Yes. Researchers with German citizenship are also eligible for funding, provided that they are working at a foreign university or research institution at the time of application.
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International Fellows @ FCMH
Globally Connected. At Home in Central Hessen.
Research thrives on encounters and perspectives. At the Research Campus of Central Hessen (FCMH), we promote exchange with outstanding researchers from all over the world and attract international talent to the science region of Central Hessen – for research that inspires, connects, and broadens horizons.
With the International Fellows @ FCMH programme, we are opening up new avenues of collaboration for you: you can invite international guests, initiate joint projects, and strengthen the visibility of your research in the long term. Whether it's publications, follow-up applications, co-teaching, or workshops, the programme supports you in building partnerships that extend far beyond individual projects.

Application Requirements
- Applicants: Researchers at postdoctoral level or above from the three FCMH universities are eligible to apply.
- Fellows: Postdocs and established researchers who are living and working abroad at the time of application and are employed at a university or research institution abroad are eligible for funding as International Fellows @ FCMH. In exceptional cases, funding may also be available for advanced doctoral candidates.
- Goal: building networks. Fellows should be given the opportunity to expand their networks at all three FCMH universities and at regional partner institutions. A visit plan outlining how networking at FCMH universities will take place is a central component of the application. Designated hosts accompany and support fellows in networking within their respective institutions.
- Applications are accepted at any time and are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Please note that applications can be accepted only until June 15, 2026, and the visits must take place and be completed within the year 2026.
Note on the application process: Incoming applications are first reviewed by the FCMH Management Office. The FCMH Research Council then evaluates the proposal, particularly with regard to its potential for fostering connections within the research campus. The final funding decision is made by the Board of Directors.
What Does the “International Fellows@FCMH” Programme Offer?
- Stays of at least one week and up to a maximum of three months are eligible for funding. The exact duration depends on the individual research project and the planned networking activities.
- The programme provides International Fellows with lump-sum grants to give them the greatest possible freedom for research, cooperation, and exchange during their stay in Central Hessen:
- Travel allowance: depending on country of origin (based on DAAD rates)
- Accommodation fee: €500 per month / €125 per week
- Mobility allowance: €50 per month / €15 per week (to promote regional mobility during your stay)
- Meal allowance: €1,000 per month / €250 per week
- Family allowance: €500 per month / €125 per week (if it is necessary to bring your family with you)
- Support from A to Z: With the International Fellows Programme, we make your stay and that of your guests as easy and rewarding as possible. The FCMH office supports you in all organizational matters—from finding accommodation and networking at our universities to administrative procedures. In addition, we ensure that fellows have an all-round positive experience with a tailor-made accompanying program. Personal advice, involvement in regional scientific events, and targeted networking open up new opportunities for exchange, cooperation, and sustainable partnerships.
FAQ
Can German researchers also receive funding?
How far in advance of the planned stay should an application be submitted?
We recommend that you apply approximately six months before your fellow's planned arrival, as visa processing times can take several months in some countries of origin. In cases where a visa is not required, applications can also be submitted at shorter notice. The application review and decision process usually takes two to three weeks. Please note that applying at short notice can make finding accommodation significantly more difficult.
How are the costs of the stay billed?
The money will be transferred directly to the international fellows upon their arrival; for longer stays, it will be transferred monthly. All costs incurred can be covered independently from these funds. Even when staying in one of the guest houses, the fellows pay the costs themselves from the fellowship funds. Upon request, the travel allowance can be paid out in advance; however, if the visit does not take place, the amount must be refunded.
Who is responsible for booking accommodation?
Once the visit period has been determined, the FCMH office will assist you in reserving a place in the university guest houses upon request. However, as these are in high demand, no place can be guaranteed. If no accommodation is available in the guest houses, the fellow must book accommodation independently (the office will be happy to help with recommendations for well-located accommodation). In any case, all accommodation costs must be covered by the fellowship provided.
