Climate protection: International fellowships for young leaders

Interested candidates from developing and emerging countries can now apply again for an International Climate Protection Fellowship offered by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. The deadline for application is 1 December 2012.

 

The International Climate Protection Fellowship brings young leaders from developing and emerging countries to Germany for twelve months. Before submitting their applications, they must have selected and established contact with an appropriate host university or institution, where they will carry out free, independent research on a subject connected with climate protection and resource conservation. The Humboldt fellows also engage in intensive discussion of their research findings, methods and techniques with their host institutions. This year, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation selects up to 15 young qualified leaders. 

 

To be eligible for a an International Climate Protection Fellowship, applicants must have gained a first degree in the last 12 years. They must also have a further academic or professional qualification or have worked in their chosen profession for at least four years. Leadership experience is also a selection criterion.

 

Tomorrow’s experts

 

The International Climate Protection Fellowships are primarily intended for people who are already engaged in climate protection,’ says Francois Buscot, a member of the selection committee. One of the key aims is to promote exchange of ideas among the recipients of the fellowship. To do that, they travel around Germany and get to know organizations engaged in the field of climate protection. The idea is that the fellowship recipients build up a network which they can then draw upon later when they are working around the world as experts in a range of fields.

 

A variety of additional benefits

 

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s support is not merely financial: the fellowship also includes a one or two-month intensive language course, an introductory seminar, training courses and a final meeting in Berlin for all fellows.

For further information and application, please refer to the website of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.