Green Talents Competition 2017

Q. Who can apply?
A.Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Enrolment in a Masters or a PhD program in any field related to sustainable development or must have completed their degree (Master/PhD) with significantly above-average grades in a similar program no more than three years before the end of the application process.
• Excellent proven command of English
• A non-German citizen or anyone not residing in Germany (individuals therefore not eligible to apply: German passport holders as well as anyone living in Germany at the time of application even if the residence is temporary).
• No exceptions to these requirements can be accepted. Ineligible applications will automatically be disqualified.
• The Green Talents Competition focuses on outstanding young scientists who are active in the field of sustainable development. The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) fosters interdisciplinary approaches in this regard. Applicants can, therefore, come from any scientific field closely related to sustainability research. In view of the fact that this year the award focuses on “Sustainable Production and Consumption” we particularly welcome submissions relating to this topic in the 2017 Green Talents Competition. However, the competition is still open to all fields and offers equal opportunities to win.

Q. How can I apply?
A.Applications can only be submitted via an online tool. Documents that are sent to us by e-mail cannot be accepted. Please note that applications cannot be changed once they have been submitted nor can any missing documents be handed in after the deadline.

Q. Can we apply as a team?
A.This program is directed at and looking for outstanding individuals with exceptional characters. We look at an individual's research potential and their passion for what they do and where we think this might take them some day. Luckily, everyone is different and it is this uniqueness that we want to cherish. It is therefore not possible to apply as a team. In addition, it is not only about what you do now but also about what your aspirations are for the future. This is why we do not fund projects but aim to foster individual development.

Q. What is in it for me?
A.The prestigious Green Talents program offers you the unique opportunity to become part of an exceptional worldwide network of outstanding young minds and leading German institutions. The first part of the prize consists of an invitation to a two-week Science Forum in Germany, where you will be introduced to renowned research facilities and have individual meetings with experts (individual appointments). Here you will learn about potential collaborations and experience the country’s excellent research infrastructure at close hand. In addition, a workshop on research and funding opportunities will provide you with further information for your future research stay in Germany. The journey will culminate within a festive award ceremony hosted by a high-level representative from the BMBF (this was conducted by the Federal Minister personally in 2010/2012/2014).

Q. Which research facilities will be visited during the Science Forum?
A.The research facilities that are visited as part of the Science Forum change every year in order to demonstrate the broad scope of the German research environment. We try to create a mix of research institutes, universities and companies and also to include Germany's major research organizations, namely the Fraunhofer Society, Helmholtz Association, Max Planck Society and Leibniz Association.

Q. What is required from me during the application process?
A. You first need to make sure that you meet the mandatory requirements in order to apply for the Green Talents Competition. Applications can only be submitted via an online tool. This will guide you through the application process. Please note that the application will take some time. However, you can take a break and save the information you have completed and continue at a later stage.

Q. What new perspective are you providing to sustainability research? What is your professional goal?
A. How is your research/work related to sustainability science in Germany? Please also indicate which of the institutions in this year’s Science Forum are most relevant to you and why.

Q. What do you expect to gain from the Green Talents Award for your future career?
A. Letter of recommendation: letter in which the author assesses the qualities, characteristics, and capabilities of the person being recommended in terms of the individual’s ability to perform a particular task or function.
This should focus on your career as a scientist and activities up until now,
must be in English, should not be older than 6 months, can be written by current or past supervisors from either academia or industry. It is mandatory to indicate the level of your English skills and to add an English language certificate to your application. For example, this can be a certificate from a language examination (TOEFL, IELTS etc.), a certificate from language classes you have taken or confirmation from your university that your courses are taught in English. As a native speaker, please simply fill out and attach the declaration of proficiency in English signed by yourself, indicating your full proficiency.

Q. Who are the experts I should nominate in my application?
A. When applying to the Green Talents Competition, you will be asked to name at least three German experts (mandatory requirement) you would like to meet during the Science Forum if you are selected (see individual appointments). These experts must be based in Germany but do not have to work at any of the institutions we will visit or be a member of the jury. You can nominate someone of your choice but you should bear in mind that the individual appointments are intended to help you find a host for your Research Stay the following year. You should, therefore, consider someone from your own field of expertise and start to think about what you would potentially discuss with them. It is not necessary or essential to contact the experts before nominating them.

Q. What does the funding include?
A. When selected as a “Green Talent”, you will be invited to a two-week Science Forum in Germany (which takes place in October 2017). This means that the BMBF will cover your travel expenses (to/from Germany and during the trip) as well as your meals and accommodation during the forum. Costs for health insurance and visa fees cannot be covered and must be paid by the participants.