Funding for researchers at risk

Philipp Schwartz Initiative (PSI) sponsors postdoctoral researchers for a research project lasting up to 24 months. An application for funding to host eligible individuals at an academic institution in Germany can be submitted to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation until February 13, 2026. The selection results are expected to be available by the end of May 2026, the starting would be July 1, 2026 or later. The current program documents and further information can be found on the Philipp Schwartz Initiative website.

Only researchers with non-EU citizenship who are demonstrably exposed to significant and acute danger can be nominated for the Philipp Schwartz Initiative. Proof of vulnerability must be provided, e.g. a residence status in connection with an asylum procedure within the EU that indicates a recognized vulnerability or credible proof of vulnerability from a third party. For some nationals, a self-declaration of vulnerability is also sufficient. Please contact Raphaela Diel at the Welcome Center for International Researchers until January 29, 2026, also to prepare the other necessary forms and documents. At the University of Stuttgart, the Welcome Center coordinates the applications and submits them online. The Welcome Center needs the the complete documents including the vulnerability statement by February 6, 2026.