Current Calls for Proposals

***17th Call for Funding Applications: Applications can now be submitted (deadline 30.1.2026) *** The "Philipp Schwartz Initiative" of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation supports the admission of threatened researchers at universities and research institutions, by providing scientists at risk with a two-year fellowship, as well as a lump sum for the receiving institution. The nomination and selection of the candidates takes place at the University of Potsdam.

Please address your questions or proposals for nomination to: Katharina Schmitt, Director International Office, [email protected], (0331-977-1533).

The Franco-German-University supports careers, courses of lectures, and PhD programs between Germany and France.

If you have any questions, please contact the Director of International Office, Ms. Katharina Schmitt, [email protected], (0331-977 1533).

Doctoral fellowships for young German researchers with a deadline of May 1 or Nov. 1, 2025 for a 4-6 month research project at a U.S. university in the following year

3-9 month research and teaching stays for German researchers at U.S. universities (at the invitation of the host universities) with deadlines of May 1 and October 1 for stays in the following year

For excellent research in combination with excellent teaching (€ 63,000) in chemistry, physics and astronomy, deadline March 18

For German Potsdocs with an interdisciplinary research project in the field of American Studies (€10 000) with a deadline of March 1

If you have any questions regarding the Fulbright program, please contact Larisa Subašić, International Office, [email protected], (0331- 977 1433).

JSPS provides fellowship programs for overseas researchers who have an excellent record of research achievements to conduct collaborative research, discussions, and opinion exchanges with researchers in Japan. The “JSPS International Fellowships for Research in Japan” consists of two programs: “Postdoctoral Fellowships for Research in Japan” for young researchers and “Invitational Fellowships for Research in Japan” for mid-career and senior researchers.

The aim of the program is to enable highly qualified young German scientists with doctorates and doctoral candidates to undertake short-term research stays at universities and selected research institutions in Japan in cooperation with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS).

If you have any questions about the JSPS scholarship program, please contact the Director of International Office, Ms. Katharina Schmitt, [email protected], (0331) 977 1533.

The University of Potsdam is a main supporter of the German Center for Research and Innovation (DWIH) in São Paulo. Members of the University of Potsdam can submit project proposals to the DWIH São Paulo for project funding of up to €8,000 (with an “appropriate” co-payment) to carry out events and other projects in Brazil/with Brazilian partners. Funding is available for exchange, dialogue, and dissemination formats in the following subject areas: A. Innovation research, B. Science communication, C. Knowledge transfer to politics, administration, and society, D. The German government's high-tech agenda (see call for proposals for criteria). Submission deadline: February 20, 2026. Please do not submit applications directly to DWIH, but to the responsible regional representative ([email protected]).

For questions/submission of proposal please contact Dr. Silke Brodersen, International Office, [email protected], (0331-977 124436).

The Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) lists current announcements from federal and European Union funding programs as well as other funding organizations with an international focus under "Kooperationen International".

Division 1 offers advice on BMBF funding programs.

In principle, international collaborations can be funded in all regular DFG funding lines in accordance with the DFG's principle of scientific excellence (complementary funding from abroad required). In the case of collaborative projects with developing countries, the DFG also supports international partners under certain conditions.

Division 1 offers advice on DFG funding programs.