The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation recently selected 39 German universities and research institutions for the second round of the Philipp Schwartz Initiative (PSI), which will allow these institutions to host researchers who are seeking refuge in Germany because they are threatened by war or persecution in their home countries. The Foundation’s support will allow 46 researchers from Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Burundi, Yemen, Sudan and Tajikistan to continue their academic work in Germany for two years as Philipp Schwartz Fellows at the selected institutions. IIE-SRF remains a proud partner on this important initiative, providing German institutions with assistance in identifying and evaluating candidates, and sharing IIE-SRF’s expertise on the academic, family, and other support that host campuses can offer to scholars during and after the fellowship.

Read more about the second round here>>

Dr. Henry Jarecki (center) with Heidelberg Lord Mayor Eckart Würzner and Baden-Württemberg Minister of Science Theresia Bauer

On December 7^th, the German state of Baden-Württemberg announced a new program to provide fellowships to persecuted scholars and to support their placement at universities, where they can continue their academic work in freedom and safety. This new program is a multilateral response, set up as a public-private partnership involving the Ministry of Science, Research, and Arts of the state of Baden-Württemberg, the Baden-Württemberg Stiftung, the Max Jarecki Foundation, and IIE-SRF. The Baden-Württemberg Fund for Persecuted Scholars will coordinate its work with other efforts to assist threatened academics, such as the Philipp Schwartz Initiative implemented by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. “The need today is very great, with scholars around the world facing fresh repression and conflict,” said Dr. Henry G. Jarecki, who leads the Max Jarecki Foundation and is IIE-SRF Chairman Emeritus. “We welcome Germany’s increasing role as a safe haven country for academic refugees. With the support of Baden-Württemberg, we are launching a new excellence initiative for scholars in need of protection, placing them within a robust state system of higher education that welcomes diversity and innovation.” Dr. Jarecki was recently presented the Officer’s Cross Order of Merit award by President of Germany Joachim Gauck for his work to advance U.S.-German relations and to save threatened scholars from around the world.

Read the full press release here>>

IIE-SRF announces a January 9, 2017 deadline for its next round of applications from scholars facing threats to their lives or careers. IIE-SRF fellowships support temporary academic positions at colleges, universities, and other research institutions anywhere in the world that allow the scholars to continue their academic work in safety.

Professors, researchers, and public intellectuals from any country, field, or discipline may apply. Qualifying applicants are currently facing or have recently fled from direct and immediate threats.

• Preference is given to scholars with a Ph.D. or other terminal degree in their field, and who have extensive teaching or research experience at an institution of higher learning.
• Women and scholars from under-represented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Students or professionals seeking funding to pursue academic studies or training are not eligible.

More information on eligibility can be found here>>