Einstein BUA/Oxford Visiting Fellow

Applications for Einstein BUA/Oxford Visiting Fellows may only be submitted if they refer to one of the Grand Challenge Initiatives set up by the Berlin University Alliance and the University of Oxford. The programme’s aim is to involve visiting fellows from the University of Oxford in Berlin-based collaborative research platforms. The Einstein BUA/Oxford Visiting Fellow programme was created through a partnership between the Berlin University Alliance (BUA) and the Einstein Foundation Berlin. The Einstein Foundation will manage the review process and will ensure the scientific quality of the programme based on an approved multi-stage process.

I. OBJECTIVE

The Einstein BUA/Oxford Visiting Fellow programme aims to enhance the OX/BER science and research collaboration by involving leading scientists and outstanding early career researchers holding an established research position at the University of Oxford in Berlin’s science and research environment. The programme primarily targets researchers whose expertise can sustainably promote specific areas of academic excellence in Berlin. In contrast to typical visiting researchers who stay at an institution for one semester, the goal of the Einstein BUA/Oxford Visiting Fellow programme is to integrate Fellows into Berlin’s academic landscape on a sustainable basis. 

Einstein BUA/Oxford Visiting Fellows are expected to set up a working group in Berlin in consultation with their hosts and either come to Berlin for several short research stays throughout the year or once a year for more than three months to work with the group and be available for junior researchers. They should also foster remote collaboration. While in Berlin, Fellows also work on joint projects with other researchers and run courses and other events in agreement with their host institutions.

Conversely, members of the Fellow’s BUA/Oxford working group and members of the host institution’s working group are also expected to organise research stays at the University of Oxford (meetings, workshops, etc.) in order to promote long-term collaboration with Oxford’s science and research environment.

II. ELIGIBILITY

Applications may be submitted by a Berlin-based Cluster of Excellence funded through Germany’s Excellence Strategy. Einstein Centers, Einstein Research Units, as well as DFG Research Training Groups and Collaborative Research Centers are eligible to apply if they have at least three years of their maximum funding period left. The eligibility of entities who are not (or are no longer) receiving competitively acquired third-party funding is judged on a case-by-case basis and will be permitted providing adequate justification is given.

The OX/BER science and research collaboration, defined as a host research alliance (in analogy to collaborative research platforms such as Collaborative Research Centers, clusters, etc.) are also eligible to apply if the prospective Fellow plays a key role in building the OX/BER science and research collaboration. All applications must be endorsed by the management of the host university or Charité – Universitätsmedizin.

III. FUNDING

The Foundation will provide up to €500,000 over three years or €330,000 for applications for extensions over two years.

These funds are intended for the creation of a working group in Berlin, including a postdoctoral position permanently based in Berlin who can take over that will involve the handling of managerial functions for the group.

The funds may also be used for:

• an appropriate expense allowance for the Einstein BUA/Oxford Visiting Fellow – in accordance with the regulations governing the host institution – to be based on the Fellow’s qualifications and position in his or her home country,
• expenses for directly incurred expenses (including travel and accommodation) as deemed necessary by the Fellow for his or her research project,
• travel and accommodation expenses for stays in Oxford for members of the Fellow’s BUA/Oxford research group and the host researcher.

The host university or Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin will provide the space and infrastructure required. There is no contractual relationship between the Einstein Foundation and Einstein BUA/Oxford Visiting Fellows. All necessary arrangements must be agreed between the institution submitting the application and the BUA/Oxford Visiting Fellow. The respective scientist or scholar will hold the title of “Einstein BUA/Oxford Visiting Fellow” for the duration of the funding. 

IV. FUNDING PERIOD

Funding is provided for a period of three years. At the end of this period, an application for a further two years may be submitted. V.

V. APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications in all disciplines are welcome. Proposals must be made using the application forms provided online by the Einstein Foundation. Application deadlines can be found on the Foundation’s website. If an eligible institution has set internal deadlines for applications to the Einstein Foundation, please contact the relevant person at your institution (see below) in good time.

Applications must include the following:

1. The Einstein Visiting Fellow’s name, curriculum vitae, and list of publications.

2. An explanation of the importance of the Einstein BUA/Oxford Visiting Fellow to the host institution, including information on:

• the joint research project proposed by the Fellow and the host institution,
• past and current research collaborations with the Einstein BUA/Oxford Visiting Fellow being nominated,
• the Einstein BUA/Oxford Visiting Fellow’s expected contribution to enhancing teaching at the host institution,
• the size and focus of the working group to be set up in Berlin,
• the frequency and duration of the Fellow’s proposed visits to Berlin,
• the activities planned to integrate the Fellow into Berlin’s research landscape,
• the administrative and organisational support to be provided by the host institution.

3. An explanation of the importance of the Einstein BUA/Oxford Visiting Fellow for long- and medium-term cooperation between the host institution in Berlin and the University of Oxford.

Please note that applications must be submitted in English.

VI. APPLICATIONS FOR EXTENSIONS

Applications for extensions comprising funding up to €330,000 should also be made using the forms provided by the Einstein Foundation and submitted by the deadlines announced on the Foundation’s website. The same rules and recommendations apply as for the original application (see above, points II.–V.).

Applications for an extension of funding must include the following:

1. A review of the initial funding period and an assessment of the Einstein BUA/Oxford Visiting Fellow’s importance for the host institution during that time, including information on:

• the joint research project conducted by the Fellow and the host institution during the initial period (including any joint publications, events, etc.),
• the Einstein BUA/Oxford Visiting Fellow’s expected contribution to enhancing teaching at the host institution,
• the size and focus of the working group in Berlin during the initial funding period,
• the frequency and duration of the Fellow’s visits to Berlin during the initial funding period,
• the measures adopted to integrate the Fellow into Berlin’s research landscape,
• the administrative and organisational support provided by the host institution.

2. Information on the proposals for the second funding period, including:

• a description of the research project planned by the Fellow and the host institution for the second funding period,
• the Einstein BUA/Oxford Visiting Fellow’s expected contribution to enhancing teaching at the host institution,
• the size and focus of the Berlin working group during the second funding period,
• the frequency and duration of the Fellow’s visits to Berlin during the second funding period,
• the measures adopted to integrate the Fellow into Berlin’s research landscape,
• the administrative and organisational support to be provided by the host institution.

3. An explanation of the added value of the second phase of funding for the OX/BER science and research collaboration and for the medium- and long-term cooperation between the host institution in Berlin and the University of Oxford.

VII. USE OF FUNDS

Grants from the Foundation are disbursed through the budget of the host university or the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin as third-party funding. The host institution acts as employer of persons funded by the Einstein Foundation’s grant and will provide the space and infrastructure required.

Version 1.2, 02/22