Invitation of researchers in early career phases from sub-Saharan African countries 

Based on the agreement with The World Academy of Sciences for the Advancement of Science in De veloping Countries (TWAS), the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Founda tion) draws the attention of researchers at German research institutions to the possibility of inviting  

researchers in early career phases and of all disciplines from sub-Saharan African countries to spend  three months at their institution in Germany for the purpose of research and cooperation. 

The DFG pays the host institution a monthly sum of €2,350 to cover the visiting researcher’s accom modation and visa expenses. In addition, the visiting researcher’s flight and rail costs to and from the  institution are reimbursed up to an amount of €1,350. In addition to this, the host institution can re ceive up to €700 per month in funding to cover direct project costs such as material and laboratory  costs.  

The requirements for proposal submission by the visiting researchers are as follows: • They must be a citizen of a sub-Saharan African country. 

• They must be engaged in research activity at a university or research institution in a sub-Sa haran African country. 
• They must not have obtained their doctorate before the year 2019. However, visiting female  researchers with children can have obtained their doctorate earlier. An extension of two years  per child (a maximum six years in total – 2013) is possible.  
• They must not be currently engaged in any activity in Germany or ongoing research with the  host institution.  

The DFG funding instrument “Initiation of International Collaboration” is available for an additional  visit, if the aim of the visit is to develop further joint research projects (see link under “Further Infor mation”). 

Proposals must be submitted to TWAS by visiting researchers no later than 5 June 2024. The proposal  must also include an official invitation letter issued by the host that specifies the research topic of the  cooperation (not a project proposal) and contains information on the infrastructure that will be made  available to the visiting researcher.  

Prior to writing the invitation letter, hosts are asked to ensure that the scientific cooperation with the  visiting researcher offers sufficient potential. In case of an award, the host institution is expected to 

support the visiting researcher in organising their stay which includes flight bookings and finding an  accommodation. 

The DFG explicitly welcomes proposals from researchers of all genders and sexual identities, from dif ferent ethnic, cultural, religious, ideological and social backgrounds, and at different career stages,  types of higher education institution and research institution, as well as from researchers with disabil ities or chronic illnesses.  

Further Information  

Link to the TWAS-DFG Cooperation Visits Programme and all proposal documents required by the TWAS: https://twas.org/opportunity/twas-dfg-cooperation-visits-programme-ssa 

Link to the DFG funding instrument Initiation of International Collaboration: www.dfg.de/bilateral_cooperation 

Link to the information sheet for the host institution in Germany: www.dfg.de/twas_information_sheet_host_institution_germany 

You can view and access the DFG’s data protection notice on research funding at : www.dfg.de/privacy_policy 

If necessary, please also forward this information to those individuals whose data will be processed by the DFG due to  their involvement in your project. 

Contact at the DFG, International Affairs:  twas-dfg-programme@dfg.de