Funding

Fully Funded

Program dates

Jun 21, 2026 – Jul 4, 2026

Research Program•Germany · Bochum

Research Explorer Ruhr Summer Program

University Alliance Ruhr (Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen)

Application Deadline

Closed · February 15, 2026

Reopens ~Feb 2027

Official Page

The Research Explorer Ruhr (RER) Summer Program is run by the University Alliance Ruhr — a joint initiative of Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, and the University of Duisburg-Essen. Over two weeks, selected international researchers visit a self-chosen host institute in the Ruhr Area to explore postdoctoral opportunities, meet potential supervisors, and learn about German research-funding schemes through workshops and networking events. It is aimed at people deciding where to do a postdoc, not at those already placed.

Benefits & funding

  • Travel, visa, and accommodation for the full two-week stay are covered by the program.
  • Workshops on postdoc funding schemes and research-career options in Germany.
  • Networking events and guided excursions across the Ruhr Area.
  • Direct contact with a host institute and a potential future supervisor.

Eligibility

  • International doctoral researchers in the final stage of their PhD, or early postdoctoral researchers (less than one year after receiving their doctoral degree).
  • Open to candidates of any nationality.
  • Applicants must identify and contact their own potential host at one of the three partner universities — the organizers do not arrange a host.
  • All research fields are eligible.

Can you apply?

Worth a closer look

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  • Education required

    PhD Enrolled · PhD

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Application process

  1. 1
    Identify a potential host at Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, or the University of Duisburg-Essen, and establish contact yourself.
  2. 2
    Register through the online (eveeno) application form.
  3. 3
    Upload your academic CV and publication list as a single PDF (named “last name_first name”) via Sciebo. Applications without these documents cannot be considered.
  4. 4
    Await the selection decision from the Research Academy Ruhr.

Program timeline

  1. 15 February 2026

    Application deadline (2026 cycle)

  2. 21 June 2026 – 4 July 2026

    Program takes place (2026 cycle)

  3. 13 – 27 June 2027

    Next cohort (2027 cycle); application deadline expected around February 2027