The German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) hosts the ” Green Talents – International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development” to promote the international exchange of innovative green ideas. The award, under the patronage of Minister Professor Johanna Wanka, honours young researchers each year from numerous countries and scientific disciplines for their outstanding achievements in making their societies more sustainable.
The award is open to all disciplines as long as it is related to sustainable development. In 2017 the award has a focus on “Sustainable Production and Consumption”.
Eligibility
The competition is open to individuals who:
–Are enrolled in a Masters or a PhD programme in any field related to sustainable development or must have completed their degree (Master/PhD) with significantly above-average grades in a similar programme no more than three years before the end of the application process.
– Have excellent proven command of English
– Are non-German citizens or e not residing in Germany (individuals therefore not eligible to apply: German passport holders as well as anyone living in Germany at the time of application even if the residence is temporary).
No exceptions to these requirements can be accepted. Ineligible applications will automatically be disqualified.
Application Requirements
The selection will be based on an applicants’ achievements in the field of sustainable development and their specific interest in cooperating with German partners.
The application consists of the following four parts:
- Forms with personal information and questions about academic and professional career, including details about university degrees, research work, lists of publications, etc.
- Questions regarding your motivation to participate in the forum.
- A brief explanation of actual research by showing how it relates to sustainable development and demonstrate your interdisciplinary interest.
- What new perspective are you providing to sustainability research? What is your professional goal?
- What do you expect to gain from the Green Talents Award for your future career?
It is mandatory to indicate the level of your English skills and to add an English language certificate to your application. For example, this can be a certificate from a language examination (TOEFL, IELTS etc.), a certificate from language classes you have taken or confirmation from your university that your courses are taught in English.