With 70 universities and more than 50 non-university research institutions, North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) is the largest science hub in the heart of Europe.

With the Returning Scholars Program, the NRW Ministry of Culture and Science aims to encourage young scientists from abroad to return to North Rhine-Westphalia. Applicants should have lived in Germany before going abroad (they don’t have to be German citizens).

The current call is aimed at scientists working in the field of Future Computing. This field is broadly defined, so that applications from areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, High-Performance Computing, IT Security, Quantum and Neuromorphic Computing are eligible. 

With funding of up to €1.25 million for five years, the program enables researchers to set up their own junior research group at a university in NRW.

The NRW Ministry for Culture and Science has compiled all information on the requirements and application process on the program page (in German).

Apllications can be submitted in German or English.

Deadline: 9 January 2025, 16:00 CET

Further information

• Academic Career Perspectives in Germany: Junior Research Groups