German scholars can apply for the Foundation for Polish Science scholarships

The purpose of the scholarship is to honour the scientific achievements of the winners and to stimulate long-term cooperation between Polish and German researchers. It is the equivalent of the Humboldt-Forschungspreis, prestigious award granted by the well-known Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung of Germany to eminent foreign scholars.

The Foundation for Polish Science spokeswoman Dominika Wojtysiak-Łańska announced the commencement of recruitment in a release sent to PAP. "Humboldt scholarship is an opportunity for Polish and German scientists to strengthen or develop scientific cooperation - said Adam Zieliński, deputy director for program activities at the Foundation for Polish Science. - For the Foundation it is also one of the ways of promoting our country as an increasingly attractive place to practice science for both Polish and foreign scientists" - added Zieliński.

Alexander von Humboldt Scholarship can be awarded to scientifically active, eminent German scholars, holding the position of professor, who want to come to Poland for several months long scientific stays. Candidates may be proposed only by Polish scientists. The scholarship in the amount currently equivalent to 4 thousand euros per month is granted for a period of 3 to 6 months. The competition is open to researchers from all fields of science. Applications - submitted in English - are evaluated by independent reviewers, who are experts in the fields represented by the candidates. The competition results will be announced in the beginning of 2016.

The scholarship is awarded on the basis of the 1995 agreement between the Foundation for Polish Science and the Humboldt Foundation. As a result of this agreement, the Foundation for Polish Science joined similar organisations in 19 countries with analogous partnership agreements on mutual awarding of these distinctions to outstanding scholars. Since the launch of the first competition, scholarships for research in selected centres in Poland have been awarded to 58 scientists from Germany.

Through the name of the patron, the scholarship refers to the best tradition of cooperation between Polish and German scientists. Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859), German naturalist, traveller and geographer, worked together with many Poles and was an honorary member of the Society of Friends of Sciences in Warsaw and the first promoter of Adam Mickiewicz’s poetry in Germany.

PAP - Science and Scholarship in Poland

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