Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award
Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award supports outstanding researchers from abroad to pursue research of their choice with colleagues in Germany and advance pioneering work with lasting impact.
Funder: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
Due Dates: Rolling (Online nominations)
Funding Amounts: €60,000 award, plus research-stay benefits; six to twelve months in Germany
Summary: Recognises internationally outstanding researchers from abroad and supports research of their choice with specialist colleagues in Germany.
Key Information: Nomination requires an established academic in Germany; self-nominations are not permitted.
Description
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation grants approximately 20 Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Awards annually to internationally renowned academics from abroad. The award recognises outstanding research accomplishments to date and the promise of further pioneering achievements with lasting impact beyond the researcher’s immediate specialisation. All academic disciplines and nationalities are included, with no quotas for countries, research areas or gender.
Award winners are invited to pursue research of their own choice at a German research institution in collaboration with specialist colleagues. The six-to-twelve-month stay may be divided into several visits. Alongside funding, the Foundation offers individualised support, language-course opportunities, events and alumni sponsorship for subsequent careers and collaborations. The programme is part of the Global Minds Initiative Germany of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.
