Germany - CGIAR++ Science-Impact Hub Junior Scientists Program 2026

Applications are now open for the Germany-CGIAR++ Science-Impact Hub Junior Scientists Program (JSP) 2026, an international research scholarship that offers Master's students affiliated with German universities the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience at a CGIAR++ Centre while contributing to development-oriented agricultural research.

The programme provides a €6,000 scholarship over six months and combines international research experience with mentorship, networking, interdisciplinary training, and scientific capacity building. Participants will work alongside researchers tackling global challenges in agriculture, climate change, food security, biodiversity, and sustainable development while collecting research data that can contribute to completing their Master of Science degree.

The Germany-CGIAR++ Science-Impact Hub builds on the long-standing partnership between Germany and the CGIAR++ system, which includes leading international agricultural research centres such as CIFOR-ICRAF, icipe, and AVRDC. The Hub was established to strengthen collaboration between German universities, research institutions, and CGIAR++ Centres worldwide by supporting early-career researchers and expanding international scientific partnerships.

Hosted at the CIFOR-ICRAF office in Bonn and implemented in partnership with the Council for Tropical and Subtropical Agricultural Research (ATSAF), the Hub is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and commissioned by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through the Fund International Agricultural Research (FIA).

Through its Junior Scientists Program, the Hub seeks to inspire the next generation of researchers, strengthen international research collaboration, and contribute to global priorities, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

Category: Research Scholarship | Junior Scientists Programme | Agriculture & Sustainable Development

Programme: Germany-CGIAR++ Science-Impact Hub Junior Scientists Program (JSP)

Location: CGIAR++ Centres worldwide under joint supervision with a German university or research institution

Host Organisation: Germany-CGIAR++ Science-Impact Hub

Hosted By: CIFOR-ICRAF Office, Bonn, Germany

Programme Duration: Six Months

Programme Type: International Research Internship & Scholarship

Scholarship Value: €6,000

Application Fee: Free

Evaluation Cycle: Applications are accepted continuously and evaluated quarterly.

Next Evaluation Deadline: 15 August 2026

The Junior Scientists Program (JSP) is designed to give junior scientists practical experience in research for development through collaborative projects between CGIAR++ Centres and German research institutions.

The programme supports Master's students affiliated with German universities by providing a six-month internship at a CGIAR++ Centre, where participants gain valuable international research experience while working under joint supervision from both a German university and a CGIAR++ research centre.

Beyond financial support, the programme prepares future researchers through mentorship, professional networking, interdisciplinary learning, and exposure to real-world research addressing agriculture, food systems, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and rural development.

Participants also become part of a growing international research community that connects German scientific excellence with one of the world's leading agricultural research systems.

The Germany-CGIAR++ Science-Impact Hub aims to:

• Strengthen partnerships between German universities, research institutions, and CGIAR++ Centres worldwide.
• Inspire young researchers to pursue development-oriented agricultural research.
• Equip early-career researchers with internationally competitive research experience.
• Support interdisciplinary research that contributes to sustainable development.
• Expand professional research networks through international collaboration.
• Promote research that contributes to global commitments, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement.

Successful applicants will receive:

A €6,000 scholarship covering the six-month programme.

• A six-month international research internship at a CGIAR++ Centre.
• The opportunity to collect research data for completing a Master of Science degree.
• Administrative support from the Germany–CGIAR++ Science-Impact Hub.
• Access to a Networking and Training Platform.
• Inception trainings, webinars, and professional forums.
• Joint supervision from a German university and a CGIAR++ Centre.
• Mentorship from experienced international researchers.
• Capacity-building activities and interdisciplinary training.
• Opportunities to build international professional networks.
• Practical experience in development-oriented agricultural research.
• Exposure to global research addressing food security, climate resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable development.

To be eligible for the Germany–CGIAR++ Science-Impact Hub Junior Scientists Program (JSP) 2026, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be enrolled in a Master of Science (M.Sc.) programme at a German university or be a post-M.Sc. graduate who has not yet enrolled in a PhD programme.
• Be studying Agricultural Sciences or a related discipline such as:

• Biology

• Geography

• Sociology

• Veterinary Medicine

• Marine Biology

• Forestry

• Political Science

• Law

• Economics

• Or another closely related field.

• Demonstrate an excellent command of the English language. Depending on the host country, knowledge of French, Spanish, or Arabic may be an advantage or may even be required.
• Demonstrate a high degree of cultural sensitivity, be able to work effectively in a team, perform well under pressure, take responsibility, and work independently.
• Obtain a hosting confirmation from a CGIAR++ Centre confirming that:

• A supervisor has been identified.

• The proposed research topic has been accepted.

• The CGIAR++ research programme or project to which the applicant will be attached has been identified.

• Obtain a recommendation and supervision confirmation from a supervisor at a German university or research institution.
• Be willing to undertake at least six months of research abroad.

Female students and students from universities in OECD-DAC partner countries are particularly encouraged to apply.

Participants in the Junior Scientists Program become part of the Hub's Scientific Support Programme, which is designed to strengthen research capacity and prepare participants for impactful international research careers.

The programme combines structured learning with mentorship and interdisciplinary collaboration throughout the research placement.

Participants are expected to complete the following modules:

Module 1

A mandatory module at the supervising university, usually focusing on scientific research methods and academic writing.

Module 2

The Hub's Seminar on Development-Oriented Agricultural Research.

Module 3

A topic-specific module related to the participant's research project.

Each module carries the equivalent of 6 ECTS credits, representing approximately 150–180 hours of learning, including classroom sessions and independent study.

To receive the Scientific Support Programme Certificate of Completion, participants must successfully complete all required modules with a minimum grade of B- (75%).

The Junior Scientists Program combines international research experience with professional development.

During the six-month programme, participants will:

Undertake a research internship at a CGIAR++ Centre.

• Work under joint supervision from a German university and a CGIAR++ Centre.
• Collect research data for their Master's degree.
• Participate in scientific seminars and lectures.
• Attend inception trainings.
• Join webinars and professional forums.
• Receive mentorship from experienced researchers.
• Build interdisciplinary research skills.
• Network with researchers from Germany and around the world.

The programme also contributes to long-term collaboration between German research institutions and the international CGIAR++ research system.

Applicants must prepare and submit the following documents:

• A signed Motivation Letter (maximum one page).
• A signed Curriculum Vitae (CV) (maximum one page).
• A 3–4-page Research Concept.
• A Hosting Confirmation from a CGIAR++ Centre.
• A Recommendation Letter from a German university supervisor.
• A Supervision Confirmation from a German university or research institution.

Applicants are encouraged to use the official application templates provided by the Germany–CGIAR++ Science-Impact Hub.

Interested applicants should follow these steps:

• Visit the official Germany–CGIAR++ Science-Impact Hub website.
• Download the official application instructions and templates.
• Secure a hosting confirmation from a CGIAR++ Centre.
• Obtain recommendation and supervision confirmation from a German university supervisor.
• Prepare all required application documents.
• Complete the application using the official templates.
• Submit your application through the official Germany–CGIAR++ Science-Impact Hub application portal before the evaluation deadline.

Applicants who have questions about the application process may contact the programme team via:

hub@cifor-icraf.org

Applications for the Junior Scientists Program are accepted continuously and evaluated once every quarter.

The next evaluation deadline is:

15 August 2026

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline to allow sufficient time for document preparation and review.