Applications are now open for the Digital GreenTalents Award for aspiring young scientists 2025. It focuses on how digitalization can promote greater sustainability in science and society. Aspiring young scientists are invited to Germany for a three-month research stay to turn their ideas and ambitions into reality.
The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) hosts the prestigious “Digital GreenTalents—High Potentials in Sustainable Development” Award to promote the international exchange of innovative green ideas at the intersection of digitalization and sustainable development.
The competition is not only about what you do now but also about what your aspirations are for the future. The award does not fund research projects but aims to foster individual development. A high-level jury of German experts will help the ministry in selecting 20 high-potentials to be honored as this year’s “Digital GreenTalents.
Requirements
Applicants must meet the following mandatory requirements:
- Current enrollment in a doctoral program or current enrollment in the last year of a master’s program. PhDs who have completed their degree no more than three months before the application deadline are also eligible to apply. Master’s students should plan to start a PhD and be able to provide an idea for their future research.
- (Planned) PhD research topics applying digital methods for sustainability. Your research should combine digitalization and sustainable development. If you are a master’s student, please tell us what your research topic might be.
- Age: up to 30 years. By the time of the application deadline, you should not be 31 years old yet. Exceptions are possible for special circumstances hindering your career, e.g., child care or caring for family members. See “How do I include maternity leave or similar in my application?” for further details.
- Proven very good knowledge of English For details, please refer to the question “What kind of certificate of English language proficiency do I need to submit?”
- Distinctly above average grades Please do not forget to submit documents including grades (not only certificates of graduation).
- Interest and commitment to actively participate in all parts of the Digital GreenTalents program
Benefits | Digital GreenTalents Award
The 2025 Digital GreenTalents Award includes:
- A formal virtual award ceremony with your fellow Digital GreenTalents and special guests
- A fully funded on-site research stay of up to three months at an institution or company of your choice in Germany in 2026. The research stay will be fully sponsored by the BMBF.
- Mentoring for targeted support for integration into the German research landscape and the German GreenTech labour market
- Invitation to a one-week Spring School during your research stay in 2026, where you will gain valuable knowledge and be part of the Digital GreenTalent community
- Exclusive access to the prestigious Digital GreenTalents alumni network.
In addition to international travel to and from the research stay, travel to and from the SpringSchool within Germany will also be funded by the BMBF.
