Fraunhofer-Bessel Research Award
The Fraunhofer-Bessel Research Award honors top international applied researchers with support for collaborative projects at Fraunhofer Institutes in Germany.
Funder: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (Nominations accepted anytime; selection meetings in March and October)
Funding Amounts: €45,000 per award; up to three awards annually; research stay in Germany (6–12 months, flexible segments); additional support for travel, language courses, and infrastructure.
Summary: Honors internationally recognized researchers in applied research outside Germany, providing funding and support for collaborative projects at Fraunhofer Institutes.
Key Information: Nominee must have received their doctorate within the past 18 years and lived/worked outside Germany for at least five years.
Description
The Fraunhofer-Bessel Research Award is jointly presented by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft to recognize outstanding international academics in applied research. Up to three awards are given each year, honoring researchers for their achievements and supporting future innovative work. Awardees are invited to conduct a research project of their choice at a Fraunhofer Institute in Germany, collaborating with local colleagues, and receive additional individualized support, including opportunities for language courses and alumni sponsorship.
