[Gerda Henkel Foundation](https://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/en)

Rolling (applications accepted at any time)

Subsistence scholarships (max. 6 months), doctoral scholarships (up to 2 years), research scholarships (up to 1 year); amount based on individual situation and host country

Supports at-risk scholars from crisis regions in the historical humanities to continue research outside their home countries.

--- ## Description This program provides scholarships for scholars at risk due to acute crises, enabling them to continue their academic work in a secure environment outside their home countries. The initiative is open to researchers in the historical humanities and related disciplines, and aims to help affected academics reorient themselves scientifically and develop new career perspectives. The program is geographically open and supplements the Gerda Henkel Foundation’s regular funding activities. --- ## Due Dates - Applications can be submitted at any time (rolling deadline). - Processing time for a complete application is usually up to four months. --- ## Funding Amount - **Subsistence scholarships:** Up to 6 months for initial orientation and career development. - **Doctoral scholarships:** Up to 2 years. - **Research scholarships:** Up to 1 year (for postdoctoral scholars). - **Funding amount:** Based on individual situation and location, following the Foundation’s general research funding rates. - **Additional support:** Family allowance for underage children; possible funding for travel and material costs. - **Note:** No overhead or tuition/college fees are covered. --- ## Eligibility - **Who can apply:** Scholars from crisis regions who have left their home country within the last three years, working in historical humanities or related disciplines supported by the Foundation. - **Proof required:** - Statement of risk (proof of threat) - Proof of affiliation with a university/research institution outside the home country (letter confirming supervision) - **Application by host institutions:** Supervising academic institutions may apply on behalf of the scholar. - **Other conditions:** - Cannot hold employment or a pension concurrently with the scholarship. - For research scholarships, applicants must have completed a PhD. - Only full-time scholarships are available; part-time arrangements are not supported. - No parallel applications to multiple Foundation programs. --- ## Application Process 1. **Initial contact:** Email a brief description of your situation and planned research/doctoral project to the Foundation. 2. **Preliminary review:** The Foundation will conduct a preliminary check and provide instructions on required documents. 3. **Submission:** Complete application as instructed; both individual scholars and host institutions can initiate contact. 4. **Languages:** Applications and references accepted in English or German (German preferred). 5. **Letters of recommendation:** Must be uploaded via the Foundation’s online form, signed by the referee. 6. **Review time:** Up to four months for a decision after receiving a complete application. --- ## Additional Information - Scholarship rates and further details can be found in the Foundation’s [general research grants](https://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/en/general-research-grants-projects?page_id=32). - The Foundation pays a family allowance for underage children but does not reimburse individual childcare or family travel costs. - The Foundation does not cover overhead, tuition, or college fees. - Recipients must take out their own health insurance. - Employment during the scholarship period is limited to a maximum average of five hours per week with prior approval. - For further opportunities, see the [Philipp Schwartz Initiative](https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/apply/sponsorship-programmes/philipp-schwartz-initiative) and [other sponsorship programs for scholars at risk](https://www.humboldt-foundation.de/en/apply/sponsorship-programmes/philipp-schwartz-initiative/sponsorship-opportunities-for-researchers-at-risk). --- ## External Links - [Program Details & Application](https://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/en/scholars-at-risk-eng) - [General Research Grants](https://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/en/general-research-grants-projects?page_id=32) - [Funder Home Page](https://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/en) - [Contact Page](https://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/en/contact) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Role | Email | |-----------------------------|--------------------------------|-----------------------------------------| | Franziska Kothe, M.A. | Project Manager Operative Programmes | [kothe@gerda-henkel-stiftung.de](mailto:kothe@gerda-henkel-stiftung.de) | | Dr. Anna-Monika Lauter | Head of Operative Programmes | [lauter@gerda-henkel-stiftung.de](mailto:lauter@gerda-henkel-stiftung.de) | | General Inquiries | | [info@gerda-henkel-stiftung.de](mailto:info@gerda-henkel-stiftung.de) | | Phone | | +49 (0)211 93 65 24 - 0 |

Funding Opportunities for Scholars at Risk

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