An esteemed and generously financed program, the Klaus Tschira Boost Fund (KTBF) Scholarship 2025 provides financial assistance to early-career postdoctoral researchers in computer science, mathematics, and the natural sciences in Germany. This program, which is run by the German Scholars Organization (GSO) and funded by the Klaus Tschira Foundation, gives winners up to €120,000 spread over 24 months. Of that amount, a maximum of €67,000 goes toward salaries, with the remaining funds going toward staffing, equipment, or travel expenses associated with the research.
In addition to financial assistance, the KTBF offers networking opportunities, leadership development, and one-on-one coaching to help researchers become more independent and visible in the scientific community. In order to continue working together and receiving assistance, fellows also join the interdisciplinary network AlumNode.
Candidates must not currently hold a permanent position or be in charge of an independent junior research group, and they must be working for or have received a job offer from a German public research organization or university. Selected fellows are required to attend a kickoff event in Berlin in June 2026, and projects are expected to start between May and October 2026.
Applications must be submitted by October 1, 2025, at 23:59 CEST. The application process will be explained in a webinar for applicants on July 7, 2025. For students who are prepared to take risks in their scientific careers and direct their own research agenda in Germany, this fellowship is perfect.
Host Country: Germany
Provider: Klaus Tschira Foundation in collaboration with the German Scholars Organization (GSO)
Opportunity Type: Postdoctoral
Eligibility Country: International Students
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Eligibility Criteria:
- must be a postdoctoral researcher currently employed and possess a completed Ph.D.
- connected to a reputable scientific organization or a public university in Germany.
- carrying out active research in fields that qualify (clinical natural sciences excluded).
- should not be employed as a permanent researcher or academic.
- must not possess substantial independent support (such as an Emmy Noether Program or an ERC Starting Grant).
Benefits:
- Up to €120,000 in financing over two years.
- comprises a maximum gross pay of €67,000 per year.
- Personnel, travel, materials, publications, and other project-related costs can be covered with the remaining funds.
- backs a two-year study project.
- access to leadership, time management, project planning, and research impact programs for personal growth.
- participation in the professional alumni network AlumNode, which fosters cooperation and information sharing.
Deadline: October 1, 2025
