Deadline:
November 17, 2025
Location(s)
Germany
Berlin
Overview
The Einstein Foundation Berlin was founded in 2009 by the State of Berlin. The Foundation funds cutting-edge science and research in Berlin and helps to strengthen the city's reputation as one the world's foremost research hotspots. The Einstein Visiting Fellowship aims to enhance the international profile of universities and research institutions in Berlin by involving leading scientists and scholars from abroad in long-term academic research collaborations.
Details
The programme primarily targets researchers whose expertise can sustainably promote specific areas of academic excellence in Berlin. In contrast to typical visiting researchers who stay at an institution for one semester, the goal of the Einstein Visiting Fellowship is to integrate Fellows into Berlin's academic landscape on a sustainable basis.
Einstein Visiting Fellows are expected to set up a working group in Berlin in consultation with their hosts and come to Berlin at least three times a year for several weeks or once per year for more than five months to work with the group and be available for junior researchers. Whilst in Berlin, Visiting Fellows also work on joint projects with other researchers and run courses and other events in agreement with their host institutions.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
- Applications may be submitted by Berlin-based Clusters of Excellence or Graduate Schools and by Einstein Centres.
- Also, eligible are DFG Research Centres and Collaborative Research Centres if they have at least three years left of their maximum funding period.
- All applications must be endorsed by the management of the host university or Charité.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications in all disciplines are welcome. Proposals must be made using the application forms provided online by the Einstein Foundation. Deadlines, internal deadlines of the host institutions (where applicable) as well as contact persons can be found on the Foundation's website.
Applications must include the following:
1) The Einstein Visiting Fellow’s name, curriculum vitae and list of publications
2) An explanation of the importance of the Einstein Visiting Fellowship to the host institution including information on
- the joint research project proposed by the fellow and the host institution
- past and current research collaborations with the Einstein Visiting Fellow being nominated
- the fellow’s expected contribution to enhancing teaching at the host institution
- the size and focus of the working group to be set up in Berlin
- the frequency and duration of the fellow’s proposed visits to Berlin
- the activities planned to integrate the fellow into Berlin’s research landscape
- the administrative and organisational support to be provided by the host institution
3) An explanation of the significance of the Einstein Visiting Fellow for cooperation between the host institution in Berlin and the Fellow’s home institution in the medium and long term.
APPLICATIONS FOR EXTENSIONS
Applications for extensions should be made using the forms provided by the Einstein Foundation and submitted by the deadlines announced on the Foundation’s website.
Dates
Deadline: November 17, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
FUNDING
The Foundation will provide up to € 450,000 for three years, primarily for establishing a working group in Berlin, including for example a postdoctoral positions permanently present in Berlin, who can take over managerial functions for the group.
The funds may also be used for
- an appropriate expense allowance for the Einstein Visiting Fellow in accordance with the regulations governing the host institution, to be based on the Fellow’s qualifications and position in his or her home country
- expenses for material resources as deemed necessary by the Fellow for his or her research project
The host university or Charité will provide the space and infrastructure required.
There is no contractual relationship between the Einstein Foundation and Einstein Visiting Fellows. All necessary arrangements must be agreed between the institution submitting the application and the Fellow personally.
FUNDING PERIOD
Funding is provided for a period of three years. At the end of this period, an application for two further years may be submitted. After the five year funding period an additional funding of the Fellow can be applied for as long as the funding of the group consisting of at least two research assistants is secured.
The respective scientist or scholar will hold the title of “Einstein Visiting Fellow“.
EINSTEIN VISITING FELLOW PLUS (funding opportunity for successful units)
Units which in previous calls have successfully applied for an Einstein Visiting Fellow from abroad may apply for an Einstein Visiting Fellow from a German institution. The requirements are identical with the standard programme. The maximum amount of funding is 300,000 Euros for three years, a remuneration of the Fellow is not possible.
USE OF FUNDS
Grants from the Foundation are disbursed through the budget of the host university. The host institution acts as employer of persons funded out of the Einstein Foundation's grant and will provide the space and infrastructure required. There is no contractual relationship between the Einstein Foundation and Einstein Visiting Fellows. All necessary arrangements must be agreed upon between the institution submitting the proposal and the Fellow.
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
