FAQ: Research Explorer Ruhr

Research Explorer Ruhr is a two-week orientation and networking program for international (prospective) postdoctoral researchers interested in exploring the research landscape of the University Alliance Ruhr, i.e. the three universities Ruhr University Bochum, University of Duisburg-Essen, and TU Dortmund University.

The Research Explorer Ruhr program takes place every year in summer, mostly from late June to early July. In 2026, the program will run from June 22 to July 4.

The program is based at University Alliance Ruhr, which consists of three member universities: Ruhr University Bochum, University of Duisburg-Essen and the TU Dortmund University. Characterized by a high density of universities and innovative research institutions, the Ruhr Area in North Rhine-Westphalia in western Germany is one of Europe's leading education and research centers.

The program is conducted in English.

Yes, bring your own research ideas and use the time to develop them further with your host. We encourage you to discuss your research interests and project concepts and explore possible collaborations or future funding opportunities. The program aims to lay the groundwork for a potential longer postdoc stay or funded project following the Research Explorer Ruhr.

The workshops are organized as interactive sessions combining information with practical elements. They provide an overview of the German research and funding landscape. The focus is on funding opportunities for postdoctoral researchers, including how to identify suitable programs and prepare competitive applications.

The supporting program is designed to complement the academic activities by creating space for networking, exchange, and getting to know the region. You have multiple opportunities to connect with fellow researchers in the cohort as well as with scientists and key actors from the University Alliance Ruhr in more informal settings. In addition, the program includes organized cultural activities and group excursions that introduce you to the Ruhr region.

Yes, participation in most program activities is mandatory to ensure exchange and networking. 

The program is aimed at international researchers who are currently not working in Germany. Doctoral researchers in the final stage of their PhD as well as early postdoctoral researchers within one year after PhD completion are eligible to apply.

Yes, each participant will be hosted by a host professor of their own choice at one of the three universities of the University Alliance Ruhr: Ruhr University Bochum, University of Duisburg-Essen, TU Dortmund University.

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. The program team provides support during the visa process upon request.

Travel, visa, and program-related costs are covered; accommodation is provided. Detailed information is provided by the host universities.

After your acceptance, coordinate with your university contact person to check if there are any specific considerations or requirements for your travel planning.

Yes, accommodation is arranged. You do not need to make any bookings yourself.

You will stay in a hotel with single rooms in a central location near the universities.

The participating professors are listed under the “Call for Applications 2026” section on the Research Explorer Ruhr website. They are sorted by five subject groups: Humanities, Engineering, Life Sciences, Natural Sciences, and Socials Sciences. Each profile provides a short description of the research area and the candidate profile with additional links to individual profiles.

No. You must choose one host and apply for collaboration with that person only. This ensures a focused exchange and allows both the participant and the host to prepare for a meaningful academic collaboration in advance of the program.

The call for applications for Research Explorer Ruhr 2026 is open until 15 February 2026.

1.    Browse the profiles of participating professors on the Research Explorer Ruhr website.

2.    Apply via the registration form: https://eveeno.com/research-explorer-ruhr-2026. 

3.    Upload your academic CV and publication list in one PDF file via the Sciebo service: https://ruhr-uni-bochum.sciebo.de/s/YHnx3ydFLmjcT9s.  

Both documents combined in one PDF file. File naming: Last name_First name.

Only complete applications with the required documents and with correct file names will be considered. 

If you cannot find a suitable professor from the list, you are welcome to apply on your own initiative. You will need to identify a potential professor from one of the universities whose expertise is a good match and name him or her in your application. Please do not send any kind of application to a professor directly. The program team will reach out to the potential host after you submit your application.

If you do not find a suitable professor on the list of participating hosts:

1.    Identify a potential host at Ruhr University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, or University of Duisburg-Essen whose expertise is a good match for your research interests and name him or her in your application.

Please do not send any kind of application to a professor directly. The program team will reach out to the potential host after you submit your application.

2.    Apply via the registration form: https://eveeno.com/research-explorer-ruhr-2026. You will receive a confirmation from Eveeno.

3.    Upload your academic CV and publication list in one PDF file via the Sciebo service: https://ruhr-uni-bochum.sciebo.de/s/YHnx3ydFLmjcT9s.

Both documents combined in one PDF file. File naming: Last name_First name.

Only complete applications with the required documents and with correct file names will be considered. 

Please note that the program team does not search for hosts on your behalf.

To apply for Research Explorer Ruhr 2026, you must submit:

• Academic CV
• Publication list

Both documents combined in one PDF file. File naming: Last name_First name.

Applications without these documents or with incorrect file names cannot be considered.

You must also fill out the registration form: https://eveeno.com/research-explorer-ruhr-2026. You will receive a confirmation from Eveeno.

All required documents, i.e. academic CV and publication list in one PDF file, must be uploaded via the Sciebo service: https://ruhr-uni-bochum.sciebo.de/s/YHnx3ydFLmjcT9s 

Please follow the file naming specification: Last name_First name.

Applications submitted without these documents or with incorrect file names cannot be considered.

You must also fill out the registration form: https://eveeno.com/research-explorer-ruhr-2026. You will receive a confirmation from Eveeno.

Sciebo is a German, non-commercial cloud storage service provided by universities for universities, and it operates in compliance with the European General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). 

Sciebo does not send a confirmation email upon upload. If you see a confirmation such as “Uploaded files: […]” or “Uploaded files to application documents RER 2026” on your screen, this means your upload was successful and your documents have been received.

Application documents must be submitted in German or English.

Before the on-site program begins, you and your host already get to know each other individually and further develop your project idea, for example with a view toward a potential third-party funding application. Usually, there are individually organized and independently initiated virtual meetings with the potential host between March and June to discuss the planned project. 

The final selection and placement of participants will be communicated by the program team in due time after the application deadline (15 February 2026).

Yes, you will receive a certificate upon completion of the program.

The Research Explorer Ruhr program aims to support you in developing postdoctoral perspectives. During the stay, you get the chance to meet professors and fellow researchers, explore research compatibility, and plan potential long-term collaborations.

Please note that returning as a postdoc requires independent organization. The program does not arrange postdoc placements automatically.