2021 Green Talents: International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development

Deadline: 19-May-21

Are you a promising scientist with innovative ideas and a strong focus on sustainable development? Does your research have the potential to help make the world a more sustainable place? Are you ready to collaborate with German experts and contribute to sustainability research in Germany? If yes, become one of the 25 Green Talents of 2021!

Every year, the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) hosts the prestigious Green Talents – International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development to promote the international exchange of innovative green ideas from various fields of research.

The award, under the patronage of Minister Anja Karliczek, honours young researchers each year. The winners come from numerous countries and scientific disciplines and are recognised for their outstanding achievements in making the societies more sustainable. Selected by a jury of German experts, the award winners are granted unique access to the country’s research elite.

When selected as a “Green Talent”, you will be invited to a two-week Science Forum in Germany (which takes place in October). This means that the BMBF will cover your travel expenses (to/from Germany and during the trip) as well as your meals and accommodation during the Science Forum. Costs for health insurance and visa fees cannot be covered and must be paid by the participants.

They will cover the round trip to Germany and back to your country of residence and also provide a monthly allowance when you return for your research stay the year after the Science Forum. This allowance is intended to support you during your stay and will be sufficient for accommodation, insurance, food and your daily needs. However, it is not intended to support your research.

The Green Talents Competition focuses on outstanding young scientists, who are active in the field of sustainable development. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) fosters interdisciplinary approaches in this regard. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) form the framework for this year’s competition and applicants must indicate, which SDGs their research is contributing to. Applicants can, therefore, come from any scientific field closely related to sustainability research.

What is in it for me?

• The prestigious Green Talents programme offers you the unique opportunity to become part of an exceptional world-wide network of outstanding young minds and leading German institutions.
• The Green Talents Award 2021 includes:
  • Invitation to a multi-day Virtual Science Forum in October 2021:
    • “Science Sessions” with leading German sustainability facilities, institutions and companies, which will virtually provide exclusive insights into their leading-edge research and projects,
    • Virtual appointments with German experts of your choice to discuss possibilities for upcoming joint research and cooperation efforts,
    • A wide range of workshops dedicated to the SDGs and advancing your scientific career,
    • Networking opportunities with other Green Talents, participating Green Talents alumni and researchers,
    • Formal Virtual Award Ceremony with your fellow Green Talents and special guests
  • A fully funded on-site research stay of up to three months at an institution of your choice in Germany
  • Exclusive access to the distinguished Green Talents alumni network.
• You will have the opportunity to come to Germany for up to three months to conduct a research stay at an institute of your choice the year after the Virtual Science Forum.

Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must meet the following mandatory requirements:
  • Enrolment in a master’s or PhD programme or a degree (master’s/PhD) completed no more than three years before the end of the application process
  • No more than three years of professional work experience (this excludes professional work experiences gained within the scope of an academic degree)
  • Strong focus on sustainable development and an interdisciplinary approach in any field of sustainability research
  • Proven excellent command of English
  • Significantly above-average grades
  • Not a German citizen nor a resident of Germany (individuals therefore not eligible to apply: German passport holders as well as anyone living in Germany at the time of application even if the residence is temporary)
• This programme is directed at and looking for outstanding individuals with exceptional personalities. BMBF looks at an individual’s research potential and their passion for what they do and where they think this might take them some day. Fortunately, everyone is different and it is this uniqueness that they want to embrace. It is, therefore, not possible to apply as a team. In addition, it is not only about what you do now but also about what your aspirations are for the future. This is why they do not fund projects but aim to foster individual development.

For more information, visit https://www.greentalents.de/index.php