THE YOUNG ACADEMY IS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS
The BAdW connects Bavaria’s best researchers and, as a platform for all scientific and humanistic disciplines, promotes collaboration between non-university research and Bavarian universities. In doing so, it actively contributes to raising Bavaria’s
profile as a research center.
Its key areas of focus include pathbreaking research in computer science and the social and natural sciences, as well as foundational research in the humanities and cultural studies. It energizes the Bavarian research landscape by, among other
things, supporting excellent postdoctoral fellows in its Young Academy.
The Young Academy will accept new postdoctoral fellows starting
in March 2026.
WHAT IS THE YOUNG ACADEMY?
The BAdW’s Young Academy supports excellent young researchers in Bavaria who aspire to a leading position in their disciplines. For the duration of the scholarship, the fellows are extraordinary members of the Academy and enrich it through
their activities. They participate in committees and working groups and develop interdisciplinary events and new research initiatives among themselves and with the Academy’s full members.
HOW DOES THE SUPPORT WORK?
The Young Academy enables its members to formulate their own research questions and to work independently alongside other outstanding researchers. It provides postdoctoral researchers in Bavaria with a forum for reflecting on innovative
research approaches and methods. The Young Academy thus offers ideal conditions for a cross-generational and cross-disciplinary dialogue with the goal of connecting the best researchers in all disciplines. Members of the Young Academy receive
an annual grant of €12,000 for their own use. The funding period is three years. In the event of a successful evaluation, membership can be extended for up to three years.
WHO CAN APPLY?
The most important criteria for selection are:
- An outstanding doctorate and evidence of independent research in the postdoctoral phase (e.g., publications, amount of third-party funding acquired, etc.)
- A pathbreaking project that is suitable for interdisciplinary exchange and clearly distinguishes itself from the candidate’s doctoral research
- You are under the age of 35 at the time of application (childcare or caregiving periods may be taken into account)
- You have a temporary position at a university or academic institution in Bavaria
WHAT APPLICATION DOCUMENTS MUST BE SUBMITTED?
- A letter of motivation, a CV, and relevant diplomas and certificates
- A five-page proposal outlining the topic, relevance, and method of your research project. It should also contain clear information on the timeline and feasibility 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
The application deadline is September 30, 2025.