AGYA Call for Membership Applications 2026

AGYA is Looking for New Members!

Are you ready to make a difference through research collaboration?

AGYA is the right place to enrich your research with interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches and new perspectives. You are invited to learn more about the current application process on these pages.

We look forward to receiving your application!

AGYA Information Events

Find out more about the Academy and seize the opportunity to ask questions about the application process at one of the AGYA online information events (via Zoom):

• 10 March 2026, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. CET | Please register for this event here.

Eligibility for AGYA Membership

• Early-career researchers (3−10 years after PhD) from any field of the Natural Sciences, Life Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, Technical Sciences, and the Arts

• Affiliation with a university or a research institution in Germany or any Arab country: Algeria, Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen

• Full command of English, both spoken and written 

How to Apply?

Interested applicants can submit their applications via the digital portal on the AGYA website by completing the application form and uploading the following documents directly through the portal, all in English:

• CV, including a list of publications and a scan of the PhD certificate

• Letter of motivation

• Two up-to-date academic reference letters supporting the application for AGYA membership

Submission Deadline: 23 March 2026, 08:59 a.m. CET

In case of technical difficulties with the AGYA application portal, please reach out to us via email at application(at)agya.info for assistance.

Requirements for AGYA Membership

• Proven record of research excellence in any field of specialization

• Strong potential for leadership and advancement in academia

• High motivation to engage in AGYA activities and to implement collaborative research projects

• Special interest in exploring research approaches which transcend disciplinary boundaries for innovative solutions and resilient societies

Benefits of AGYA Membership

• A unique opportunity to develop and realise ideas, projects, and visions for the bilateral Young Academy

• Exclusive access to the AGYA academic network of excellence

• Support and funding to realize inter- and transdisciplinary research projects

• Travel grants for AGYA workshops, conferences, and research stays

• Training in career development and promotion of academic leadership

• Active membership for five years, followed by a lifelong membership in the AGYA Alumni Network

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for AGYA membership more than once?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility criteria. The selection process is highly competitive. We encourage you to try more than once.

Can I apply for AGYA membership if I am only temporarily affiliated with an institution in Germany or any Arab country?
Yes, you are eligible if you are temporarily affiliated for a minimum of 6 months.

Do I have to speak German or Arabic?
No. Applicants must have full command of English, both written and spoken. English is the working language of AGYA. 

Can I apply if I completed my PhD degree earlier than three years or later than 10 years ago?
Yes, in exceptional cases. Applicants with a PhD degree can submit their application with a justification for why they should be considered.

Can I apply for AGYA membership as a PhD student?
No, the PhD degree is a mandatory requirement for application. Please reconsider applying when you meet this requirement.

What information should my CV include?
Your CV should contain relevant details of your education and employment history and your main academic achievements. Please also provide a list of your most significant publications. The CV should not exceed 5 pages.

How should I choose my referees for the reference letters? 
Your referees should be academic leaders from different institutions who are familiar with your research career and able to comment on your standing as an excellent early-career researcher. Please provide reference letters specifically written for this application. Only letters in English are accepted.

What should my letter of motivation include? 
Please describe your motivation for AGYA membership in detail by considering the following questions: What would you like to contribute to the Academy? What do you expect from AGYA membership? Which interdisciplinary research projects and collaborative initiatives do you plan to realize within AGYA? Which activities would you suggest to expand the network of AGYA? Which of the current AGYA Working Groups would you like to join? What is your vision of an Arab-German research cooperation?

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to help me write my application?
We value self-written applications with meaningful personal input that reflect your unique experiences and perspectives. Generative AI should not be used to write your application.

What should I do if I experience technical difficulties while submitting my application?
In case of technical difficulties with the AGYA application portal, please reach out to us via email at application(at)agya.info for assistance.

What happens after I have submitted my application?
You will receive a confirmation shortly after the submission of your application. Once the selection process is completed, we will contact you. We kindly ask for your understanding and patience.