Regular Fellowships are available for researchers whose Ph.D. (or comparable degree) has been awarded more than five years ago at the time of application and who have already gained substantial professional experience in academia and research. Junior Fellowships are available for early career researchers whose Ph.D. has been awarded less than five years ago at the time of application and who have gained first professional experience in academia and research. Both, a continuation of previous research activities, or starting a new strand of research by using the expertise in the Northwestern region, are welcome. This includes crossing disciplinary boundaries. Collaborations with researchers at regional universities and research institutes are appreciated but in general, they are not a necessary condition for a Fellowship. Researchers based at institutions in the Northwestern region of Germany cannot apply for Regular or Junior Fellowships. They are encouraged, however, to motivate national or international colleagues to apply.

Regular Fellowships and Junior Fellowships can be awarded for a minimum of three and a maximum of ten months. Fellowships require residence at the institute. Regular Fellowships may be split into no more than two periods of residence, only if necessary and not detrimental to the research project. Junior Fellowships cannot be split.