The Young Academy is looking for new members
The Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities brings together the best researchers in Bavaria. It provides a central platform for all academic disciplines and fosters cooperation between universities and non-university research institutes. It therefore contributes to the further development of Bavaria as a science hub. The specific objective of the Young Academy is to support talented postdocs in Bavaria.
From March 2027, the Young Academy is looking for a new intake of members. The closing date for applications is 30 September 2026.
WHAT IS THE YOUNG ACADEMY?
The Young Academy of the Bavarian Academy of Sciences and Humanities supports outstanding young scientists in Bavaria who aspire to a leading position in their disciplines. The fellows have the status of extraordinary members of the Academy during their scholarship and they play an active role in Academy life. They participate in committees and working groups, organise interdisciplinary events and develop new research initiatives – including in collaboration with other members of the Academy.
What are the conditions of the FUNDING?
The Young Academy gives talented postdocs in Bavaria the opportunity to develop their own innovative research ideas and work independently in a network of top-level researchers. It therefore offers optimum conditions for cross-generational and interdisciplinary networking between the best scientists in all the different fields. The members of the Young Academy receive an annual grant of 12,000 euros for their own use. The funding period is three years. Following a successful evaluation, members may have their membership extended for up to three years.
WHO CAN APPLY?
The main selection criteria are as follows:
- An outstanding doctorate and evidence of independent research in the postdoctoral phase (e.g. publications, total external funding raised, etc.)
- A future-oriented project that is suitable for interdisciplinary collaboration and which recognisably departs from the doctoral research
- Candidates must be under the age of 35 at the time of application (time spent raising children or caring for relatives may be taken into consideration)
- Candidates must have a temporary appointment at a Bavarian university or research institute
WHICH APPLICATION DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED?
- Cover letter, curriculum vitae in tabular form and relevant certificates
- A five-page proposal outlining the topic, relevance and methodology of the research project. It should also contain clear information on the timeline and feasibility of the project and identify interdisciplinary aspects that are suitable for Young Academy events
- An outline for an interdisciplinary workshop
- Two letters of recommendation from qualified individuals who are also willing to support the research project as mentors