Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2026 and Bayer Foundation, Germany

The Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2026 empower exceptional students and researchers to become the “boundary-breakers” of the future. By providing substantial financial support for international research projects and internships, these fellowships facilitate global scientific exchange. Consequently, participants gain unique perspectives and develop essential skills required to tackle modern challenges in life sciences, agriculture, and medicine.

Program Highlights

FeatureDetails
Program TitleBayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships
Organizing InstitutionBayer Foundation
Funding AmountUp to €10,000 per applicant
DurationUp to 6 months (Academic) / 12 months (Teachers)
Application WindowFebruary 18 – April 15, 2026
Target AudienceMaster, PhD, Medical Students, and STEM Teachers

Program Overview

The fellowships aim to foster innovation across multiple scientific disciplines by supporting international placements. Students based in Germany must undertake their research in a different country, while those studying outside Germany must conduct their fellowship at a German research institution. This structural requirement ensures a truly global exchange of knowledge. Furthermore, the foundation prioritizes diversity, specifically encouraging applications from women, researchers from low-to-middle-income countries, and parents with caring responsibilities.

Specialized Fellowship Categories

Bayer Foundation offers several distinct fellowship tracks, each honoring the legacy of pioneering scientists:

  • Fellowship in Drug Discovery Sciences: Open to Master or PhD students in pharmacy, data science, or related fields with relevance to the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Fellowship for Agricultural Science: Targeted at students focusing on studies relevant to the Crop Science industry.
  • Fellowship for Medical Sciences: Available to students of human and veterinary medicine, medical engineering, and public health.
  • Fellowship for Climate & Health: A new category focusing on the impact of climate change on health, particularly neglected tropical diseases and cardio-renal health.
  • Fellowship for STEM Teachers: Designed for teachers in Germany to enhance “Trust in Science” through data literacy and scientific communication projects.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for these prestigious awards, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Academic Status: Must be currently enrolled as a Master, PhD, or Medical student (Human/Veterinary).
  • STEM Teachers: Must be currently working or studying in Germany with a focus on STEM subjects and up to 10 years of experience.
  • Project Relevance: The proposed international project must align with the specific fellowship category (e.g., Agricultural Science or Drug Discovery).
  • Internationality: The fellowship must involve a cross-border placement (Germany to abroad, or abroad to Germany).

Funding & Learning Outcomes

Participants receive financial backing to cover travel, living costs, and project-related expenses. Specifically, the fellowship aims to achieve the following outcomes:

  • Skill Development: Gaining hands-on experience in international laboratory settings.
  • Network Building: Establishing relationships with global industry leaders and academic experts.
  • Data Literacy: Especially for teachers, improving the ability to analyze and communicate scientific data effectively.
  • Career Advancement: Access to the “Boundary-Breaking Science Series” and a global network of alumni.

Registration Details (Table Format)

ItemInformation
Application Start DateFebruary 18, 2026
Submission DeadlineApril 15, 2026
Max Funding Per Fellow€10,000
Contact Emailbayer.fellowship@bayer.com
Application PortalBayer Foundation Digital Portal

Additional Opportunity: Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting

In addition to the standard fellowships, the foundation supports 20 early career researchers as Bayer Foundation-Lindau Fellows. This program offers an unmatched opportunity to interact directly with Nobel laureates. While the application is managed independently by the Lindau Nobel Foundation, it provides a unique evening of scientific exchange with leading industry personalities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the maximum amount of funding available?
Successful applicants can receive up to €10,000 to support their international research stays or internships.

Can a student based in Germany apply for a project within Germany?
No, students studying in Germany must undertake their placements in a second country to be eligible for the Bayer Foundation Scientific Fellowships 2026.

Who can apply for the STEM Teacher fellowship?
This specific track is only available to trainee teachers or qualified teachers (up to 10 years experience) currently working or studying in Germany.

When is the application deadline for the 2026 cycle?
The digital portal for applications closes on April 15, 2026.

What does “Trust in Science” mean for the teacher fellowship?
It refers to activities that help students understand scientific principles, analyze data, and critically evaluate scientific information in the media.

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