Hector Research Career Development Award

The period between postdoc and professorship is crucial for the career of scientists. For this reason, the Hector Fellow Academy launched the Hector Research Career Development Award in 2020 as a program to support the career development of scientists at this stage of their careers.

Through the award, outstanding scientists will not only be supported within the framework of their submitted research project, but will also be able to draw on a valuable network as part of the scientific community in the Hector Fellow Academy. In addition, they gain visibility for their research and support in recruiting young scientists.

Scientists with the following qualifications can apply for the Hector Research Career Development Award:

• W1 assistant professorship (with or without Tenure Track) or are you an ambitious leader of a junior research group (e.g., Emmy Noether, ERC Starting Grant, or similar)
• background in the natural or engineering sciences, medicine or psychology
• Doctorate or PhD-equivalent with outstanding results & completion less than 7 years ago (Exceptions may apply e.g., clinical training, parental leave, see program information)
• Temporary employment at a German university or research institution supporting the application
• Formal or content-related right to supervise a doctorate
• Support by the head of institute for the project

Deadline for submission: October 30, 2026 at: Application - Hector Fellow Academy

How to apply for the HRCDAwrad. >>Video

The application must be sent via our application portal. Applications submitted outside the application period cannot be considered.

Further information under Hector RCD Award