Walter Benjamin Programme: DFG Funding for Postdoctoral Researchers to Conduct Independent Research in Germany or Abroad

The Walter Benjamin Programme of the German Research Foundation, also known as the DFG, offers an important funding opportunity for postdoctoral researchers at an early stage of their academic careers who want to independently conduct their own research projects. Designed to support the transition toward an increasingly independent research career, the programme enables particularly qualified postdoctoral researchers to pursue a self-directed research project at a research institution of their choice. The project may be carried out either in Germany or abroad, depending on the applicant's circumstances and the funding module selected. The Walter Benjamin Programme places a strong emphasis on research independence, academic mobility and thematic development. By securing funding for their own project, researchers can take an important step toward establishing themselves as independent scholars while developing their research expertise, professional networks and academic careers. A key feature of the programme is that it generally requires applicants to change their research institution, reflecting the DFG's objective of encouraging mobility during the early stages of an academic research career. The funding structure differs depending on whether the project is conducted in Germany or abroad. Researchers undertaking their projects abroad may receive funding in the form of a fellowship, while projects based in Germany can be funded through a postdoctoral research position or, in some cases, a temporary substitute position. In addition to the primary funding arrangement, the programme can also provide allowances for direct project costs, travel expenses, publication costs and, where applicable, increased publication costs. For early-career postdoctoral researchers seeking to establish an independent research profile, gain experience at a new institution, conduct research internationally or strengthen their academic trajectory, the Walter Benjamin Programme represents a significant funding pathway. About the Walter Benjamin Programme The Walter Benjamin Programme is a DFG funding programme specifically designed to support researchers during the postdoctoral training and early career phase. The programme enables eligible researchers to independently conduct their own research project at a location of their choice. The chosen project may be based at a research institution in Germany or at an institution abroad, provided that the relevant eligibility and programme conditions are met. The host institution plays an important role in supporting the research project. However, applicants should carefully clarify the administrative arrangements before submitting their proposal. An important point for prospective applicants is that fellowship funding is paid exclusively to the funding recipient and is not paid into an account held by the host institution. Before submitting a proposal, applicants are therefore advised to discuss with their intended host institution whether fellowship funding can be administered in accordance with the relevant DFG regulations. This step can be particularly important for researchers planning to undertake their project at an institution outside Germany, where administrative arrangements may differ. Purpose of the Walter Benjamin Programme The central objective of the Walter Benjamin Programme is to help particularly qualified postdoctoral researchers take the next steps toward a more independent academic and research career. By obtaining funding for their own research project, researchers are given the opportunity to: • Develop and pursue an independent research agenda • Exercise greater autonomy in shaping their research • Strengthen their academic profile • Develop expertise in a particular research area • Gain experience at a new research institution • Expand their academic and professional networks • Support their transition toward the next stages of an independent research career • Develop their research interests and thematic specialization • Benefit from national or international research mobility The programme recognizes that the postdoctoral phase can be a crucial period in a researcher's career. At this stage, researchers are increasingly expected to demonstrate independence, develop original research questions and establish themselves within their academic or professional field. The Walter Benjamin Programme is intended to support this process by providing researchers with the opportunity to secure funding for a project of their own. A Strong Focus on Academic Independence One of the defining features of the programme is its focus on independence. Rather than simply joining an existing research project as a team member, successful applicants receive support to pursue their own research project. This can provide postdoctoral researchers with an opportunity to demonstrate their ability to: • Develop an original research proposal • Define relevant research questions • Plan and manage an independent project • Conduct research at a host institution • Produce and publish research findings • Build an individual academic profile The programme is therefore particularly relevant for researchers who are moving beyond the doctoral stage and seeking to strengthen their credentials for future academic, research or other professional opportunities. Research Location: Germany or Abroad A major feature of the Walter Benjamin Programme is the flexibility to conduct the research project either in Germany or abroad. Applicants can select a suitable research institution based on the requirements of their proposed project and their academic or professional development. However, the funding structure and eligibility conditions can differ depending on where the project will be conducted. Conducting the Project in Germany Researchers carrying out their project in Germany may receive funding through a position under the staff category: Postdoctoral researcher and comparable In certain cases, a temporary substitute position may also be funded, usually under