General Research Grants: Postdoc Scholarships 2023-24

Scholarship Description:

General Research Grants: Postdoc Scholarships 2023-24 is open for International Students . The scholarship allows PhD level programm(s) in the field of Archaeology, Islamic Studies, History of Art, History of Science, History of Law, historical islamic studies, Pre history and Early history taught at Gerda Henkel Foundation . The deadline of the scholarship is expired at 17 May 2023.

Applications for research scholarships can be submitted by individuals who have completed their postdoctoral studies or have postdoctoral qualifications. These scholarships are typically for individual projects and do not require an institutional affiliation. It is not possible to receive a salary or pension while also receiving a research scholarship. The duration of funding is typically between one and two years. If a scholarship recipient becomes a parent during the funding period and is eligible for maternity or parental leave, the duration of support may be extended by up to one year. Any such arrangements must be discussed with the scholarship administrator.

The Gerda Henkel Foundation is a German foundation that supports research in the humanities and social sciences, with a focus on history, archaeology, and Islamic studies. Established in 1976, the foundation provides funding for individual researchers, research projects, and institutions through a variety of programs and grants. The foundation also supports the preservation of cultural heritage and the promotion of international academic exchange. The Gerda Henkel Foundation is one of the largest private research sponsors in Germany and has a reputation for supporting high-quality, innovative research.

Degree Level:

General Research Grants: Postdoc Scholarships 2023-24 is available to undertake PhD level programs at Gerda Henkel Foundation.

Available Subjects:

Following subject are available to study under this scholarship program.

• Archaeology
• Islamic Studies
• History of Art
• History of Science
• History of Law
• historical islamic studies
• Pre history and Early history

Scholarship Benefits:

Research Scholarships for Postdocs

Monthly scholarship award: 2,300 euros

•    for one child: EUR 400
•    for each further child: EUR 100

The family grant is awarded for children who have not yet turned 18.

Monthly endowment for scholarships abroad: 575 euros

Travel aid: as required
Material aid: as required

Research Scholarships after Post Doctoral Lecture Qualification

Monthly scholarship award: 3,100 euros

The higher grant rate is approved after successful conclusion of the professorial examinations (habilitation) process and/or alternatively at the earliest after positive interim evaluation for a junior professorship. For applicants from academic systems that do not envisage habilitations, the Foundation recognizes holding a tenured position as an associate professor or as a full professor or distinguished professor (in the US system) or as a senior lecturer or as a reader/professor (in the Commonwealth system) as an equivalent of passing junior professorial examinations. The administration of the Foundation can in individual cases assess other national qualification levels.

•    for one child: EUR 400
•    for each further child: EUR 100

The family grant is awarded for children who have not yet turned 18.

Monthly endowment for scholarships abroad: 775 euros

Travel aid: as required
Material aid: as required

Eligible Nationalities:

This scholarship is open to international students. 

Eligibility Criteria:

Criteria for applicants

• Applications for a “research scholarship for post-doctoral researchers” may only be made if applicants received their PhD within the last ten years. The relevant date is that on the PhD certificate. (This restriction does not apply to research scholarships after Post Doctoral Lecture Qualification.)

• The dissertation must have already been published at the time the application is made. The presentation of a publishing contract is not sufficient in this regard.

• The topic of the proposed research project must clearly differ from the topic of the PhD thesis.

Criteria for applicants previously funded by the Foundation

• Applications may only be made if applicants received a previous Gerda Henkel Foundation research scholarship more than five years ago. The relevant date for calculating the timeframe is the date on the final report.

Criteria for applicants previously rejected by the Foundation

• No renewed application for a project rejected by the Gerda Henkel Foundation may be made.

• Applications for a new project may be made if the last rejected application was made more than three years ago. The relevant date for calculating the timeframe is the date on the letter of rejection.

Application Procedure:

From now on, it is only possible to apply electronically for the general research grants. The necessary application documents can be uploaded in the electronic application form.

The following documents must be included in an application for a research scholarship (in German or English):

• description of the research proposal (max. 8 pages)

  • plus bibliography if necessary (in addition to the max. 8 pages)
  • at least font size 11 and line spacing 1.5
  • please choose a readable font, e.g. Arial 11 pt. or Times New Roman 12 pt.

• time schedule and working plan with information about the necessary travel to archives, libraries and museums or other destinations

• description of the journeys to archives, museums or other destinations which are closely related to the subject of the project and detailed calculation of the costs (travel and lodging)
  • No flat-rate daily allowance or flat-rates for hotel expenses
  • no college or tuition fees

• calculation of material costs  (e.g. for photocopies or film versions of archive material, photographs, etc., not a lump sum for books)

• tabular curriculum vitae with list of publications

• copies of academic certificates (Masters, PhD, professorship, etc.; please do not send Bachelor certificates)

• one letter of recommendation
  • signed by the author
  • upload via the online recommendation form
  • possibility to submit more than one letter of recommendation

Please note that the Gerda Henkel Foundation will not contact any referees and the applicants are responsible for requesting the letters of recommendation themselves.

Please do not additionally send the documents by email or postal mail.