Universität Heidelberg Logo
Diese Seite ist nur auf Englisch verfügbar.

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

Heidelberg | Harvard Explorer Seed Fund

1. Heidelberg | Harvard Cooperation

  • Heidelberg University and Harvard University signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2025 to further institutionalize their long-standing collaboration. The State of Baden-Württemberg supports the partnership via the Global Partnership in Science program. The goal is to create a structured foundation for current and future projects and position the partnership as a model for transatlantic cooperation.

2. Who Can Apply?

  • Established researchers of Heidelberg University leading a cooperation with Harvard University partners. Doctoral researchers are not eligible.

3. What Are The Fellowship Amounts?

  • Early-career researchers: € 2.700 
    experienced researchers: € 3.200 
    based on Alexander von Humboldt Foundation fellowship programs.
  • Doctoral researchers: € 1.400 based on DAAD research fellowships.

4. Can Visiting Scholars Also Be Involved In Teaching Activities During Their Stay?

  • Yes. Research stays funded under this program may include teaching activities such as guest lectures, seminars, or contributions to courses. If teaching is planned as part of the stay and involves a teaching obligation, the administrative and legal framework of the respective university applies to those engaged in teaching. This applies independently at Heidelberg University and at Harvard University.

5. How Are Travel Allowances Determined?

  • Travel allowances of € 1.350 (1–12 months) and € 2.100 (13–21 months) are calculated according to the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s table for research fellow travel.

6. Who Qualifies For Family Benefits?

  • Child benefit replacement: EU, EEA, and Swiss nationals may claim child benefit under German law. Others can apply for the program’s replacement payment.
  • Health insurance allowance: € 130/month per accompanying partner and child, upon proof of full private health insurance coverage.
  • Partner allowances are only granted if the partner has no independent income.

7. Is There Housing Available For Researchers From Harvard University?

  • Heidelberg University provides one to four room apartments for visiting researchers in its guesthouses on the campus “Im Neuenheimer Feld”. The units are modern, fully equipped and offered at rates well below the usual housing market in Heidelberg, with costs to be paid by the researchers. A selection of apartments can be made available to Harvard researchers. Availability depends on current occupancy and units can be offered as long as accommodations remain open.

8. Who Is Considered As An Early-Career Researcher?

  • Graduates and young researchers within five years of completing their doctorate (excl. recognized interruption periods, e.g., parental leave).

9. Can Doctoral Researchers Earn A Phd At Heidelberg Under This Program?

  • No, the program funds temporary research stays only; it does not support doctoral degrees at Heidelberg.

10. Should Exact Travel Dates Be Included In The Application? 

  • Not required, but the planned duration must be specified for budget purposes.

11. What Is The Funding Period?

  • April 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027

12. Is The Schedule Binding? Can Changes Be Made?

  • Changes may occur during the project. All schedule adjustments affecting allocated funds must be communicated to the International Relations Division and are subject to approval.

13. How Should The Budget Plan Be Structured?

  • Use the program’s budget template and detail costs by category.

14. When Is The Application Period?

  • Applications are open immediately. Two rounds are currently planned: first round closes 28 February 2026, second round in Q2 2026.

15. How Should Applicants Ensure Compliance With Relevant Requirements In Their Application?

  • For all applications compliance with the respective Export Control Regulations are required.
     

16. What Are The Selection Criteria?

  • Qualification and complementarity of partners: How well do the expertise and strengths of Heidelberg and Harvard participants complement each other? Are relevant prior work and resources contributed by both sides?
  • Academic potential of the collaboration: How original and promising is the research question? Is there clear potential for follow-up projects?
  • Contribution to sustainability of the partnership: How likely is the collaboration to continue beyond the Strategic Partnership Grant?
  • Support for early-career researchers, equality, and diversity: Are junior researchers actively involved? Are diversity aspects (e.g., gender, origin, discipline) considered and promoted?

17. What Happens If The Application Is Approved?

  • Funding amount or period may be adjusted; approved projects require a final report.

18. How Is The Project Implemented?

  • Approved projects receive a funding notice. Funds are administered by the host institution.

19. How Are Intellectual Property Questions Addressed In The Collaborations?

  • Intellectual property matters, in particular those arising in connection with third-party funding applications, joint research projects and publications, can be resolved as needed following a positive funding decision in a separate agreement after consultation with the Harvard Office or Technology Development and the Research Department of Heidelberg University.

20. Who Is Considered A Project Assistant?

  • A project assistant may be designated in the application and, if the project is approved, will manage project administration tasks (e.g., adjusting budgets, requesting funds, preparing expenditure reports). The project assistant can also be appointed after approval.
     

21. How The Fellowship Is Paid Out

  • Requests for issuance of the fellowship must be submitted by the project leader to the Office of Research (Dept. 6.2) at least six weeks before the stay begins.
  • Payment of the fellowship, travel allowance, and other allowances must be arranged and signed by the project leader together with the fellowship and approval notice, then forwarded to the Finance Department (Section 4.3)

22. What Should Be Considered In The Budget For Fellowships?

  • 50% of the fellowship (excluding travel and allowances) is subject to 19% VAT.

23. Which Insurances Are Mandatory For Harvard Researchers?

  • Recognized German health insurance is required.
  • Private liability insurance is recommended.
  • Costs must be covered by fellowship funds.
  • Social insurance contributions are generally not required.

24. Where Do Harvard Researchers Get Organizational Support?

  • Experienced and early-career researchers: Welcome Centre
  • Doctoral researchers: Graduate Academy
  • All researchers must register with their respective unit.
     

25. Contact For Questions

English

Contact