Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF) MD Fellowships

The Boehringer Ingelheim Fonds (BIF) is a prestigious, non-profit foundation based in Germany that supports early-career scientists in the field of basic biomedical research. One of its flagship programs is the MD Fellowship, designed specifically for medical students in Germany who want to dedicate time to independent, experimental research projects before completing their medical studies.

The fellowship allows talented students to step away from their formal studies for 10–12 months and immerse themselves in laboratory-based, hypothesis-driven research in a top-class institution, often abroad. This experience gives them a unique foundation to pursue a career in research alongside medicine.

Objectives of the Fellowship

The MD Fellowship aims to:

• Encourage future physician-scientists by giving them early exposure to research.
• Support basic biomedical research that deepens the understanding of living organisms and disease mechanisms.
• Provide funding and training opportunities so students can learn advanced techniques and participate in international research networks.
• Foster scientific independence and critical thinking skills in young medical students.

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility Criteria

• Must be a medical student (human medicine) enrolled at a German university.
• Should have achieved good or very good marks in the first medical examination and subsequent studies.
• The fellowship research period must take place before the third medical exam.
• Applicants should apply within eight years of completing secondary education (Abitur).
• The fellowship requires students to pause their medical studies for the research stay.

Nationality

• Open to all nationalities, but applicants must be pursuing medical studies in Germany.

Type of Research Allowed

• The research must be hypothesis-driven basic biomedical science (lab-based or theoretical).
• Research cannot be clinical trials, pharmaceutical product development, or purely applied medical projects.
• Interdisciplinary projects are welcome as long as they remain focused on basic science.

Fellowship Duration & Structure

• Minimum Duration: 10 months
• Maximum Initial Duration: 12 months
• Extension: Possible once, for up to 6 additional months (depending on project progress and review).

Benefits of the Fellowship

Financial Support

• Monthly Stipend: Adjusted to the cost of living in the host country (approx. €1,400 in Germany; up to €2,100 in countries like the USA).
• Research Costs: Flat-rate contribution to project-related expenses.
• Childcare Allowance: Up to €500 per month if applicable.
• Spouse Allowance: €200 per month if the partner earns below a set threshold.
• Travel Support: Coverage for research-related travel, conference participation, and training courses.

Non-Financial Benefits

• Participation in international seminars, communication training, and workshops.
• Access to a strong global alumni network of physician-scientists.
• Mentoring and advice from senior researchers and the BIF community.
• Encouragement of independent thinking and networking with other fellows.

Application Timeline & Deadlines

The fellowship has three fixed deadlines each year:

• 1 February
• 1 June
• 1 October

Applicants are advised to apply at least three months before the intended start date of their research stay.

The selection process takes around 6–8 weeks after each deadline.

Application Process

Step 1: Prepare Documents

Applications must be submitted as a single PDF file (password protected), containing the following:

1. Personal & Academic Information
   • Contact details
   • Enrollment certificate from university
   • High school certificate (Abitur)
   • Academic transcripts and grades
2. Research Proposal (most important part)
   • Introduction and background
   • Hypothesis and objectives
   • Methods and research plan
   • Timeline (month-by-month plan)
   • Expected results and significance
   • Bibliography
3. Details of Host Institution
   • Name and location of host lab
   • Supervisor’s CV and publication list
   • Confirmation of acceptance from host lab
4. Additional Documents
   • Motivation letter (why you want to do research, career goals)
   • Two strong recommendation letters (one from your home supervisor, one from host supervisor)
   • Proof of interruption of studies during the research period
   • Declaration form for data protection

Step 2: Submission

• Submit via email or online system in the required format.
• Password for the PDF must be sent in a separate email.

Step 3: Review & Selection

• Applications are first screened for completeness.
• Eligible applications undergo peer review by external scientists.
• Final decision is taken by the Board of Trustees of BIF, consisting of international experts in biomedical research.
• Results are communicated in writing within 6–8 weeks.

Conditions After Award

• Fellowship must begin within 6 months of approval.
• Fellows must fully devote themselves to the research project (no parallel jobs/studies).
• Any change of host institution, supervisor, or project scope must be approved by BIF.
• A final report must be submitted within 3 months of completion.
• All publications resulting from the fellowship must acknowledge the support of BIF.
• Fellows are responsible for arranging their own health and liability insurance.
• In most cases, the stipend is tax-free, but students must check their local tax laws.

FAQs

1. Can international students apply?
Yes, but they must be enrolled in medical studies in Germany.

2. Can the fellowship support clinical or pharmaceutical projects?
No, it strictly funds basic biomedical research only.

3. Can I apply if I am already working in the host lab?
No, applications must be submitted before moving to the host institution.

4. Is it possible to stay in Germany for the fellowship?
Yes, but the host institution must be in a different city and institution than your home university. Most students go abroad, though.

5. Can the project be related to my MD thesis?
Yes, as long as it is a proper experimental, hypothesis-driven research project.

6. How competitive is the fellowship?
Highly competitive — only academically outstanding students with a strong project proposal are selected.

7. Can I reapply if rejected?
Yes, but only if you significantly improve your proposal and after discussing with BIF staff.

Summary at a Glance

👉 This fellowship is ideal for medical students who want to combine medicine with research and see themselves in the future as physician-scientists. It provides not only financial support but also mentorship, international exposure, and a long-lasting research network.