Re-entry scholarship
for female postdocs with care responsibilities

For more women in science

The postdoc phase is a decisive stage in a scientific career, and female researchers in particular often take a leave from pursuing their careers during this time to take on family care responsibilities. Family Care responsibilities means taking care of children or dependent family members. On average, women invest 44.3 per cent (2024) more time in unpaid care work than men. This difference is referred to as the ‘gender care gap’ and highlights the inequalities that still exist in the distribution of care work.¹ TU Darmstadt offers postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to work on an independent research proposal and continue their academic careers through the re-entry scholarship.

The applications must be submitted

  • by 01 May 2025 for the scholarship to start from earliest July 2025
  • by 01 November 2025 for the scholarship to start from earliest Januar 2026

Instructions for submitting the application

Applications are open to female researchers from Germany and abroad. The re-entry scholarship supports female postdoctoral researchers who have paused their academic career due to family caregiving responsibilities. This means taking care of children or dependent family members.

It is important that you emphasise your own research profile and your position in the scientific community in your application.

  • A monthly stipend of 1800€ is given to up to two scholars for a duration of 10 months.
  • A one-time extension of 5 months is allowed, as is reapplication.
  • Motivation letter (including scope and extent of your own research, international and national networking, publication achievements)
  • Exposé of the intended research highlights (approx. two DIN A4 pages)
  • Academic CV
  • List of publications
  • Two letters of recommendation from professors in which they comment on the scientific achievements and prospects of success of the project (application)
  • Declaration by a head of department TU Darmstadt in which they declare that the infrastructure required for the research (factual and personal) is provided by their department free of charge

Technical University Darmstadt

Dr.'in Uta Zybell

Equal Opportunity Officer

Karolinenplatz 5

64289 Darmstadt

Decisions on granting the scholarship are made by the Advisory Council on Research Oriented Gender Equality at TU Darmstadt.