AI Research Fellowship in Heilbronn: Eligibility, Benefits and Application Guide

The fellowship connects international researchers with universities, research institutions, industry partners and innovation organisations across the Bildungscampus Heilbronn.

Fellows can also benefit from opportunities related to technology transfer, entrepreneurship and the development of real-world artificial intelligence applications.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to international researchers who meet the programme's academic and research requirements.

Applicants should:

1. Be a PhD candidate in the final year before their dissertation defence, or

2. Have obtained their PhD or doctorate no more than five years ago

3. Have a strong academic background in Artificial Intelligence or a related field

4. Be affiliated with a university or non-university research institution

5. Plan to conduct a research project at an eligible host institution in Heilbronn

The proposed research project must be related to Artificial Intelligence or a relevant field.

Where Can the Research Be Conducted?

The research stay can take place at eligible universities and research institutions located on the Bildungscampus Heilbronn.

Eligible institutions include:

• DHBW Center for Advanced Studies

• DHBW Heilbronn

• Ferdinand-Steinbeis-Institute

• Fraunhofer HNFIZ

• Heilbronn University of Applied Sciences (HHN)

• Technical University of Munich (TUM) Campus Heilbronn

• Max Planck Institute, Heilbronn

• Campus Founders

Applicants should establish the required connection with an eligible host institution before applying.

What Does the Fellowship Fund?

The programme supports research stays in Artificial Intelligence and related fields.

Fellows can conduct research in an environment that combines:

• Academic research

• Industry collaboration

• Digital infrastructure

• Technology transfer

• Innovation

• Entrepreneurship

• Real-world AI applications

The programme is designed to help researchers advance their scientific work while connecting their research with broader innovation and industry networks in Heilbronn.

Fellowship Duration

The fellowship supports research stays ranging from 1 to 12 months.

Funding is available only within the programme's funding period.

The fellowship cannot normally be extended. Special circumstances may be considered on an individual basis.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows receive:

• €2,800 per month

• Payments towards health, accident and personal liability insurance

• A lump-sum allowance towards international travel costs

Additional support may be available in certain circumstances.

Additional Benefits

Depending on individual eligibility, fellows may receive:

• Support for additional costs resulting from a disability or chronic illness

• Family benefits for eligible fellows applying for a funding period longer than six months

• Other support for special circumstances, assessed individually

How Are Applications Selected?

The fellowship uses a single-stage selection process based on the submitted application documents.

Applications are prepared jointly by the applicant and the proposed host institution. Independent experts appointed by DAAD evaluate the applications.

Partner institutions may also propose candidates.

Experts with a conflict of interest or a direct supervisory relationship with an applicant are excluded from the evaluation process.

Funding is awarded only after a positive evaluation by the appointed experts.

Selection Criteria

Applications are assessed mainly in two areas.

1. Academic Qualification

The evaluation may consider:

• Academic performance

• Grade point average and grade development

• Dissertation grade

• Previous studies and doctoral research

• Publications

• Lectures

• Conference presentations

• Other academic achievements

2. Quality of the Research Project

The proposed research project is assessed based on:

• Originality and relevance of the research topic

• Quality of the research proposal

• Preparation of the project

• Suitability of the proposed host institution

• Feasibility of the research plan

• Consistency of the proposed schedule

• Potential for academic and professional development

• Potential for research application and technology transfer

• Alignment with the objectives of the fellowship

The selection process also considers equal opportunity aspects. Applicants can provide relevant information in their application.

How to Apply?

Applications are submitted online through the DAAD portal.

Applicants should ensure that all required documents are submitted by the application deadline.

If a required document is unavailable when the application is submitted, the applicant must clearly explain why it is missing and state when it will be provided.

Only one application per applicant can be considered at a time. Simultaneous applications cannot be processed.

Eligibility and Fellowship Details at a Glance

Important Points for Applicants

Before applying, applicants should keep the following points in mind:

1. The fellowship is designed for Artificial Intelligence and related research fields.

2. It is intended for international PhD candidates and recent PhD holders.

3. PhD candidates should normally be in the final year before their dissertation defence.

4. PhD holders should have obtained their doctorate no more than five years ago.

5. A suitable host institution in Heilbronn is required.

6. Research stays can last from 1 to 12 months.

7. The monthly fellowship payment is €2,800.

8. Travel and insurance support are available under the programme conditions.

9. Applications are submitted through the DAAD portal.

10. Only one application per applicant can be considered at a time.

11. The research proposal and academic qualifications are important parts of the selection process.