Bonn SDG Fellowships for Developing Countries 2024

The aim of this funding line is to invite post-doctoral scientists in all areas of specialization that conduct research primarily on a topic addressed in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as set forth by the United Nations in its Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development. The scientists should research and teach at the University of Bonn for one or two semesters. The funding is for a period of at least 3 and not more than 12 months. 

The University of Bonn currently has a large number of collaborations with universities and research institutes in Africa, Asia and South America. As shown by the SDG index, implementing the Sustainable Development Goals poses considerable challenges for many countries in these regions. Based on the 17th Sustainable Development Goal, “Partnerships for the Goals”, researchers in the above-mentioned regions are given preference for the Bonn SDG Fellowships. The goal is to support talented researchers and build and strengthen networks through them.  

• Table of Content
• About University of Bonn
• Bonn SDG Fellowships
• Aim and Benefits of Bonn SDG Fellowships
• Requirements for Bonn SDG Fellowships Qualification
• Interview date, Process and Venue for Bonn SDG Fellowships
• Application Deadline
• How to Apply

About University of Bonn

We are one of eleven German Universities of Excellence, the only university with six Clusters of Excellence and more Nobel Prize winners and Fields Medalists have emerged from our University in the past decades than from any other German university. For 200 years, our University has been shaped by outstanding personalities from a wide range of subjects. We are known for research-led study programs, the international flair of Bonn as German's city of the United Nations and as part of a dynamic science region in the heart of the liveable Rhineland. With around 35,000 students, 6,000 doctoral... continue reading

Bonn SDG Fellowships

Aim and Benefits of Bonn SDG Fellowships

The funding can cover the following:

• A travel allowance (depending on country of origin)
• A scholarship of € 3,000 per month (additional funds for family members: up to € 300 for a spouse and € 250 per child)
• A research expense allowance of up to € 500 per month can be submitted to the International Office after the fellowship has been awarded. Information on applying for the allowance will be provided with your fellowship award.

Insurance benefits are not included in the scholarship.

Please note that the International Office cannot provide housing for scholarship recipients.

Requirements for Bonn SDG Fellowships Qualification

Post-doctoral scientists (with foreign citizenship), who research or teach at a university or research institute in the above-mentioned regions, and who can demonstrate proven expertise in an area of research from the thematic spectrum of the SDGs.

Interview date, Process and Venue for Bonn SDG Fellowships

Selection Criteria:

• The quality of the research project to be worked on during the stay in Bonn
• Work on a topic that contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as set forth by the United Nations in its Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development
• Relevance of the research topic to developments in the region of origin
• The fellow’s contribution to academic life in Bonn (e.g. via public lectures, seminars or colloquiums)
• The fellow’s integration into the host institute (place of work, integration into existing teaching and research activities)
• Follow-on value: a plan for future collaboration projects between the fellow and the host institute in Bonn

Application Deadline

How to Apply

Application includes:

• Online form
• Project description (PDF of max. 8 pages), consisting of:

1. An outline of the research project to be worked on during the fellow’s stay in Bonn
2. Reasons for the fellow’s invitation and a description of his or her contribution to research and teaching at the University of Bonn, an outline of the activities through which the fellow will enrich university life at the University of Bonn during his or her stay there
3. An overview of the collaboration between the applicant and the fellow so far
4. An outline of the integration of the fellow into the host institute (place of work, participation in teaching and research activities)
5. An outline of follow-on value: (a) plan for the outcome of the stay, (b) plan for growing the collaboration in the future.

• Fellow’s CV (PDF)
• A financing plan (please use the following Excel table

The application must be submitted by a full-time professor at the University of Bonn together with the fellow.

For more details, visit University of Bonn website.