Germany–CGIAR++ Junior Scientist Program 2026: €6,000 Scholarship for Early-Career Researchers

Dreaming of Global Research? Germany–CGIAR++ Opens €6,000 Junior Scientist Scholarships for 2026

Applications are now open for the Germany–CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub Junior Scientist Program (JSP) 2026.

Job Title: Junior Scientist Program (JSP) 2026
Job Location: Global South research placements (Hosted through German universities/research institutions and CGIAR++ Centres)
Closing Date: 15 August 2026
Contract: 6-Month Research Scholarship
This prestigious international research opportunity is designed for early-career researchers seeking practical field experience, scientific mentorship, and interdisciplinary training while contributing to sustainable agriculture, climate action, and resilient food systems.

Hosted through the Germany–CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub, the programme strengthens collaboration between German research institutions and the international CGIAR++ system, including CGIAR Centres, the World Vegetable Center (WorldVeg), and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe).

Successful candidates will undertake a six-month research placement jointly supervised by a German university or research institution and a CGIAR++ partner organisation.

About the Programme
The Germany–CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub connects Germany’s scientific expertise with leading international agricultural research institutions to address global development challenges.

The programme empowers emerging researchers through:

International field research experience
Expert academic and scientific supervision
Interdisciplinary capacity-building
Professional development seminars and courses
Opportunities to contribute towards:
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Paris Climate Agreement
Global food security
Climate resilience
Sustainable agriculture
Scholarship Benefits
Successful applicants will receive:

€6,000 scholarship to support a six-month international research placement
Joint supervision by a German university/research institution and a CGIAR++ partner
Scientific training through seminars and professional development courses
Hands-on field research experience in the Global South
Mentorship from internationally recognised researchers
Access to international research collaborations and networking opportunities
Key Responsibilities
Selected Junior Scientists will:
Conduct six months of field-based research
Contribute to an ongoing CGIAR++ research programme or project
Collaborate with German and international research teams
Participate in scientific training and capacity-building activities
Produce high-quality research that supports sustainable development goals.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
Be enrolled in a Master’s (M.Sc.) programme at a German university, or have completed an M.Sc. and not yet enrolled in a PhD programme.
Study agriculture or a related discipline such as:
Biology
Geography
Sociology
Veterinary Medicine
Forestry
Marine Biology
Political Science
Law
Economics
Other relevant fields
Demonstrate excellent English language proficiency.
Additional languages such as French, Spanish or Arabic may be advantageous depending on the research location.
Demonstrate cultural sensitivity, teamwork, independence and the ability to work under pressure.
Secure confirmation from a CGIAR++ Centre confirming:
Acceptance of the research topic
Availability of a research supervisor
Obtain recommendation and supervision confirmation from a German university or research institution.
Please note: Research intended solely for preparation of a PhD dissertation is not eligible.

Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit:
Signed Letter of Motivation (maximum one page)
Signed Curriculum Vitae (maximum one page)
Research Concept (3–4 pages using the official template)
Hosting Agreement from the selected CGIAR++ Centre
Letter of Recommendation and Supervision Confirmation from the German university supervisor
All required templates are available through the official application portal.

Important Information
Applicants should note that:

Research must be linked to an existing CGIAR++ research programme or project.
The research stay is intended exclusively for research activities rather than thesis writing.
The programme expects original, science-based research proposals.
The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in preparing research proposals is not permitted and may result in immediate disqualification.
Application Deadlines
Applications are reviewed quarterly. Upcoming deadlines include:
15 February 2026
15 May 2026
15 August 2026
November 2026
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted through the official Germany–CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub application portal.
(https://hub.cifor-icraf.org/?fbclid=PARlRTSANm1OZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp1O1utSvUscNtQ8leKW-PxXDen-Kyqw3Jb6Upz9wtQjf5ELLLdeaRZHjlOJx_aem_E5iDMlpmhJug1Cj2NqqatQ)

Applicants should download the required templates, complete all documentation and submit before the relevant deadline.

Application Deadline: 15 August 2026
Application Portal: APPLY HERE FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY
(https://hub.cifor-icraf.org/?fbclid=PARlRTSANm1OZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABp1O1utSvUscNtQ8leKW-PxXDen-Kyqw3Jb6Upz9wtQjf5ELLLdeaRZHjlOJx_aem_E5iDMlpmhJug1Cj2NqqatQ)

About the Germany–CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub
The Germany–CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub is hosted at the CIFOR-ICRAF office in Bonn and implemented in partnership with ATSAF e.V.

The Hub is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and commissioned through GIZ under the Fund International Agricultural Research (FIA).

Its mission is to strengthen collaboration between German universities, research institutions and international CGIAR++ centres while developing the next generation of scientists committed to solving global food security, climate and sustainable development challenges.

Why Apply?
This is an outstanding opportunity for ambitious early-career researchers to:

Gain international research experience
Build an international professional network
Receive expert mentorship
Strengthen research skills
Contribute to global climate and food security solutions
Enhance future academic and professional career prospects
Applicants with a passion for sustainable development and international research are encouraged to apply before the 15 August 2026 deadline.