Funding period: April 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027 Heidelberg | Harvard Strategic Partnership Grant

As part of the institutional partnership between Heidelberg University and Harvard University, and supported by the State of Baden-Württemberg through its Global Partnership in Science program, Heidelberg University is launching the Heidelberg | Harvard Strategic Partnership Grant for the funding period April 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027. 

This program invites faculties, institutes, and central academic units of Heidelberg University to apply for funding to develop and establish long-term institutional collaborations with partner institutions at Harvard University. Following approval of funding, a Sub-Memorandum of Understanding (Sub-MoU) will be concluded with the respective partner institution. The grant provides seed funding to initiate Sub-MoU-based cooperation structures. Funded collaborations are expected to leverage additional funding sources and to develop perspectives for longer-term sustainability beyond the funding period.

1. Objectives And Measures

The Strategic Partnership Grant supports the creation of long-term institutional structures and seeks to advance the following goals:

• Launch and implementation of innovative joint research projects
• Strengthening the partnership and enhancing international visibility through joint research initiatives, publications, and innovative learning and teaching models
• Establishment of joint research groups, professorships, or research centers
• Integration of Harvard University researchers into Heidelberg research networks and clusters
• Development of proposals for third-party funding based on supported activities 

Eligible measures include:

• Funding of research stays by Harvard University researchers at Heidelberg University
• Funding of academic events (e.g., workshops, lectures, summer schools) to foster networking and visibility

2. Funding Scope

Each grant application may receive funding of up to:

• Up to € 250.000 for activities lasting up to 12 months
• Up to € 500.000 for activities lasting up to 21 months

Subject to the availability of funds, funding may be increased up to € 750.000 for activities lasting up to 21 months, provided that at least € 250.000 in third-party funding is raised concurrently.

Funding supports research stays by Harvard University scholars at Heidelberg University for periods between 1 and 21 months within the framework of collaborative research and teaching initiatives.

Eligible funding categories for research stays, aligned with the standards of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH), include the following:

• Monthly fellowships for researchers from Harvard University:
  • Doctoral researchers € 1.400
  • Early-career researchers € 2.700
  • Senior researchers € 3.200
• Travel allowances (round trip):
  • For stays of 1-12 months: € 1.350 per fellow  
  • For stays of 13-21 months: € 2.100 per fellow
• Monthly health insurance allowance € 130
• Family support:
  • Child allowance equivalent: €255 per month per child
  • Monthly allowance of €130 for each accompanying partner and child upon proof of private health insurance coverage

Eligible material and project costs may include:

• Organization of academic events such as workshops, lectures, and summer schools
• short exploratory visits of researchers/personnel from Heidelberg University to Harvard University for project preparation
• Travel and accommodation for short-term collaboration activities for fellows and guests
• Employment of research or student assistants
• Laboratory supplies and consumables
• Preparation of external grant applications
• Publication costs
• Technical equipment

3. Application

3.1 Eligibility

• Applications are open to: Faculties, institutes, and central academic units of Heidelberg University.
• The application must be formally submitted by a project-leading professor (PI) of Heidelberg University. However, the project may be jointly led by project-leading professors from both institutions.

3.2 Application Documents

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file and include the following documents:  

• Proposal form
• Project description (max. 10 pages) outlining:
  • The research or networking project
  • Strategic objectives and relevance of the collaboration
  • Roles of the collaborating partners in research, including integration measures for visiting Harvard scholars within Heidelberg’s academic environment
  • Detailed project timeline and implementation plan
  • Expected results and long-term perspectives
  • Planned continuation and expansion of activities, including at least two intended third-party funding sources with a brief note on their relevance to the project
  • Contribution to the sustainable partnership between Heidelberg and Harvard
  • Planned public outputs (e.g., publications, workshops, conferences)
• Budget plan
• Letter of support from the respective Heidelberg faculty (if not the applicant)
• Letter of support from Harvard University, Office of the Vice Provost for International Affairs
• Profiles of nominated fellows of Harvard University, including:
  • Research focus and teaching experience
  • Key academic achievements and publication list
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Letters of intent from proposed collaboration participants and all nominated fellows of Harvard University

3.3 Application Procedure And Deadline

Applications must be submitted in English by the Heidelberg University PI as a single PDF file via email to: harvard-cooperation@uni-heidelberg.de

Application deadline: February 28, 2026

Applications are open immediately. Given the current maximum project duration of 21 months, two calls for proposals are planned. The first call closes on February 28, 2026. The second call is expected to open in Q2 2026. Additional rounds may be launched depending on available funds and project outcomes.

4. Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated by a selection committee at Heidelberg University, which includes the Research and Strategy Committee (FoSKom), the Vice-Rector Teaching and Learning, representatives from Harvard University, and is chaired by the Vice-Rector International Affairs and Diversity. Final funding decisions are made by the Rectorate.

Selection criteria include:

• Qualification and complementarity of partners
• Academic potential of the collaboration
• Contribution to sustainability of the partnership
• Support for early-career researchers, equality, and diversity

5. Application Templates

• Proposal form
• Budget plan

6. Key Information

Value-added tax (VAT): 50% of the fellowship (excluding travel and allowances) is subject to 19% VAT. This must be considered in the budget. 
Complete applications only: Only fully completed applications will be considered for funding.
Funding approval: Funding is subject to the availability and the amount of resources provided by the State of Baden-Württemberg.

Contact

Heidelberg University
International Relations Division
Heidelberg | Harvard Cooperation 

harvard-cooperation@uni-heidelberg.de