This initiative highlights Germany’s strong commitment to international research cooperation and academic partnerships. Recognized under the German Excellence Strategy, the University of Bonn offers an ideal environment for researchers to expand their networks and contribute to global scientific dialogue.

Key Dates – Bonn International Fellowships 2026

• Application Deadline: September 22, 2025 (5:00 PM CET)
• Notification of Results: Early December 2025
• Project Start Date: January 01, 2026
• Project End Date: December 31, 2026

Fellowship Benefits and Funding Support

Successful fellows will receive comprehensive financial support to cover their short-term research stay in Bonn. Funding includes:

• Travel Allowance – Based on the country of origin.
• Daily Allowance – €160 per day, up to 12 days (including arrival and departure).
• Material Costs – Up to €500 for academic events organized by the host institute (e.g., lectures, workshops, seminars).

This funding ensures fellows can fully participate in Bonn’s academic community and strengthen research collaborations.

Program Objectives

The Bonn International Fellowships 2026 aim to:

• Foster international academic collaboration with partner universities and research institutions.
• Increase public visibility of research through lectures, seminars, and conferences.
• Lay the groundwork for future joint projects and long-term partnerships between international scholars and the University of Bonn.

Eligibility Criteria

The program is open to:

• Postdoctoral researchers and senior faculty with strong international recognition.
• Scholars based outside of Germany at universities or research institutes.

Important: Fellows must be invited by a host researcher at the University of Bonn. Applications cannot be submitted directly by fellows.

Why Apply for the Bonn International Fellowships?

The fellowship offers more than just financial support—it is a gateway to global academic recognition. Participants can:

• Build visibility in the European research landscape.
• Collaborate with leading scholars across disciplines.
• Establish long-term academic networks and partnerships.

This program transforms a short research visit into a strategic academic opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who can apply?
Only University of Bonn faculty members can submit applications to invite international researchers. Fellows cannot apply independently.

2. What does the funding cover?
Travel costs, a daily allowance of €160, and up to €500 in event-related expenses.

3. Can PhD students apply?
No. The fellowship is exclusively for postdoctoral and senior-level scholars.

4. How long is the fellowship stay?
Up to 12 days, including arrival and departure.

5. When will results be announced?
Early December 2025.

6. What activities are expected?
Fellows are expected to participate in academic events such as lectures, workshops, and public discussions to enhance visibility and collaboration.

Application Process – How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by the University of Bonn host researcher and should include:

• Completed online application form
• Project description (max. 6 pages, with fellow’s consent)
• Fellow’s CV (PDF)
• Signed Invitation Letter from the host researcher
• Financial plan (University template provided)

Official application page: Bonn International Fellowships 2026
Deadline: September 22, 2025 (5:00 PM CET)

Contact Information

International Service Point
Partnerships and International Researchers, Poppelsdorfer Allee 53, 53115 Bonn
Email: international@uni-bonn.de
Tel: +49 228 73-5544

Final Thoughts

The Bonn International Fellowships 2026 offer a unique opportunity for international researchers to collaborate with one of Germany’s top universities. With full financial support, networking opportunities, and long-term partnership potential, this program is a stepping stone for scholars aiming to expand their research impact on a global scale.

Research Focus: Microbial Communities, Surfactants, and Ecosystem Health

Hosted by the Department of Environmental Microbiology within the Institute for Sanitary Engineering, Water Quality and Solid Waste Management (ISWA), this ERC-backed research project investigates the ecological impacts of glyphosate-based surfactants on microbial communities essential to carbon and nitrogen cycling.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct large-scale microcosm experiments under oxic and anoxic conditions
• Analyze microbial communities using advanced statistical and bioinformatics tools
• Lead a field validation study in real-world environments
• Apply molecular techniques such as 16S rRNA sequencing, qPCR, multi-omics, gas analysis, and surfactant quantification

Who Should Apply? Ideal Postdoc Candidate Profile

This fully funded postdoctoral research position in environmental microbiology is ideal for researchers with a solid scientific background and a commitment to environmental sustainability.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Microbiology, Environmental Sciences, or a closely related discipline
• Expertise in molecular biology, microbial ecology, and field research
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams
• Strong data analysis and scientific communication skills
• Proficiency in English (spoken and written)

Preferred Skills:

• Prior publications in peer-reviewed international journals
• Experience with environmental DNA/RNA analysis workflows
• Leadership, mentoring, and organizational abilities

Position Overview

• Job Title: Postdoctoral Researcher in Environmental Microbiology
• Location: University of Stuttgart, Campus Stuttgart-Büsnau, Germany
• Employment Type: Full-time (100%)
• Salary: TV-L E13 pay scale (German public research sector)
• Start Date: October 1, 2025 (or earlier)
• Duration: 18 months
• Teaching: Not required
• Application Deadline: July 31, 2025

Why Choose the University of Stuttgart and ISWA?

The University of Stuttgart is internationally recognized for excellence in engineering, environmental research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. At ISWA, you’ll benefit from:

• A dynamic, international research environment
• State-of-the-art laboratories and experimental infrastructure
• A family-friendly and inclusive workplace with flexible work models
• Support for newcomers via the Welcome Center and Dual Career Program

Stuttgart is also a leading hub for science, technology, and innovation — offering an ideal environment for early-career researchers.

How to Apply: Step-by-Step

To apply for this postdoc position in environmental microbiology, submit the following documents via the JoinUs Portal of the University of Stuttgart before July 31, 2025:

Required Documents:

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Motivation Letter
• Research and Teaching Summary
• List of Publications
• Methods Overview (from previous projects)
• Contact details of academic referees

Apply Now: JoinUs Portal – University of Stuttgart

Join a Research Project That Matters

By joining this project, you’ll contribute to cutting-edge research that has real-world implications for environmental protection, microbiome resilience, and climate-relevant nutrient cycling. If you’re a motivated scientist seeking to make a lasting impact, don’t miss this chance to elevate your academic career in one of Europe’s most vibrant research ecosystems.