Science Tour in Germany 2012

Science Tour “Research in Germany” 2012: Understanding Biodiversity and Climate Change

The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) invites scientists and administrators from universities and research institutions to participate in a tour with focus on interdisciplinary research in biodiversity and climate change in Germany. The dates are November 25 to December 1, 2012. The call addresses foreign researchers and administrators who are attempting to initiate close cooperation with German colleagues, either in their specific research area or at an institutional level.

The Topic

Understanding biodiversity and climate change is an enormous task for the scientific community. Mastering this challenge might be decisive for the future well-being of mankind. International and interdisciplinary cooperation is an essential precondition for successful work in this area. Germany has made considerable endeavors in fostering new research approaches. Outstanding examples will be presented to the participants of the tour.  The tour will provide an overview of cutting-edge research at German universities and non-university research institutions, as well as graduate education at the interface of various disciplines. Comprehensive information on funding opportunities for cooperation in education and research will also be provided.

The Program

In order to provide an optimum basis for the initiation of joint projects, the program will focus on issues related to biodiversity and climate change. However, due to the broad range of institutions involved, we expect the tour to be valuable to participants with more general interests as well.

Presently, visits to the following institutions are planned (tbc):  Universities

Research Institutions

  • Max Planck Institute for Biogeochemistry, Jena  (https://www.bgc-jena.mpg.de/)
  • The Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ (https://www.ufz.de)
  • German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research – iDiv (Institute in construction)

(https://www.idiv-biodiversity.de/)

The Program starts on Sunday, 25 November at 5pm in Jena.

The DAAD is responsible for the organization and implementation of the tour.  All program-related costs in Germany (accommodation, travel, most meals) will be borne by the DAAD. International travel will be at the participants’ expense.

Who May Apply?

There are two types of applicants:

Research Application: Applicants are typically experienced scientists with a research profile in the topic of the science tour and with a strong interest in international cooperation. They must have held a PhD/doctorate for at least two years and be affiliated with a non-German university/research institute

Application for Administrators: Applicants are policy makers in national agencies and other experts in the fields of science and higher education.

All applicants should be in a position to initiate and to manage major projects in cutting-edge research or educational cooperation. They should not have recently participated in another informational trip to Germany. German language skills are not essential, as the program will be conducted in English.

Your Application

To apply and for more information, please visit the website www.research-in-germany.de/sciencetour2012 and send us your CV, a list of publications, and a letter of motivation (one page).

The application deadline is 15 September, 2012.

Next Steps:

15 September:             Application Deadline

15-30 September:        Applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee

1-5 October:                Applicants receive their letters of acceptance or refusal

Sunday, 25 November, 5pm:     Start of the Science Tour Program

About “Research in Germany”

The “Science Tour” is part of the initiative to “Promote Innovation and Research in Germany”, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Under the brand “Research in Germany – Land of Ideas”, various activities are being organized in order to strengthen and expand R&D collaboration between Germany and international partners. The topic Biodiversity and Climate Change was chosen on the occasion of the BMBF Science Year 2012 – Project EARTH: Our Future.