Funding for researchers at risk

The 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 August, 21, 2026. The selection results are expected to be available by the end of November 2026, the starting date would be January 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. A threat assessment must be provided, e.g. a residence status in connection with an asylum procedure within the EU that indicates a recognized vulnerability or credible threat assessment from a third party. For some nationals, a self-declaration is also sufficient.

At the University of Stuttgart the Welcome Center for International Researchers coordinates the applications and submits them online. Therefore please contact Raphaela Diel at the Welcome Center for International Researchers until July 23, 2026 at the latest, also to prepare further necessary forms and documents. The Welcome Center needs the complete documents including the threat assessment by August 13, 2026 to meet the deadline of the foundation.