This article was published in our newsletter. Sign up here.

Exceptional researchers sometimes swim against the current. It is not always easy to convince key contact persons and decision-makers, especially when planning high-risk projects. The Volkswagen Foundation’s Freigeist Fellowship helps outstanding young postdocs to blaze new trails, make the most of their freedom and overcome resistance.
Who can apply?
- Young researchers in all disciplines
- Applicants should already have completed a doctorate, but not longer than five years ago
- They should be conducting research at a university or non-university research institution in Germany
- Academic mobility is desirable: applicants should already have changed their academic environment or research location
- Applicants should already have completed or should be planning a research period abroad
- The university or research institution should share the project costs
What form does funding take?
- Depending on the field of research and the applicant’s career experience, projects of up to one million euros can be applied for
- A second funding phase is possible
- The term of the first funding phase is five years
- 10 to 15 fellowships are approved each year
The next closing date for applications is 15 October 2015.
Volkswagen Foundation
More information about terms and conditions and about the application process can be found here:
www.volkswagenstiftung.de > 'Freigeist' FellowshipsFunding programmes
Here you find a wide selection of funding programmes by various funding organisations for international academics and researchers – for graduates, doctoral students, postdocs and senior scientists.
More