Deadline: 30-Jun-2026
The Center of Excellence for Application-Oriented and Responsible Artificial Intelligence Program supports Kenya–Germany academic collaboration in AI through doctoral and postdoctoral training, research exchanges, and capacity building. The program funds research stays, joint academic activities, and smaller research projects with a total budget of up to €1.85 million for 2027–2031, aimed at strengthening applied and responsible AI research.
What is the Center of Excellence for Responsible AI Program?
This program is designed to strengthen applied artificial intelligence research and academic cooperation between Germany and Kenya. It focuses on building long-term research capacity by supporting doctoral and postdoctoral training, academic mobility, and collaborative research projects.
The initiative promotes responsible AI development while enhancing global research exchange and institutional partnerships.
Key Objectives
The program aims to:
- Strengthen doctoral and postdoctoral AI research training
- Promote international academic cooperation between Germany and Kenya
- Improve supervision and mentorship in AI research
- Support responsible and applied AI research development
- Encourage global dissemination of research outputs
- Build sustainable academic partnerships
Core Focus Areas
Research Mobility and Exchange
- Research stays for German doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in Kenya
- Research stays for Kenyan doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in Germany and Kenya
- Academic exchange for lecturers and experienced researchers
Capacity Building and Training
- Strengthening supervision systems for doctoral research
- Postdoctoral research support and mentoring
- Academic skill development in AI research methodologies
Research and Fieldwork Support
- Small-scale research projects linked to doctoral and postdoctoral work
- Field studies, data collection, and evaluations
- Analytical and applied AI research activities
Academic Collaboration Activities
- Workshops, seminars, and strategy meetings
- Joint research sessions and coordination meetings
- Academic networking and knowledge exchange events
Language and Academic Preparation
- German language training courses for participants
- Cross-cultural academic preparation for research mobility
Funding Details
- Total funding: up to €1,850,000
- Funding period: 2027–2031
- Annual allocation: up to €370,000 per year
- Start date: no earlier than 1 January 2027
- End date: no later than 31 December 2031
- Funding model: fixed-amount financing
Possible Extension
- Follow-up funding may be available for an additional 5-year consolidation phase
- Subject to evaluation and availability of funds
Co-Financing Requirements
Applicants must contribute:
- Institutional own funds
- Third-party funding
- Other verified or justified financial resources
Any unverified contributions must be clearly explained in the financial plan.
Eligible Applicants
Applications may be submitted by:
- State universities in Germany
- State-recognized universities in Germany
- Non-profit research institutions in Germany
- Independent research organizations in Germany
Applicants must:
- Have established partnerships with Kenyan higher education institutions
- Maintain active academic networks with Kenya
Eligible Participants
The program supports:
- Doctoral candidates (Germany and Kenya)
- Postdoctoral researchers
- Experienced researchers
- University lecturers
Eligible Activities
Funding may be used for:
- Research stays and academic exchanges
- Doctoral and postdoctoral training support
- Small-scale research projects and fieldwork
- Academic workshops, seminars, and strategy meetings
- Evaluation and analytical studies
- Research collaboration and coordination activities
- German language training courses
Expected Outcomes
The program is expected to deliver:
- Strengthened Kenya–Germany AI research collaboration
- Improved doctoral and postdoctoral research quality
- Increased international research mobility
- Enhanced supervision and mentoring systems
- Greater global visibility of AI research outputs
- Stronger institutional research networks
Strategic Importance
This initiative is important because it:
- Builds long-term international research partnerships
- Strengthens applied and responsible AI research capacity
- Enhances academic training systems in Kenya
- Promotes global knowledge exchange in AI
- Supports emerging researchers and academic careers
- Encourages ethical and responsible AI innovation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of the program?
To strengthen AI research collaboration and training between Germany and Kenya through doctoral and postdoctoral support.
How much funding is available?
Up to €1.85 million over five years (2027–2031).
Who can apply?
German universities and non-profit research institutions with Kenyan academic partnerships.
What activities are funded?
Research stays, academic exchanges, workshops, small research projects, and training.
Are students included?
Yes, doctoral and postdoctoral researchers from both countries are eligible participants.
Is language training included?
Yes, German language courses are funded.
Can the program be extended?
Yes, follow-up funding may be available for a second phase.
Conclusion
The Center of Excellence for Application-Oriented and Responsible AI Program is a long-term international research initiative that strengthens doctoral and postdoctoral training and fosters Kenya–Germany collaboration in artificial intelligence. By supporting academic mobility, joint research, and capacity building, it enhances responsible AI development and builds sustainable global research partnerships.
For more information, visit German Academic Exchange Service.
