The Germany-CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub has announced calls for applications for its PhD Program and Junior Scientists Program (JSP), offering opportunities for early-career researchers to engage in development-oriented agricultural research with global impact.

About the Hub

Funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and commissioned through the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) via the Fund International Agricultural Research (FIA), the Hub serves as a platform connecting German scientific excellence with the international CGIAR++ system. This global research partnership includes CGIAR (the global research partnership for a food secure future), the World Vegetable Center, and the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe).

Hosted at the CIFOR-ICRAF office in Bonn and operating through a strong partnership with the Council for Tropical and Subtropical Agricultural Research (ATSAF e.V.), the Hub builds on decades of collaboration to create new pathways for impactful research, training, and policy solutions.

The Hub is embedded in the CGIAR Capacity Sharing Accelerator, where it facilitates stronger engagement of German science—particularly early-career researchers—in CGIAR++ activities. The mission focuses on strengthening ties between German universities, research institutions, and CGIAR++ centers worldwide, supporting the next generation of impact-oriented researchers through hands-on experience, mentorship, and interdisciplinary training aligned with global development goals including the SDGs and the Paris Climate Agreement.

PhD Program

Program Benefits

The PhD Program awards scholarships of EUR 1,800 per month for three years, with the possibility of a 12-month extension if progress indicates the PhD can be completed within that additional period. PhD candidates will be enrolled in a German university and jointly supervised by a CGIAR++ researcher, with fieldwork conducted within a CGIAR++ research program or project.

In addition to the monthly scholarship, applicants may request a research grant of EUR 25,000 for research related to the PhD project. The Hub also offers a scientific support program including courses and seminars recognized by universities for structured PhD programs.

Application Requirements

Applicants must hold an MSc degree in Agricultural Sciences or a related field with an above-average final grade. For non-European degrees, a ranking from the issuing university must be included.

Required documents include:

• Letter of motivation (signed, maximum 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae (tabular form, signed and dated, maximum 1 page)
• Research proposal using the provided template
• MSc certificate and transcript of academic records
• TOEFL, IELTS, or other English proficiency certificate
• Letter of recommendation and supervision confirmation from a professor affiliated with a German university
• Letter of recommendation and supervision commitment from a CGIAR++ center scientist, stating attachment to a CGIAR++ research program or project
• Hosting Agreement from the respective CGIAR++ center

All templates are available on the Hub webpage at https://hub.cifor-icraf.org/

Application Deadline

The application deadline is January 15, 2026. Scholarships will be awarded for PhD projects starting April 1, 2026. The online application portal will be activated for submissions from mid-November at https://hub.cifor-icraf.org/

Junior Scientists Program

Program Overview

The Junior Scientists Program supports six-month field research jointly supervised by a German university or research institution and a CGIAR center, WorldVeg, or icipe. The program awards scholarships of EUR 1,000 per month for the six-month research stay, along with a scientific support program including courses and seminars.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be enrolled in an MSc program in agricultural sciences or related fields (including biology, geography, sociology, veterinary medicine, marine biology, forestry, political sciences, law, or economics) at a German university, or be post-MSc but not enrolled for a PhD.

Additional requirements include:

• Very good command of English (knowledge of other languages such as French, Spanish, or Arabic may be advantageous or required in some countries)
• High cultural sensitivity, team player qualities, ability to work under pressure, and willingness to work independently
• Hosting confirmation from a CGIAR++ center identifying a supervisor and accepted research topic
• Recommendation and confirmation from a university or research institution supervisor

Research projects aiming at PhD dissertation preparation cannot be supported.

Application Requirements

Applications must include:

• Letter of motivation (signed, maximum 1 page)
• Curriculum vitae (tabular form, signed and dated, maximum 1 page)
• Outline of research concept (3-4 pages) using the provided template, connected to an ongoing CGIAR++ research program or project
• Hosting agreement from the respective CGIAR++ center
• Letter of recommendation and supervision confirmation from the German university supervisor

All templates are available at https://hub.cifor-icraf.org/

Application Deadlines

Decisions on applications will be taken quarterly. Application deadlines are:

• November 15, 2025
• February 15, 2026
• May 15, 2026
• August 15, 2026

The application portal will be activated at the end of October at https://hub.cifor-icraf.org/

Important Note on Research Integrity

The Hub expects genuineness of research ideas and science-based development of research proposals. The use of any form of artificial intelligence in proposal preparation is not allowed. Any deception may lead to immediate rejection of applications.

Key Hub Features

The Germany-CGIAR++ Science and Impact Hub offers:

• Jointly supervised PhDs and junior scientists with international field experience
• Capacity building modules and lecture series on impact-oriented and inclusive research
• Alumni network, annual conferences, and consortium-building activities
• Coordination and integration of German research with international CGIAR++ operations

For further information about application procedures, visit https://hub.cifor-icraf.org/

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