Webinar: Fraunhofer International Mobility Program (Visiting Researcher Hosting Opportunity)

Event Date: 
Tuesday, October 27, 2026 - 12:00pm to 1:00pm EDT
Event Location: 
Online

HOST A VISITING RESEARCHER FROM A FRAUNHOFER INSTITUTE IN GERMANY!

Through a new partnership between Mitacs and  Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, Europe's largest applied research and development organization, Canadian universities may host Fraunhofer research employees through the current call for applications under the Fraunhofer International Mobility Program (FIM).  For more information about Fraunhofer's 70+ Research Institutes and Units in Germany, visit their website.  

FIM supports strategic international assignments for Fraunhofer employees abroad and promotes knowledge exchange, network development, and the exploration of new markets and project opportunities.

Canadian faculty are invited to attend a joint information session regarding the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft FIM opportunity.  This session will cover the eligibility requirements and application process as well as offer the chance to ask questions to Fraunhofer and Mitacs representatives.

Registration IS required through this form

 Opportunity Details:

  • Application deadline for Fraunhofer employees: November 13, 2026
  • Funding period: Stays between October 2027 and August 2028
  • Duration of stay: 2 to 5.5 months
  • Eligibility
    • Germany: Fraunhofer employees in research, engineering, administration, and management, at all career levels
    • Canada: Mitacs Full and Associate Members
  • Host contribution: No funding contribution is required from Canadian university hosts; only a workplace needs to be provided.
  • Fraunhofer funding
    • Fraunhofer Headquarters: travel and accommodation costs, daily allowances, as well as necessary preparation and development measures
    • Personnel costs during the stay abroad continue to be covered by the sending Fraunhofer institute.

Mitacs Globalink Research Award support

Mitacs funding may be available through the Globalink Research Award (GRA) program university allocation to support intern mobility linked to successful FIM projects. This funding can support both inbound and outbound mobility between Canadian universities and Fraunhofer research institutes.

Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft will also promote the Mitacs GRA program within its research community to encourage broader bilateral collaboration with Canada.

All Mitacs GRA applications will follow standard program implementation processes and Canadian university GRA allocation guidelines.

Please note that the Mitacs and Fraunhofer programs are complementary and managed separately. FIM applications are handled via Fraunhofer’s internal communications system.  Canadian faculty interested in hosting a Fraunhofer researcher or employee, but who don’t have a connection may ask Mitacs for an introduction to Fraunhofer head office.

Additional information about the FIM can be found HERE. 

For questions about Mitacs GRA, please contact Jill Sherman, intl.research@lakeheadu.ca.

For more information about the partnership between Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft and Mitacs, read the  news release.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

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