Current Fellows
Dr Boniface Onyeke Agbo, Kaduna State University, Nigeria
Visit period: 1 April – 30 June 2026
Host institutions: JLU, UMR
Hosts: Prof. Dr Petra Quillfeldt (JLU), Prof. Dr Dana Schabo (UMR)
Dr. Boniface Onyeke Agbo from Kaduna State University (Nigeria) is visiting Justus Liebig University Giessen and Philipps University Marburg as part of the International Fellows Programme. His research focuses on bird ecology, particularly the distribution, diet, and parasitology of wild Columbids.
During his stay, he collaborates with Prof. Dr. Petra Quillfeldt (JLU) and Prof. Dr. Dana Schabo (UMR). The visit aims to enhance methodological expertise in field and laboratory techniques and to prepare joint research proposals and long-term collaborations.
Scheduled Visits
Dr Pragya Singh, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Indien
Dr. Pragya Singh from the Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad (India) is visiting the Technical University of Central Hesse and Justus Liebig University Giessen as part of the International Fellows Programme. Her research focuses on marketing, finance, and emotional intelligence.
During her stay, she collaborates with Prof. Dr. Simon Kiesel and Prof. Dr. Juliane Staubach (THM) as well as Prof. Dr. Monika Schuhmacher (JLU). The visit aims to advance joint research activities and to establish long-term collaborations in the fields of marketing and digital entrepreneurship.
Dr Syed Mohammed Shamsul Islam, Edith Cowan University, Australien
Dr. Syed Mohammed Shamsul Islam from Edith Cowan University (Australia) is visiting the Technical University of Central Hesse, Justus Liebig University Giessen and Philipps University Marburg as part of the International Fellows Programme. His research focuses on computer science, particularly artificial intelligence.
During his stay, he collaborates with Prof. Dr. Rahamatullah Khondoker (THM), Prof. Dr. Elmar Tischhauser (UMR), and further partners. A key component of the visit is his participation in the International Research and Teaching Days 2026 at THM. The visit aims to strengthen international networking and to initiate joint research projects, particularly in the fields of AI and cybersecurity.
Previous Fellows
Prof. Dr Teresa Roldán-Arjona und Prof. Dr. Rafael Ariza, Cordoba University, Spain, 22.01. - 29.01.2024
Prof. Dr Gaby Pailer, University of British Columbia, 10.06. - 17. 06.2024
Dr K. Allison Hammer, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, 27.06. - 17.07.2024
Dr Mohcine Laarraj, School of Aerospace Engineering at Sapienza University of Rome, 12.05. - 11.08.2024
Prof. Dr Tommaso Beggio, University Trento, 11.09. - 18.10.2024
Dr Karina Bénazech Wendling, Université de Lorraine, 09.12. - 15.12.2024
Dr Bernardino José Bernardo, Pedagogical University Maputo, Mozambik, 13.03. - 12.05.2025
Dr Jorgelina Franzese, CONICET-UNComa, Argentina, 01.04.- 30.06.2025
Prof. Dr Ilva Dana Rupenthal, The University of Auckland, New Zealand, 16.06. - 11.07.2025
Prof. Dr Ashutosh Mishra, Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT-A), India, 01.06. - 31.08.2025
Dr Luciele Guerra Minuzzi, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil , 15.07. - 15.10.2025
Dr Nikolaos Alexandridis, Lund University, Sweden, 17.11. - 28.11.2025
Dr José Luis Carmona Jiménez, Rumanian Academy (IMAR), Romania, 15.09. - 30.11.2025
Caroline Giraud, Ph.D., Université de Caen, France, 08.12.2025-12.12.2025
Jonathan Armando Patiño, Córdoba University, Argentinia, 15.10.2025-15.01.2026
Ass. Prof. Dr Heloise Weber, University of Queensland, Australia, 03.11.2025-02.02.2026
Ferrucio Romano, MD, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Italien, 12.01.-07.02.2026
Sonia Simon, University Jaume I, Spain, 01.01.-31.03.2026