The Minerva Programmes – an Overview
Minerva Research Centers
The aim of these centers is to support research in Israel and at the same time promote scientific links with researchers in Germany. Fields of research are selected in all areas of science, including the social sciences, which are of interest to both parties. Outstanding scientists are appointed as directors of the centers.
The Minerva Center Committee is responsible for the development of the programme and for new establishments and evaluations.
Minerva-Weizmann Projects Programme
This programme promotes basic research projects in the fields of physics, biology, chemistry and mathematics at the Weizmann Institute of Science. The Minerva-Weizmann Committee, which is made up of scientists from Germany and meets once a year in Rehovot/Israel, is responsible for evaluating the proposed projects; its decisions are supported by reference letters and local symposia collected from around the world.
New: Heads of Minerva projects at the Weizmann Institute of Science can invite junior German scientists for a short visit to Rehovot; German doctoral students and postdocs receive funding. Those interested can apply directly to the appropriate project leader at the Weizmann Institute of Science.
Minerva Fellowship Programme
Around 50 annual fellowships are awarded to Israeli and German doctoral students and postdocs in all subject areas. The junior scientists selected receive funding for between six months and two years, and up to a maximum of three years for doctoral students. The Minerva Fellowship Committee meets twice a year to select the best applications.
Minerva Short-Term Research Grants
With this scholarship, young German and Israeli researchers are given the opportunity to forge links with research partners as part of a residency of up to eight weeks in the host country. The grant also allows the recipients to take part in seminars and workshops.
Bilateral symposia - Gentner Symposia as they are known - are held annually, alternating between Germany and Israel, in all science fields and are aimed particularly at qualified junior scientists.
At the Minerva Schools, advanced students in all areas of science can make initial contacts with leading figures in their specialist areas from both countries during their studies. The aim of the meetings, held over several days, is to inspire interest for the other country and in longer research residencies.
Minna-James-Heineman Foundation
Project Grants
The Minerva Foundation coordinates the project grants financed by the Heineman Foundation to the tune of approximately €160,000 a year in biomedical research between Max Planck Institutes and the Weizmann Institute of Science.
James-Heineman Research Award
The € 60,000 James-Heineman Research Award is awarded every other calendar year in recognition of outstanding achievements in biomedical research to a junior scientist of the two organisations involved in the project programme.