Scholars at Risk
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Supporting Threatened and Displaced Scholars
RWTH Aachen University is deeply committed to promoting academic freedom. As a member of the worldwide Scholars at Risk network, we are actively involved in helping threatened scholars who are no longer able to work in their home countries due to violence, persecution, or severe restrictions to their research activities.
The Welcome Center for International Researchers assists institutes and departments wishing to host scholars at risk by helping them select suitable funding programs and apply for them. Researchers who come to RWTH Aachen University to continue their scientific work are supported in all practical matters concerning their stay and integration into life in Germany to help them thrive in Aachen personally and professionally.
Philipp Schwartz Initiative of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
The Philipp Schwartz Initiative gives universities and research institutions in Germany the opportunity to employ at-risk researchers on a full scholarship for 24 months. If you are interested in being nominated by RWTH Aachen University, you are welcome to contact the Welcome Center for International Researchers at any time of the year. As a rule, there are two rounds of applications per year.
Scholars at Risk - Germany Section
The German Section of the global Scholars at Risk Network is composed of German universities, research institutions and science organisations that campaign to support and offer sanctuary to researchers under threat as well as to protect academic freedom. On the Germany section’s web pages you will find helpful information on the numerous funding opportunities for researchers at risk.
Support Program of the Scholars at Risk Germany Section – NRW Verbund
Some of the member institutions of the Scholars at Risk Germany Section in North Rhine-Westphalia, NRW, offer a joint support program for researchers at risk. It is primarily aimed at Philipp Schwartz scholarship holders of the participating institutions, but other interested researchers can also apply to participate. With seminars and workshops on various research and career-related topics, the program aims to facilitate professional integration and a new start to their lives in Germany.
Universities interested in an exchange are welcome to contact Dr. Heike Berner.
2023 Support Program for Scholars at Risk
Seminars and workshops for Scholars at Risk
In 2023, five of the Scholars at Risk member institutions in North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) again offer a collaborative support program for at-risk scholars. The Philipp Schwartz fellows of the participating institutions are the target group of this program, but other interested at-risk scholars may also apply to participate. The workshops and seminars discuss various research- and career-related issues and are intended to help at-risk scholars to start their professional life in Germany.
Please speak to the relevant contact person if you would like to participate in one of the seminars. If the contact person does not know you, you might be required to submit your CV and a cover letter. The respective institutions will then decide on your application. Interested participants may join the program at any time.
Please note that the program is meant for postdocs.
June 14, 2023 – “The German Academic Landscape for Internationals” (University of Düsseldorf)
A variety of institutions with diverse objectives and interests characterize the German research landscape. In this seminar, participants will learn about the German higher education system, non-university research institutions as well as possible entry positions and funding opportunities for international junior scientists. In addition, the seminar will also present career prospects beyond research positions.
- Speaker: Dr. Uta Brunner
- Online seminar: June 13, 2022, 4:30 to 6 pm
- Language: English
- Registration: Dr. Sigrun Wegener-Feldbrügge
August 23, 2023 – “Application Training” (RWTH Aachen University)
This seminar addresses the practical questions that come up when tackling the next step in your career:
How do I search for and find vacancies for scientists in Germany (and Europe)?
How can I define my personal profile for jobs in the different sectors: in science, in the private economy, or in the public service?
What are the expectations of German employers regarding the application documents?
What other options do I have besides looking for a job in a German (or European) company (research fellowships, start-up et cetera)?
- Speaker: Dr. Andreas Stützer
- Online seminar: June 2, 2022, 9am to 3 pm
- Language: English
- Registration: Cathrin Urbanke
October 19 to 20, 2023 – “Career Planning: What Are My Further Career Moves?” (University of Bonn)
The objectives of this workshop are to find out what your unique abilities and interests are that are critical in determining the right career path for yourself. It qlso details how you can combine your ideas for a fulfilled life with a university career. The aim is to develop a strategy for embarking on an academic career path or other career choices.
This seminar focuses on supporting young scientists and researchers by offering possibilities to reflect upon future careers based on individual profiles. Participants develop their own vision for their future personal and professional lives.
- Speaker: Matthias Merkelbach, M.A.
- Online seminar: October 19, 2023, 9 am to 5 pm and October 20, 2023, 9 am to 5 pm
- Language: English
- Registration: International Office
Fall 2023 (exact date to be announced) – “Getting to Know Germany” (University of Cologne)
The aim will be to provide an understanding for certain common cultural traits that can be noticed in daily life here in Germany. Culture is closely tied to history, which is why certain important historical phases will be highlighted in order to show how the consequences of certain events still shape today's life.
- Speaker: TBA
- Online seminar: TA
- Language: English
- Registration: Sibel Schmidt
Funding Opportunities
A comprehensive list of sponsorship opportunities for researchers at risk can be found on the pages of the Philipp Schwartz Initiative.
Regular funding opportunities for international researchers: