(Effective as of March 31st, 2021)

To support the scientific collaboration between China and Germany and to foster the academic exchange between early career researchers from both countries, the SGC offers funding for Excellent Early Career Scientists from Germany for Research Stays in China.

The SCG offers two versions of this programme: The short-term option funds one research stay of up to two months, while the long-term version allows for up to three such stays spread over a period of three years.

The excellent early career scientists are given the opportunity to conduct their research at a Chinese host institution, thereby gaining insights into the Chinese research system and laying the foundation for a long-term scientific collaboration with their Chinese partners.

1. Eligibility requirements

For applicants from Germany:

· Applicants must hold a PhD, and the application has to be submitted within 10 years of completing their doctorate.

· Funding can only be provided if the applicant is integrated[1] into Germany’s academic research system and holds a research position at a German university or a publicly funded research institution.

· In general, you are not eligible to submit a proposal if you work at an institution that is not non-profit or one that does not allow immediate publication of research findings in a generally accessible form.

· Since the target group of this programme are early career researchers from Germany who are not yet familiar with the Chinese research system, persons who obtained their Masters or PhD degree from a Chinese university or a Chinese research institution are not eligible to apply.

· Please observe the Sino German-Center’s guidelines for the usage of funds.

For the host in China:

· The Chinese host institution is registered with the NSFC.

· The host needs to hold a research position at his/her institution and must be a PI or participant in an NSFC grant (ongoing or already completed) with a duration of at least 3 years.

· Lindau alumni previously supported by the Sino-German Center for Research Promotion but without an NSFC grant at the time of proposal submission are also eligible to apply as hosts.

2. The SGC offers two versions of this programme

There exists a single-visit (short-term) version and a multiple-visit (long-term) version.

[i] This is the case if, immediately prior to submitting the proposal, the applicant has worked as a researcher in Germany for a continuous period of at least three years during his/her doctoral and/or postdoctoral phase.

Short-Term

　　Long-Term

3. Proposal Submission and Evaluation

Proposals may be submitted at any time, but at least 5 months prior to the (first) research stay.

The application has to be jointly submitted by both the applicant from Germany and the host at the Chinese university or research institution.

The proposal is evaluated by experts appointed by the SGC.

4. Additional materials to be submitted after the project is approved

After the project is approved, the applicant from Germany and the host institution in China must provide the Sino German Centre with a written contract between both parties covering the following points:

1. Research topic, content and research goals to be achieved

2. The commitment of the host institution to provide the applicant from Germany with the necessary working conditions, including access to the relevant infrastructure and assistance regarding administrative matters including the management of / access to the granted SGC funding

3. Agreement on the ownership, use and transfer of intellectual property rights.

[1] This is the case if, immediately prior to submitting the proposal, the applicant has worked as a researcher in Germany for a continuous period of at least three years during his/her doctoral and/or postdoctoral phase.

Guidelines

• Guideline for Excellent Early Career Scientists from Germany 
• Guideline for the usage of funds 

• Application form for Excellent Early Career Scientists from 

• Funding rates for research stays in China