The IFI program aims to strengthen the international competitiveness of computer science in Germany, particularly in the field of Artificial Intelligence. To this end, the DAAD enables young scientists to conduct research stays at leading international institutions. The funding is oriented towards the AI action plan of the Federal Ministry for Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR).

For postdocs research stays from three to 24 months at one of the partner institutes are planned. Doctoral candidates can be funded for one to twelve months . Their research stays take place mainly at partner institutes within the framework of IFI research groups.

Partner institutes in the USA, Canada, and Japan

The partners mentioned in the current program flyer include the International Computer Science Institute (ICSI) in Berkeley, the Mila – Institut québécois d’intelligence artificielle in Montreal as well as the National Institute of Informatics (NII) in Tokyo.

In addition to the actual research funding, IFI focuses on international networking: events for current and former scholarship holders are a fixed component of the funding concept.

Applications continuously possible

The IFI program currently runs until June 30, 2029. Scholarships can be applied for on an ongoing basis. In contrast, research stays for master's students will no longer be supported through the program in the future.

This program offers PhD candidates and postdocs in AI and computer science research the opportunity to gain international research experience, build contacts with leading institutions, and expand their scientific networks in the long term.