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
Scheduled Visits
Dr Florencia Baudino
Visit period: 21 September – 21 October 2026
Dr Florencia Baudino from the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague is a researcher in ecological entomology. Her research interests include agricultural entomology, species interactions, biodiversity conservation, nature-based solutions, citizen science and invasive species.
During her stay, she will collaborate with Dr Yves Klinger and Dr Ramiro Ripa at Justus Liebig University Giessen and with Prof. Dr Alexander Zizka and Dr Lea Heidrich at Philipps University Marburg. The fellowship focuses on exchanging expertise in biodiversity data analysis, ecological informatics and deep-learning applications in ecology, as well as developing joint research approaches and further collaboration. Planned activities include joint work on the analysis of citizen-science image data and a hackathon involving researchers and students.
Prof. Dr Ashotosh Mishra
Visit period: 1 June – 31 August 2026
Prof. Dr Ashotosh Mishra from the Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad (IIIT-A) works in the field of applied bioengineering. His current research focuses on AI-based analysis of ECG time series and the generation of synthetic ECG data.
During his stay, he will work primarily with Prof. Dr Michael Guckert, Prof. Dr Jennifer Hannig and Prof. Dr Nicolas Stein at the Technical University of Central Hesse, as well as with Prof. Dr Bernhard Seeger at Philipps University Marburg. Existing research activities on synthetic ECGs and artificial intelligence will be continued and further joint research topics developed. Additional activities include research on deep reinforcement learning, exchange with the TimeXAI project and work on AI-based analysis of acoustic emissions. The fellowship also serves to strengthen the established international collaboration and to prepare joint publications and research proposals.
Dr Huomiao Ran
Visit period: 12 October – 30 December 2026
Dr Huomiao Ran is a researcher at the Institute of Biology Co. Ltd. of the Henan Academy of Sciences in China. Her research focuses on the discovery of bioactive compounds and enzymes from fungi, chemical biology and biosynthesis, as well as their role in sustainable ecosystems.
During her stay, she will collaborate with Prof. Dr Shu-Ming Li and Prof. Dr Raphael Reher at Philipps University Marburg and with Prof. Dr Till F. Schäberle at Justus Liebig University Giessen. The fellowship focuses on exchanging expertise in fungal metabolites and natural products, planning joint research activities and developing future collaborations. The use of AI-supported metabolomics for the discovery of pharmaceutically relevant natural products is also part of the planned research activities.
Dr Boniface Onyeke Agbo
Visit period: 18 October – 17 December 2026
Dr Boniface Onyeke Agbo from Kaduna State University, Nigeria, will return to the Research Campus of Central Hesse as part of the International Fellows Programme. His research focuses on the spatial and temporal distribution and ecology of wild birds, particularly understudied pigeon species.
During his first stay, Dr Agbo established contacts with research groups at Justus Liebig University Giessen (JLU) and Philipps University Marburg (UMR) and gained experience in molecular methods and field research. His hosts are Prof. Dr Petra Quillfeldt (JLU) and Prof. Dr Dana Schabo (UMR). His second visit will continue the joint research activities and focus on analysing the data and samples collected during the first stay. The aim is to develop the results towards publication and further strengthen the basis for long-term scientific collaboration.
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
Dr Boniface Onyeke Agbo, Kaduna State University, Nigeria 01.04.-28.06.2026
Dr Syed Mohammed Shamsul Islam, Edith Cowan University, Australien 07.-13.06.2026
Ld Dr Pragya Singh, Indian Institute of Information Technology Allahabad, Indien, 06.05.-24.07.2026