Biotechnology & Biomedical Innovation Research Tour 2026

You can apply if you are an international early-career researcher in the field of biotechnology, translational life sciences or a related discipline.

Eligible applicants include:

• international graduates who have completed or are about to complete a master’s degree (final semester) at a university outside Germany
• international doctoral candidates pursuing their doctorate at a university or research institution outside Germany
• postdoctoral researchers who completed their doctorate no more than 4 years before the application deadline

Applicants should have a strong academic background and a clear interest in pursuing a research stay, doctoral project, postdoctoral position or future career step in Germany.

• You are currently studying, conducting research or working in biotechnology, translational life sciences or a related field.
• Your current or most recent degree was obtained, or is being obtained, at a university outside Germany.
• You have a strong interest in Germany as a destination for research, academic exchange or career development.
• You are available for the full programme period from 8 to 14 November 2026.
• You have sufficient English language skills to actively participate in academic discussions, presentations and networking activities.
• German language skills are not required.

Applicants should also demonstrate:

• strong motivation for the topic of biotechnology and biomedical innovation
• relevant academic or research experience in biotechnology, life sciences, medicine, engineering, data-driven research or related fields
• willingness to actively participate in lab visits, discussions, networking sessions and institutional visits
• openness to diversity and international exchange
• a clear interest in Germany as a research destination

The working language of the research tour is English.

Applicants must be able to participate actively in English-language discussions, presentations and networking sessions.

A formal English language certificate is required. A degree programme conducted in English also qualifies as proof.

You cannot apply if:

• you are currently completing your entire doctorate at a German university
• you are not available for the full programme period
• you do not meet the academic or thematic eligibility requirements

The research tour focuses on Biotechnology & Biomedical Innovation and provides insights into Berlin’s research and innovation ecosystem.

Biotechnology is a key driver of innovation with the potential to transform medicine, agriculture, industry and society. From new therapies and vaccines to personalised medicine, sustainable food systems and industrial applications, biotechnology opens up solutions to some of today’s most pressing challenges. In line with the High-Tech Agenda Germany, the research tour focuses on knowledge exchange, cutting-edge research and the role of biotechnology in shaping a healthier and more sustainable future.

The tour places a particular emphasis on biomedical innovation while also highlighting enabling technologies and broader applications of biotechnology in industry, agriculture and sustainability.

Topics may include:

• new therapies and vaccines
• personalised and precision medicine
• translational life sciences
• biomedical innovation
• molecular biotechnology
• diagnostics and biomarker research
• drug development
• imaging technologies
• synthetic biology
• systems biology
• computational biology
• bioinformatics
• bioengineering
• AI and data-driven approaches in biotechnology
• industrial biotechnology
• sustainable agriculture and food systems
• plant and agricultural biotechnology
• bio-based production processes
• biotechnology for climate resilience and sustainability

The research tour covers central programme-related costs for all selected participants. This includes:

• Travel costs: international travel to Berlin and back, usually by flight or train, as well as necessary local public transport related to arrival and departure
• Accommodation: accommodation in Berlin for the duration of the programme, currently planned as single-room accommodation including breakfast
• Programme-related meals: catering during official programme activities, such as lunches, lunch boxes or dinners, including non-alcoholic drinks
• Programme participation: participation in official programme components, including institutional visits, lab visits, networking sessions and selected events

Please note: Details on reimbursable costs, booking procedures and eligible expenses will be communicated to successful participants.

Participants will be selected through a competitive application process.

The selection will be based on the following criteria:

• Academic achievements:
  outstanding academic performance and relevant research experience
• Relevance of academic profile:
  strong connection between the applicant’s academic background and the topic of biotechnology and translational life sciences
• Motivation:
  clear academic, professional and personal reasons for participating in the research tour
• Career prospects:
  convincing explanation of how participation could support the applicant’s future academic or professional development
• Interest in Germany:
  demonstrated interest in pursuing a research stay, doctoral project, postdoctoral position or future career step in Germany
• Potential for exchange and engagement:
  willingness to actively participate in discussions, lab visits, institutional visits and networking formats
• Language skills:
  sufficient English language proficiency to participate actively in the programme; German language skills are not required
• Diversity and equal opportunities:
  The selection process aims to create a diverse group of participants. Applicants may provide relevant information on individual circumstances in the application form.

The research tour will take place from:

8–14 November 2026

The preliminary programme schedule is as follows:

• 8 November 2026: Arrival and informal get-together
• 9 November 2026: Participation in the Falling Walls Science Summit
• 10 November 2026: Research Insight Day
• 11–12 November 2026: Thematic research visits and excursions
• 13 November 2026: Closing formats, individual meetings
• 14 November 2026: Departure

Participants are expected to attend the full programme.

The application deadline is:

Sunday, 2 August 2026, 23:59 CEST (German local time)

Late or incomplete applications cannot be considered.

The preliminary selection timeline is as follows:

• Application deadline: Sunday, 2 August 2026, 23:59 CEST (German local time)
• Invitation to interviews*: Early August
• Online interviews: 26 August 2026, 1 and 2 September 2026, between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. CEST
• Notification of selected participants: Early September
• Research tour in Berlin: 8–14 November 2026

*Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email and invited to a 20-minute online interview.

Shortlisted applicants are asked to submit their application via email.

The following documents are required:

• Curriculum vitae:
  full CV in tabular form, maximum 3 pages
• List of publications:
  Rrquired for postdoctoral researchers; optional for master’s students, graduates and doctoral candidates
• University degree certificates:
  copies of relevant degree certificates already obtained, such as bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral certificates
• Transcripts of records:
  academic transcripts from relevant undergraduate and/or postgraduate studies

Optional documents:

• proof of employment or research experience
• certificates of awards, grants or academic achievements
• proof of extracurricular or civic engagement
• other documents relevant to your application

Documents must be submitted in English or German. If documents are issued in another language, an English translation may be requested.