Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Georg Forster fellowship programme

    In many developing countries and emerging economies, there is still insufficient support available for academics with above-average qualifications. The small number of doctorate holders are limited in their research by teaching responsibilities and inadequate resources at their institutions.

    The Georg Forster Research Fellowships (External link) are offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and supported by the BMZ. They enable academics in all areas to carry out research projects at host institutions in Germany. The scholarships acknowledge the contribution of the researchers to realising the 2030 Agenda, and promote the exchange of expertise and experience and the development of solutions based on local conditions and requirements. Close collaboration between different actors facilitates knowledge transfer, which is a key factor in technical and social innovation.

    Award for outstanding achievement

    The annual Georg Forster Research Award (External link) is granted to outstanding academics from developing countries in recognition of their achievements to date.

    Francine Ntoumi (External link), a pioneer in infection research in Africa, is a recipient of the award. Ntoumi is an internationally successful Congolese molecular biologist and researches infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV and COVID-19. African countries are particularly heavily affected by these diseases, and Professor Ntoumi works to promote local research in combination with international cooperation, as well as providing training for local scientists. She received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany in 2022.

    As at: 26/07/2023