Category Archives: awards

SCIENCE WITHOUT BORDERS INTERNATIONAL STUDENT ART CONTEST

Application Deadline: Monday, March 2, 2026

LOCATION: Saudi Arabia

The Science Without Borders® Challenge is an international contest that engages students and teachers in ocean conservation through art. This annual competition inspires students to be creative while promoting public awareness of the need to preserve, protect, and restore the world’s oceans and aquatic resources, contributing to the overarching goals of the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation. 

ELIGIBILITY:

This international art competition is open to all students 11-19 years old. Students must be enrolled in primary or secondary school, or the homeschool equivalent. College and university students are not eligible for this contest.

Work will be judged in two categories based on age, with 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place prizes awarded for each:

Students 11-14 years old

Students 15-19 years old

To apply to the 2026 Science Without Borders Challenge, fill out the online entry form, upload a picture of your artwork, and make sure everything is submitted before the deadline! If you are under the age of 13, your parents will be asked to provide consent, so make sure not to wait until the last minute. Before applying, check out our Tips for Success for suggestions on how to make the most of your application, such as how to write a compelling artist’s statement that describes how your artwork relates to this year’s theme.  

Before beginning your artwork, make sure to review the Contest Rules for more information on the types of art we are looking for. For example, the Science Without Borders® Challenge only accepts original 2-dimensional pieces of artwork students have created by hand, such as a painting or a drawing. 

See the Guidelines for Submitting Artwork for tips on how to upload your artwork. Although the application process is online, semifinalists will be required to mail in the original artwork in order to be eligible to win. 

BENEFIT:

Winners of the Science Without Borders® Challenge will be awarded with the following scholarships:

1st Place: $500

2nd Place: $350

3rd Place: $200

We also offer a “People’s Choice” award, with winners in each age group receiving a $50 scholarship.

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HUMBOLDT POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP

Application Deadline: March, July and November (Annually)

LOCATION: Germany

The Humboldt Research Fellowship for researchers of all nationalities and research areas: They support you with your research in Germany.

The programme is part of the Global Minds Initiative Germany of the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space.

Through the Humboldt Research Fellowship, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation sponsors researchers with above-average qualifications from across the globe.

ELIGIBILITY:

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation aims to achieve a good balance between genders and a high level of diversity among its fellows in all areas. They therefore expressly invite female scientists and members of underrepresented groups to apply. They welcome all applications, regardless of ethnic, cultural or social background, gender identity, age, religion, worldview, disability or sexual orientation.

Nationality: You are not a German national

For your application to be successful, you may not have lived in Germany for longer than a total of six months within the 18-month period prior to submitting your application.

If you have arrived in Germany recently, you should submit your application as soon as possible, as we can only assess your eligibility and formally accept your application after it has been submitted.

Language Skills: Natural sciences and engineering: You must have a good knowledge of German or English. 
Humanities, social sciences and medicine: You must have a good knowledge of German if this is necessary for conducting your research successfully. Otherwise, good knowledge of English will suffice.

Postdocs: Did you complete your doctorate—or equivalent academic qualification—during the last four years? Or are you within six months of completing your doctorate and can already provide a written summary of your findings? Have you been published in academic journals and by publishing houses that are reviewed according to international standards? If so, and if you fulfill the criteria under the “What is required of you” section, apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdocs.

Experienced Researchers: Did you complete your doctorate—or equivalent academic qualification—during the last twelve years? Is your academic profile substantiated by an extensive list of publications in academic journals and by publishing houses that are reviewed according to international standards? If so, and if you fulfill the criteria under the “What is required of you” section, apply for the Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers.
If a doctorate in your field or country of origin is not possible or uncommon, you can still apply up to 16 years after completing your master’s or other postgraduate degree, provided that you have a publication record commensurate with your career level.

BENEFIT:

Postdocs: Benefit from research sponsorship in Germany at the beginning of your academic career. The Humboldt Research Fellowship for postdocs enables you to conduct research in Germany. The monthly fellowship amount is €2,700 plus additional benefits. Fellowships may last from 6 to 24 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years. 

Experienced Researchers: You can still apply for research sponsorship in Germany even if you are already well advanced in your academic career. The Humboldt Research Fellowship for experienced researchers enables you to conduct research in Germany. The fellowship amount is €3,200 plus additional benefits. Fellowships may last from 6 to 18 months and can be divided into up to three stays within three years.

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