident in Germany to spend extendedperiods of research in Germany and promotes the ensuing academiccontacts.

The Humboldt Foundation promotes an active world-wide network ofscholars. Individual sponsorship during periods spent in Germany andlongstanding follow-up contacts have been hallmarks of the foundation'swork since 1953.

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables highly qualified,early-stage researchers from abroad, who hold doctorates, to carry outresearch projects of their own choice in Germany . Applications may besubmitted for long-term research stays of at least 6 and at most 12months; an extension of up to 24 months is possible. Researchers of allnationalities and disciplines may apply to the AvH directly at anytime. There are no quotas for individual countries and disciplines.

Research fellowships are offered world-wide on a competitive basis.The most important criteria for selection are the applicant's(international) publications to date and the quality and feasibility ofthe research proposal. Applicants choose their own research projectsand their own German hosts. Details of the research project and thetime-schedule must be agreed upon with the prospective host in advance.Applications to continue a research stay which has already begun may beconsidered in exceptional cases.

Applications may be submitted to the AvH at any time. Selectioncommittee meetings take place three times a year, in March, July andNovember. Completing and reviewing the applications takes roughly threeto six months.

Website: http://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/programme/stip_aus/stp.htm