Applicants with above-average qualifications from all faculties may apply. They must have completed their doctorate with excellent results before the start of funding. There are no restrictions regarding nationality and current residency. However, depending on nationality and place of residence, restrictions may apply when choosing the destination country for the stay abroad. Only candidates with an excellent scientific record, including at least one publication (coauthorship is accepted), will be considered. You must have completed your doctorate before the start of funding with excellent marks. If the doctorate is not graded, the decision lies with the DAAD selection committee. While not recommended, it is possible to apply in the final stages of the doctorate. You may apply up to six years after the (first) doctorate. Parental and care periods are considered. Applicants who are EU nationals, resident citizens, or have been continuously active in research for three years’ full-time equivalent in the EU prior to the time of recruitment may spend their research stay outside of the EU. All other applicants must stay in the European Union for their 12- months “abroad” phase. Applicants who already have a permanent employment contract with the prospective host institution for the intended research activity are not eligible for funding. Re-application is only possible once - within a maximum of 2 years - after consultation with the PRIME team. The improvements must be labelled in your project proposal and explained on an extra page.