Deadline: 15-Jun-2026
The Future Network Weimar Triangle Program supports interdisciplinary PhD research collaboration between France, Poland, and Germany. It enables doctoral researchers to conduct research stays in Germany while working on climate, energy, AI, biotechnology, security, and societal innovation topics.
The fellowship provides a monthly stipend of €1,400 plus travel, insurance, and additional research support for stays lasting 3 to 12 months.
About the Program
This programme promotes scientific cooperation between France, Poland, and Germany through PhD-level mobility and interdisciplinary research exchange.
It is designed to strengthen collaboration in future-oriented research fields while supporting academic networking across European research institutions.
Key Objectives
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen trilateral research cooperation (France–Poland–Germany)
- Support PhD-level interdisciplinary collaboration
- Advance research in future technologies and societal challenges
- Promote academic mobility and knowledge exchange
- Foster innovation in science and policy-relevant research
Thematic Focus Areas
Research projects must align with one or more of the following areas:
Energy & Climate
- Climate-neutral energy systems
- Fusion technologies
- Renewable energy expansion
- Energy storage solutions
- Decarbonisation strategies
- Cross-border energy infrastructure
Digital Technologies
- Artificial intelligence applications
- Cybersecurity systems
- Digitalisation and data technologies
- Semiconductor and microelectronics innovation
- Ethical standards in AI
Security & Resilience
- European security systems
- Research system resilience
- Critical infrastructure protection
Life Sciences & Agriculture
- Biotechnology and future medicine
- Medical technologies
- Resilient agriculture and food systems
- Bioeconomy innovation
Society & Ethics
- Social impact of emerging technologies
- Technology governance and ethics
- Societal transformation and risks
Fellowship Structure
Selected PhD researchers:
- Conduct research stays in Germany
- Remain enrolled in their home PhD programme (France or Poland)
- Participate in interdisciplinary academic networks
- Engage with DAAD fellows and research groups
Funding Details
- Duration: 3 to 12 months (non-renewable)
- Monthly stipend: €1,400
- Additional research allowance: €102/month (optional)
- Travel funding: Provided
- Insurance: Health, accident, and liability coverage included
Additional Support (if eligible)
- Family allowance
- Rent subsidy
- Language course support
- Disability or chronic illness assistance
- Green mobility support
- End-of-program research award
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must:
- Be PhD students enrolled in France or Poland
- Conduct research in eligible thematic fields
- Participate in the Weimar Triangle academic network
- Have obtained their latest degree within the last 6 years
- Have started their PhD within the last 3 years (generally)
- Not have lived in Germany for more than 15 months recently
- Demonstrate strong English proficiency (verified by host institution)
Key Eligibility Areas
Applicants must work in fields such as:
- Energy and climate technologies
- Artificial intelligence and digital systems
- Biotechnology and medicine
- Security and resilience studies
- Social sciences related to emerging technologies
How the Program Works
- Apply with a research proposal aligned to thematic priorities
- Secure a German host institution
- Join a research group or interdisciplinary network
- Conduct a research stay in Germany (3–12 months)
- Participate in academic collaboration activities
Expected Outcomes
The programme aims to produce:
- High-quality PhD research outputs
- Cross-border scientific collaboration
- Innovation in climate, digital, and life sciences
- Policy-relevant insights on emerging technologies
- Strong European academic networks
Tips for Applicants
Strong applications typically:
- Demonstrate clear interdisciplinary value
- Align research with programme thematic priorities
- Show strong academic supervision and host support
- Include a well-defined research plan in Germany
- Highlight European cooperation relevance
Avoid proposals that lack clear cross-border or interdisciplinary relevance.
FAQ
Who can apply?
PhD students enrolled in France or Poland.
Where is the research conducted?
Primarily at host institutions in Germany.
How long is the fellowship?
Between 3 and 12 months.
What is the monthly stipend?
€1,400 per month, plus additional allowances.
What fields are supported?
Energy, AI, biotechnology, medicine, security, and social sciences.
Is the fellowship renewable?
No, it is a one-time, non-renewable research stay.
Conclusion
The Future Network Weimar Triangle Program strengthens European research collaboration by enabling PhD students from France and Poland to conduct interdisciplinary research stays in Germany. Through financial support, academic mobility, and cross-border cooperation, the programme advances innovation in energy, digital technologies, life sciences, and societal transformation.
For more information, visit DAAD.