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International researchers from Germany looking for funding opportunities to conduct research abroad can apply for the Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship 2026. The fellowship is offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and supports postdoctoral and experienced researchers from Germany who wish to carry out independent research projects with academic hosts around the world.
The fellowship is available across all academic disciplines and provides financial support, travel funding, family allowances, and access to the global Humboldt Network. Researchers can conduct their projects at institutions hosted by members of the Humboldt Network in countries worldwide.
WhatsApp ChannelOverview of Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship 2026
- Host Country: Worldwide (Research conducted abroad)
- Funding Organization: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
- Funded By: Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (Germany)
- Fellowship Type: Fully Funded Research Fellowship
- Eligible Applicants: Researchers from Germany
- Research Level: Postdoctoral Researchers and Experienced Researchers
- Research Duration:
- Postdoctoral Researchers: 6 to 24 months
- Experienced Researchers: 6 to 18 months
- Application Deadline: Rolling applications throughout the year
Also Check: EMBO Postdoctoral Fellowships 2026 in Europe
What Does the Fellowship Cover?
The Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship provides comprehensive support for selected researchers.
Benefits include:
- Monthly fellowship stipend
- Travel expense reimbursement
- Research funding support
- Family allowance for accompanying spouse or partner
- Child allowance for accompanying children
- Childcare support where applicable
- Flexible fellowship start date
- Access to the global Humboldt Network
- Alumni funding opportunities
- Reintegration support for returning researchers
- Possibility of a return fellowship in Germany
The exact fellowship amount depends on the destination country and the fellow’s personal circumstances.
Also Check: FIAS Fellowship Programme 2027-2028 in France
Who Can Apply?
The fellowship is open to researchers from Germany in all academic fields.
Postdoctoral Researchers
Applicants must:
- Have completed a doctorate within the last four years, or
- Be within six months of completing their doctorate
- Have publications reviewed according to international academic standards
- Demonstrate strong academic achievements
Experienced Researchers
Applicants must:
- Have completed a doctorate within the last twelve years
- Have an established publication record
- Demonstrate an independent research profile
- Show significant academic contributions in their field
Also Check: Harvard Radcliffe Fellowship 2027/2028 in the USA
General Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must also:
- Secure an eligible academic host abroad
- Obtain confirmation that research facilities are available
- Submit two expert reviews
- Meet language requirements relevant to the research project
- Follow principles of good scientific practice and research ethics
Researchers who have previously received funding from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation are generally not eligible for this fellowship.
Finding an Academic Host
One of the most important requirements is identifying an academic host before applying.
The host must be:
- A member of the Humboldt Network abroad, or
- A recipient of selected international academic awards recognized by the foundation
Applicants are expected to discuss their research proposal with the host before submitting an application.
Required Documents
Applicants must prepare the following documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (maximum two pages)
- Research proposal (maximum five pages)
- Complete publication list
- List of selected key publications
- Key publications
- Doctoral certificate or proof of doctoral completion
- Additional publication translations if required
The following documents must be submitted separately through the protected application system:
- Host statement
- Confirmation of research facilities
- Two expert reviews
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed through a competitive selection process.
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation evaluates:
- Academic achievements
- Research publications
- Quality and originality of the research proposal
- Research potential
- Career development prospects
- Feasibility of the proposed project
- Academic independence (for experienced researchers)
Applications are typically processed within four to seven months.
Selection Dates
The selection committee meets three times each year:
- February
- June
- October
Applicants should submit complete applications well in advance of their preferred selection round.
Successful applicants can usually begin their fellowship between two and twelve months after selection.
Success Rate
According to information provided by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, approximately 40% of applicants received funding in recent years.
Why Apply for the Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship?
The Feodor Lynen Research Fellowship is one of Germany’s leading international research funding programs. It enables researchers to collaborate with internationally recognized experts, expand global academic networks, and conduct independent research projects at institutions worldwide.
The fellowship also provides long-term support through the Humboldt alumni network, creating opportunities for future research collaboration and career development.
Researchers seeking fully funded international research opportunities in 2026 should consider this fellowship as a valuable option for advancing their academic careers abroad.
