While a doctorate is required for academic supervision, a professorship is not mandatory. Postdoctoral researchers can take on this role, provided the planned project is endorsed by the responsible professor.

At-risk scholars are identified on a case-by-case basis: via notifications from networks such as Scholars at Risk, but above all via direct inquiries, which are used as a basis for mediation between at-risk scholars and potential host institutions. In some cases, institutes also contact At-Risk Scholar Support directly because they are already in contact with an at-risk scholar and are looking to collaborate academically.
 

The Division of International Affairs ensures to only accept at-risk scholars whose academic qualifications and research focus can be matched with a suitable host institute with an actively involved mentor. This is the only way to guarantee meaningful, sustainable support with realistic career prospects.
 

Before the research stay

Before the start of the planned research stay, mentors will be involved in the following:

• Consultation with the scholar regarding the specific research project and academic collaboration
• Submission of a research and mentoring offer
• Submission of a statement: The statement is usually one to two pages long and serves to assess the fellow's academic career to date and prospects for an academic career in Germany
• If necessary, identification of a suitable funding program with the support of the At-Risk Scholar Support

During the research stay at the UoC
 
During the funding phase, the mentors provide support with the following aspects:

• Providing a workspace and materials necessary for research
• Regular communication with the researcher and, if applicable, the At-Risk Scholar Support
• Academic supervision of the research project
• Support with integration into the workplace and the working group
• Support with building/expanding a network within academia
• Introduction to the German or European academic system
• Support with an application for a scholarship extension, if applicable
• Support in finding suitable funding opportunities for the period after the scholarship
• Identification of career opportunities outside of academia, if applicable
   

The At-Risk Scholar Support of the University of Cologne supports the mentors both before the start of the research stay and during ist the entire duration and is available as a contact person at any time.
 

Before the research stay

• Advice on suitable funding programs for at-risk scholars
• Advice on queries regarding the role of mentors and collaboration with the at-risk scholars
• Coordination of applications for funding programs, in particular applications from the Philipp Schwartz Initiative
• The proof of endangerment application
• Fellows are supported by the Division of International Affairs in all organisational matters (finding accommodation, visa, health insurance, family reunification, finding a place at school, etc.). Mentors are not expected to provide any support in this regard.

During the research stay at the UoC

• Advice on various matters relating to the collaboration between the fellow and mentor
• Advice on the option of a possible extension of the fellowship and coordination of the corresponding application
• If lump-sum funds/overheads are available, these are administered by the At-Risk Support. This includes checking the use of the funds in accordance with the guidelines
• Support in the search for possible funding programs for a continuation of the collaboration between the fellow and mentor following the fellowship
• The administration of the scholarships and the preparation of reports for the respective funding providers is carried out by At-Risk Scholar Support. Mentors are not expected to provide any support in this regard.
• Scholars are supported by the Division of International Affairs in various organisational and family matters (applying for child benefit, German courses, workshops, etc.). Mentors are not expected to provide any support in this regard.
   

An overview of various funding programs for at-risk scholars can be found on our scholarship webpage.