WiRe Fellowships 2025: Call for Applications! 

Women in Research (WiRe): What’s it all about? 

WiRe is a fellowship programme for international female postdoctoral researchers at the University of Münster in Germany. Hosted by the International Office – Dept. for Researchers & Staff, WiRe addresses the unique challenges of women in research, particularly female postdocs in their ‘Rush Hour of Life’. 

WiRe offers: 

• Short-term fellowships (4-8 months) 

• Longer periods (up to 12 months) with the matching option 

• Comprehensive support including workshops, collegial counselling, and coaching 

Research can be conducted: 

• On-site in Münster 
• Remotely from your home base through the Research@home Fellowships 

Benefits of WiRe Fellowships: 

• Fellowship sum: €2800/month for on-site, €2200/month for remote 

• Family bonus: Child allowance of €200 per child (for on-site stays, this applies only if you are not entitled to German Kindergeld) 

• Excellent research and career development opportunities 

• Access to communication channels, networks, and research infrastructure of the University of Münster 

• Collective fellowship meetings, workshops on research communication, and collegial coaching 

Eligibility Criteria 

You are eligible to apply if you: 

1. Have obtained or are about to earn your PhD (submitted by the start of the fellowship) 
2. Have not worked at a German higher education institution in the past six months 
3. Have completed the majority of your academic qualifications outside of Germany 

Application Process 

To apply, ensure you have: 

• A research project or idea in cooperation with a professor at the University of Münster, to be completed in 4-8 months (up to 12 months with the matching option) 
• A WiRe Letter of Recommendation from your cooperation partner at the University of Münster (Note: a scientific host may support a maximum of 2 candidates) 
• A strategy for spreading awareness of your research and experiences 
• Willingness to participate in creative science communication activities 
• A detailed project schedule 
• A short video application (Tips available here) 

When ready, access the application portal here. You can save and edit your application until submission. 

For fellowships of 11-12 months utilizing the matching option, discuss departmental funding possibilities with your cooperation partner before applying. 

Indicative Timetable of Calls 

Usually one call per year is offered in spring/summer. It is advisable to contact potential scientific cooperation partners (professors at our University) well before the next call. 

For more information and to apply, visit University of Münster’s website.