Scholars at Risk
The Berlin University Alliance has hosted hundreds of scholars at risk through various channels, including the Philipp Schwartz Initiative of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the Einstein Guest Researcher Program for Academic Freedom, among other internal and external funding schemes. Collectively, the universities participate in national and international advocacy for academic freedom, including sustained involvement in the Scholars at Risk Network.
If you are a scholar at risk, the best course of action is to reach out directly to the university most aligned with your field for tailored guidance on eligibility and support:
- Freie Universität Berlin
- Contact: Stefan Rummel, Tel.: +49 30 838-73402,
- Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin
- Contact: Neda Soltani, Welcome Centre, Unter den Linden 6, 10099 Berlin or int.refugees@hu-berlin.de, Tel.: +49 30 2093 20087
- Technische Universität Berlin
- Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin: International Affairs
- Contact: international@charite.de
The Philipp Schwartz Initiative, launched in 2015 by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and the German Federal Foreign Office, offers fellowships to researchers who face serious personal threats in their home countries. Interested researchers cannot apply directly but must be nominated by eligible German institutions; those seeking placement should approach a potential host university to explore nomination possibilities.
The Einstein Guest Researcher Program, funded by the Einstein Foundation Berlin, provides two forms of support to researchers whose academic freedom is restricted or who face threats to their safety. To apply, prospective fellows must secure a host at one of the eligible Berlin institutions, including those in the Berlin University Alliance. Applications are submitted through the host university, not directly to the Einstein Foundation.