GRAFA

The programme “Future Network Weimar Triangle: Science for Europe” aims to expand the political initiative “Weimar Triangle”, launched in 1991 by the foreign ministers of Germany, France, and Poland, to include a sustainable science platform (to promote trilateral cooperation between Germany, France, and Poland). The programme aims to develop innovative solutions to European and global challenges through joint research projects and to strengthen European integration and the European Research Area through networking and exchange.

Who can apply?

PhD students from all disciplines who wish to apply for a research stay up to 12 months in Germany and would like to get involved in the Weimar Triangle network and who are working on the following future-oriented topics:

• Technologies for climate-neutral energy production and mobility, as well as climate protection) (e.g., fusion technologies, decarbonization of the economy and expansion of renewable energy, energy storage, and cross-border infrastructure)
• Artificial intelligence and digitalization, as well as microelectronics (e.g., strengthening Europe’s digital sovereignty, research on AI applications, ethical standards, and cybersecurity; research on innovative, AI-enabled chip applications)
• Security in Europe and the resilience of the scientific system (e.g., knowledge security, research data security; research on countering hybrid threats, risk management; security of key strategic technologies and critical raw materials; science communication)
• Biotechnology and medicine of the future (e.g., resilient agricultural and food systems, innovative diagnostics and therapies, bioeconomy, medical tech-nology, and sustainable health research)
• Challenges, impacts, and benefits of new technologies on and for society (social sciences and humanities research, e.g., on human-machine interaction and the challenges posed by new technologies to the state and society in Europe).

The scholarship is awarded on the condition of active participation in one of the working groups throughout the scholarship period. A sustained commitment to the working group even after the end of the funding period is encouraged.

What can be funded?

Funding is provided for research stays in Germany as part of a doctoral programme or individual doctorate in France or Poland. The research projects may be conducted at universities or non-university research institutions in Germany.

In addition to promoting mobility, a central component of the programme is the establishment of working groups designed to identify common interests and research areas, support interdisciplinary projects, and build long-term networks. The working groups consist of programme fellows, doctorate candidates, postdocs, relevant DAAD alumni, partners and university faculty, thereby forming an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary community.

This programme funds exchanges between scientists and researchers from Germany and partner countries. Applications may also be submitted as a tandem. Please indicate this in the comments field of the application form if you have organised a research project jointly with other applicants.

Application deadline: June 15, 2026

More information here: https://www.daad.de/en/the-daad/future-network-weimar-triangle/

 

The German Thesis Award, presented by the Körber Foundation, honours the best doctoral graduates in Germany from all disciplines each year. The award focuses on the broader social relevance of a particular piece of research. Applications must be submitted in German.

You can find out more about the terms and conditions of participation here:
https://koerber-stiftung.de/projekte/deutscher-studienpreis/teilnehmen/