MAX KADE Program Information


Objectives

The Max Kade Foundation offers fellowships for the promotion of postdoctoral research. These fellowships are intended for young, highly qualified post-docs who have already proved their aptitude for scientific research by completing their doctoral thesis, collaborating in research projects and teaching at universities.

The target group of these fellowships are candidates who need a research stay in the USA following the completion of their doctorate or PhD in order to acquire relevant qualifications for their academic career.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants for a MAX KADE fellowship

  • must have completed their doctorate or PhD at a university and in a scientific discipline related to the project they hope to perform abroad,
  • must be Austrian citizens or must have been living in Austria for at least 3 years within 10 years before applying,
  • should not be older than 35 years or must have completed their PhD no more than 3 years before applying,
  • must have performed scientific research and be able to prove this by means of publications (in peer-reviewed journals).

For applicants who interrupted their scientific work for reasons of child care the age limit is raised by three years for each child. Exceptions from the age-limit will also be made in case of alternative educational paths, i.e. Zweiter Bildungsweg, or disability.

Application Requirements

Applicants must

  • propose a research project that justifies the need for a stay in the USA,
  • provide a letter of invitation of the host institution in the USA,
  • have the possibility of return to a research institution in Austria.

The Max Kade Foundation demands that candidates are still in Austria when applying.

Amount of Funding

At present, a MAX KADE fellowship amounts to 46,500 US-$ annually before tax.

In addition, the Max Kade Foundation offers travel subsidies, calculated according to fixed rates. Additional subsidies for partner and children may be requested provided that they will accompany the applicant to the USA.

Duration of Funding

MAX KADE fellowships are granted for 12 months.
An extension of up to 6 months may be granted by the Max Kade Foundation within the first year.

Application, Acceptance

Applications must be submitted to the Austrian Academy of Sciences. Applicants will be selected by the Fellowship Committee, which is supported by reviewers from abroad.
Applicants are free to submit applications to other institutions (including those offering fellowships). However, the Office of Fellowships and Awards of the Austrian Academy of Sciences must be informed about these applications as well as about the outcome.

Terms of Application

Applications should be submitted to the Austrian Academy of Sciences by May 15 of each year (deadline date). Fellowships will be granted in October. The final funding decision is made by the Max Kade Foundation.

Legal recourse is excluded.

Transparency of the Review Process

In a first meeting, the Fellowship Committee selects those applications which are to be reviewed by international experts. In a second meeting, the Committee decides about the allocation of the fellowships - this decision is based on the reviews and on reports by the members of the committee. The reviews are anonymized and forwarded to the applicants.

[As of January 2010]