2026 Scholarship Program of the Daimler and Benz Foundation – Supporting Postdocs and Junior Professors in All Disciplines
The Daimler and Benz Foundation has opened applications for its prestigious 2026 Scholarship Program, aimed at supporting postdoctoral researchers, junior professors, and heads of junior research groups. A total of twelve scholarships will be awarded, including two in cooperation with the Reinhard Frank Foundation. The goal is to strengthen the independence and creativity of promising early-career researchers and to provide key support during their productive postdoctoral phase.
Who Can Apply?
The program is open to:
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Postdoctoral researchers,
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Junior professors,
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Leaders of junior research groups.
Applicants from all academic disciplines are welcome. The foundation especially encourages applications from underrepresented fields, such as the humanities, social sciences, and cultural studies.
To be eligible, applicants must:
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Be conducting an independent research project (either a new or ongoing one),
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Be affiliated with a research institution in Germany or a German institution abroad,
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Hold a temporary academic position for the entire duration of the scholarship or prove that their living expenses are otherwise covered.
🔒 Please note:
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The scholarship cannot be used to cover personal living expenses or to fund permanent academic positions.
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Researchers with tenured positions are not eligible to apply.
What Does the Scholarship Offer?
Each scholarship includes:
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€40,000 in funding,
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Duration: two years,
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Flexible use of funds for:
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Research assistants,
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Technical equipment,
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Research travel,
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Conference participation, etc.
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This program provides a unique opportunity to advance your own research with a high degree of freedom and to take a significant step forward in your academic career.
Application Deadline
🗓 Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM.
Learn More
Detailed information, eligibility requirements, and the application portal are available on the official foundation website:
👉 Daimler and Benz Foundation – Scholarship Program