Type and scope of the funding
Applications for research scholarships can be made directly by Postdocs or scholars with Post Doctoral Lecture Qualification. A research scholarship is usually applied for by one scholar who will work on a specific project on his own. An institutional affiliation is not necessary. The simultaneous receipt of salary or retirement pension and a research scholarship is not possible.
The funding period is generally between one and 24 months.
Application documents
From now on, it is only possible to apply electronically for the general research grants. The necessary application documents can be uploaded in the electronic application form.
The following documents must be included in an application for a research scholarship (in German or English):
description of the research proposal (max. 8 pages)
Please note that the Gerda Henkel Foundation will not contact any referees and the applicants are responsible for requesting the letters of recommendation themselves.
Please do not additionally send the documents by email or postal mail.
Applicable for new permits from 1 January 2024.
Research Scholarships for Postdocs
Monthly scholarship award: 2,760 euros
• for one child: EUR 480
• for each further child: EUR 120
The family grant is awarded for children who have not yet turned 18.
Monthly endowment for scholarships abroad: 690 euros
Travel aid: as required
Material aid: as required
Research Scholarships after Post Doctoral Lecture Qualification
Monthly scholarship award: 3,720 euros
The higher grant rate is approved after successful conclusion of the professorial examinations (habilitation) process and/or alternatively at the earliest after positive interim evaluation for a junior professorship. For applicants from academic systems that do not envisage habilitations, the Foundation recognizes holding a tenured position as an associate professor or as a full professor or distinguished professor (in the US system) or as a senior lecturer or as a reader/professor (in the Commonwealth system) as an equivalent of passing junior professorial examinations. The administration of the Foundation can in individual cases assess other national qualification levels.
• for one child: EUR 480
• for each further child: EUR 120
The family grant is awarded for children who have not yet turned 18.
Monthly endowment for scholarships abroad: 930 euros
Travel aid: as required
Material aid: as required
Criteria for applicants
• Applications for a “research scholarship for post-doctoral researchers” may only be made if applicants received their PhD within the last ten years. The relevant date is that on the PhD certificate. Possible periods of absence (such as parental leave, other caring responsibilities, periods of professional qualification, etc.) are already included.
(This restriction does not apply to research scholarships after Post Doctoral Lecture Qualification.)
• The dissertation must have already been published at the time the application is made. The presentation of a publishing contract is not sufficient in this regard.
• The topic of the proposed research project must clearly differ from the topic of the PhD thesis.
Criteria for applicants previously funded by the Foundation
• Applications may only be made if applicants received a previous Gerda Henkel Foundation research scholarship more than five years ago. The relevant date for calculating the timeframe is the date on the final report.
Criteria for applicants previously rejected by the Foundation
• No renewed application for a project rejected by the Gerda Henkel Foundation may be made.
• Applications for a new project may be made if the last rejected application was made more than three years ago. The relevant date for calculating the timeframe is the date on the letter of rejection.
Sponsor Institute/Organizations: Gerda Henkel Foundation
Sponsor Type:
Address: Malkastenstrasse 15 40211 Düsseldorf Germany
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May 26, 2025
May 26, 2025
$2,865
2,760 euros
Affiliation: Gerda Henkel Foundation
Address: Malkastenstrasse 15 40211 Düsseldorf Germany
Website URL: https://www.gerda-henkel-stiftung.de/en/researchscholarships
Disclaimer:It is mandatory that all applicants carry workplace liability insurance, e.g., https://www.protrip-world-liability.com (Erasmus students use this package and typically costs around 5 € per month - please check) in addition to health insurance when you join any of the onsite Trialect partnered fellowships.