The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation: outcomes of support for Australian science and scholarship

Abstract

Some of the funding opportunities through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvHF), which are available to international researchers within any field of scholarship to enable them to pursue their research at any one of many German universities and other research institutes, are reviewed. Recent statistical data for research funding by the AvHF, with a particular focus on funding for Australian researchers, are outlined. These data clearly demonstrate the considerable success that has been afforded to Australian science and scholarship as a result of AvHF funding, by comparison with that from other research funding schemes. Some specific personal examples are discussed in order to illustrate the significant influence that funding from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation has had on Australian science and scholarship and the careers of many Australian researchers.