the staff category: Medical research assistant The host institution and host researchers are expected to provide appropriate support for the implementation of the project and the researcher's career development. This means that the programme is not solely focused on financing the individual researcher. The institutional environment and support provided to the researcher are also relevant to the successful implementation of the project. Conducting the Project Abroad For projects conducted abroad, funding is provided in the form of a fellowship. Researchers considering an international research stay should carefully review the special eligibility provisions that apply to Walter Benjamin fellowships abroad. These provisions include requirements related to the applicant's integration into Germany's academic research system, previous research activity, educational background and the amount of time already spent abroad for research purposes. Special Eligibility Provisions for Walter Benjamin Fellowships Abroad Funding for research abroad is subject to specific conditions. The programme states that funding abroad can be provided when researchers are integrated into Germany's academic research system. This integration may be demonstrated in different ways depending on the applicant's current location and academic background. Researchers Based in Germany Before Applying Researchers may be considered integrated into Germany's academic research system if, immediately before submitting their proposal, they have worked as a researcher in Germany for a continuous period of at least three years during their doctoral and/or postdoctoral phase. This requirement is particularly important for applicants who want to use the Walter Benjamin Programme to move from a German research environment to a host institution abroad. Researchers Already Based Abroad Researchers who are already based outside Germany may also be eligible for funding abroad under certain circumstances. According to the programme conditions, funding can be provided if the researcher: • Has completed the majority of their schooling and higher education in Germany; and • Has not spent more than three years abroad for research purposes as of the time of proposal submission after completing their doctorate in Germany or abroad. These provisions mean that researchers currently living or working outside Germany should carefully assess their educational and research history before applying. Previous Time at the Proposed Host Institution Another important requirement concerns the applicant's previous employment or research activity at the institution chosen as the host for the Walter Benjamin fellowship. At the time of proposal submission, applicants must not have worked for longer than one year at the selected host institution. This condition is consistent with the programme's broader objective of promoting research mobility and encouraging researchers to change their institutional environment. Research Mobility as a Key Objective The Walter Benjamin Programme specifically aims to promote mobility during the early stages of a research career. For this reason, the programme generally requires the applicant to change their research institution. Academic mobility can provide researchers with opportunities to: • Work in a new institutional environment • Establish new collaborations • Access different research resources • Develop international or national research networks • Learn new methodologies • Gain exposure to new academic perspectives • Expand the scope of their research • Build a more independent professional profile Researchers should therefore consider the mobility requirement carefully when identifying a host institution and developing their research proposal. Restrictions on the Type of Host Institution The proposed research project may not be based at an entity that: • Is for-profit; or • Does not permit the publication of research findings in a generally accessible form This requirement reflects the academic and research-oriented purpose of the programme. Applicants should therefore ensure that their proposed host institution provides an appropriate environment for independent research and allows research findings to be made publicly accessible. Type and Extent of Funding The exact type and extent of funding available through the Walter Benjamin Programme depends on the funding module selected and whether the project is carried out in Germany or abroad. Funding for Research Abroad For projects conducted abroad, funding is provided as a fellowship. The fellowship includes a monthly basic amount and may also include additional allowances where applicable. These may include: • Foreign allowances • Cost-of-living allowance • Travel allowance • Benefits for fellowship recipients with children The availability and amount of funding depend on the relevant programme provisions and the applicant's individual circumstances. The DFG also provides an Award Calculator that researchers can use to estimate the level of funding they may receive. Funding for Research in Germany For projects based in Germany, funding is generally provided through a position under the staff category of: Postdoctoral researcher and comparable In certain circumstances, a temporary substitute position may also be available, usually under the category of medical research assistant. Combining Funding Modules The programme also allows the possibility of combining funding arrangements. This can provide flexibility for researchers whose proposed project includes different phases or research locations. Applicants should carefully consider which module or combination of modules is most appropriate for their proposed research project and career development. Additional Funding and Project Costs Regardless of the funding modu

• Postdoctoral researcher at an early stage of academic career • For projects abroad: researchers must be integrated into Germany's academic research system • For researchers based in Germany before applying: at least three years of continuous research work in Germany during doctoral and/or postdoctoral phase immediately before proposal submission