Scholars at Risk

Solidarity with at risk students and researchers

Worldwide, scientists are facing threats and restrictions in their academic work because of their research and ideas. These limitations range from travel restrictions and unjustified dismissals to imprisonment and violence.

The International Scholars at Risk (SAR) Network is a worldwide association of over 500 universities, research institutions and other scientific organizations dedicated to helping threatend researchers and promoting scientific freedom.

Technical University of Darmstadt is a founding member of the German section of the Scholars at Risk Network (SAR Germany Section).

The aim of this alliance is to ensure an exchange of experience and knowledge on the situation of at risk researchers in Germany and to provide support and protection at the member institutions.

Learn more

SAR Germany-Section,
Founding Statement

"In joining Scholars at Risk, German academic leadership, faculty, students and staff send a strong message of solidarity with scholars and universities in situations where academic freedom is restricted and research, publication, teaching and learning are repressed".

HessenFonds - Funding period April 2025 - März 2026

The Hessian Ministry of Science and Research, Arts and Culture (HMWK) awards scholarships for particularly talented and high-achieving refugee students, PhD students and researchers as well as for researchers and PhD students who are threatened by persecution in their home countries within the framework of the “HessenFonds”.

Prerequisites:

  • Eligible for asylum or status as a recognized refugee
  • Generally not registered in Germany for more than four years at the time of the start of funding.
  • The continuous residence in Germany does not exceed five years.
  • Or for at risk researchers and PhD students: proof of threat.
  • Researchers
    • Confirmation of a research or teaching position.
    • Confirmation of supervision from a state university in the state of Hesse (in the form of an expert opinion or letter from the host including an assessment of the nominee's academic achievements, also with regard to integration in the research field).
    • Outstanding scientific performance

Extent of support:

  • Researchers
    • 2.300 euro / month

Funding period:

  • 1 April 2025 – 31 March 2026

Direct application at the Hessian Ministry of Science and Arts is not possible.

Are you interested in applying? Then please contact us as soon as possible. We are happy to help you and answer your questions.

Our internal Application deadline is 10 November 2024

Information on the HessenFonds scholarship for students and PhD students can be found on the ZKF website .

Webseite / Website HMWK

Philipp Schwartz-Initiative of the Alexander von Humboldt-Foundation

Picture: Felipe Fernandes

Funding of research projects by threatend researchers

The Philipp Schwartz Initiative gives universities and research institutions in Germany the opportunity to host at risk researchers for 24 months as part of a full fellowship.

PSI - next round of applications

The application period for the 13th round of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation's Philipp Schwartz Initiative has ended.

Please visit this website regularly for the latest information on the next round of applications.

The Philipp Schwartz Initiative was founded by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation together with the Federal Foreign Office and enables universities, universities of applied sciences and non-university research institutions in Germany to grant fellowships for research stays to threatened researchers.

This initiative is financed by the Federal Foreign Office, the Alfred Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach Foundation, the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Fritz Thyssen Foundation, the Gerda Henkel Foundation, the Klaus Tschira Foundation, the Robert Bosch Foundation, the Stifterverband and the Mercator Foundation.

Further information can be found on the website of the Philipp Schwartz Initiative.

“HessenFonds”-Scholarships for Refugees and Victims of Persecution

Picture: Ellen Lewis

Funding of highly qualified students, PhD-students and researchers

The Hessian ministry of higher education, research, science and the arts gives out 12-month scholarships to highly gifted and well performing students and scientists who have a background as refugee or victim of persecution in form of the HessenFonds

The Hessian ministry of higher education, research, science and the arts (HMWK) is offering scholarships in form of the HessenFonds to highly talented students and scientists with a background as refugee or victim of persecution. The scholarship supports the continuation of studies or research activities at Hessian institutions for higher education. The elegibility period usually spans over one year.

Please note that a direct application at the HMWK is not possible. Applicants have to notify their respective institution of higher education.

Further information can be found on the website of the Hessian ministry of higher education, research, science and the arts.

For specific concerns and questions about funding opportunities at TU Darmstadt, please .