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For the second time, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is inviting universities in Germany to submit convincing concepts for active, sustainable cooperation with their research alumni.

At present, many universities are not directly and systematically cooperating with their own alumni who conducted research in Germany (doctoral candidates, post-docs and established academics) before continuing their academic work in other countries. However, it is precisely these “research alumni” who have the potential to help universities with specific aspects of their strategic activities such as disseminating information abroad, making contact with junior researchers in their countries of work and developing new, international research collaborations.

The ideas competition is designed to encourage universities to make greater use than they have so far of the potential offered by their research alumni. The first round of the competition in 2011 already triggered important initiatives. With this new call the Humboldt Foundation wishes to sensitise other universities to the advantages of working systematically with their research alumni. This means producing convincing concepts tailored to the specific interests of research alumni and, at the same time, integrating this group in the university’s strategic activities in the field of internationalisation.

A jury composed of representatives of German research (funding) organisations and higher education will select the three best concepts from those submitted and grant awards including funding of 130,000 EUR each. The award amount will help to implement the successful concepts and create sustainable structures.

The ideas competition is part of the “Promote Innovation and Research in Germany” initiative under its brand “Research in Germany”.

The closing date for applications is 12 July 2012.