“The program is meant to bring international ideas and impulses to the department’s research groups and networks,” says Professor Matthias Rillig, Dean of the Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy at Freie Universität. The fellows will take part in the research activities of their host research groups or networks and publish findings together with them.

The Rising Star Program is intended primarily for researchers from abroad. Application materials should be submitted online and must include a cover letter, a CV with a list of publications, a two- to four-page project outline with specific plans for collaborative work with research groups at Freie Universität, as well as reference letters from two research groups within the Department of Biology, Chemistry, Pharmacy. Applicants can potentially increase their chances of success if they submit project proposals that involve two research groups from two different institutes within the department, meaning the applicant’s project spans both groups and strengthens cooperative interactions between them.