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?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
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Application process
- 1Identify a potential host at Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, or the University of Duisburg-Essen, and establish contact yourself.
- 2Register through the online (eveeno) application form.
- 3Upload your academic CV and publication list as a single PDF (named “last name_first name”) via Sciebo. Applications without these documents cannot be considered.
- 4Await the selection decision from the Research Academy Ruhr.
Program timeline
15 February 2026
Application deadline (2026 cycle)
21 June 2026 – 4 July 2026
Program takes place (2026 cycle)
13 – 27 June 2027
Next cohort (2027 cycle); application deadline expected around February 2027