Greek Researcher Wins DAAD Green Hydrogen Fellowship for Postdoctoral Work in Germany

My name is Sofia Stefa, and I come from Greece. I am a postdoctoral researcher currently based at the University of Freiburg in Germany, working in the group of inorganic functional materials and nanomaterials at the Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry (IAAC). I have always been passionate about scientific research, especially in the field of sustainable catalytic materials. This passion led me to pursue advanced studies and a career in research, focusing on the development of innovative catalytic materials for green hydrogen production.

DAAD Green Hydrogen Postdoctoral Fellowship Details

In 2024, I was awarded the prestigious DAAD Green Hydrogen Postdoctoral Fellowship under the ERA Fellowships – Green Hydrogen program, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD). This fellowship supports my 13-month research project at the Institute of Inorganic and Analytical Chemistry (IAAC) at the University of Freiburg, Germany. The fellowship includes a monthly stipend, research allowance, health insurance, and travel support, providing full financial coverage for my stay and research activities in Germany. Prior to this, I participated in Erasmus+ mobility scholarship for research internships abroad. As I was eager to continue my research career internationally, the DAAD fellowship was my top choice due to its alignment with my research goals and the opportunity to collaborate with a world-leading research group in the field of catalysis and green hydrogen technologies.

Educational Background

My academic journey began at the University of Patras, Greece, where I received both my Diploma and Master’s degree in Physics, with a specialization in Energy and Environment. I then pursued a Ph.D. in the School of Production Engineering and Management at the Technical University of Crete, supported by a scholarship from the Greek State Scholarships Foundation (IKY). These academic experiences provided me with a solid interdisciplinary foundation in physics, chemistry, and engineering. They also allowed me to develop solid expertise in material synthesis, characterization techniques, and catalytic testing. These skills are closely aligned with the objectives of the DAAD Green Hydrogen Fellowship and have been essential for the successful design and implementation of my current postdoctoral research project.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to German Universities?

I searched for institutions and research groups that aligned with my scientific interests I contacted them with tailored emails. My Erasmus internship at Fraunhofer ISE in Freiburg was especially helpful, as it familiarized me with the German research landscape and helped build academic connections. I prepared a clear and focused CV and motivation letter for each application. I also held an English certificate and had already started German language courses to support my integration.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for DAAD Scholarships?

For the DAAD Green Hydrogen Fellowship, I began by thoroughly reading the official guidelines and familiarizing myself with the evaluation criteria. I dedicated time to writing a focused and clearly structured research proposal, outlining the scientific motivation, objectives, and methodology. I also highlighted the relevance of my previous work and how the project fit into the goals of the fellowship program. I sought feedback on my application documents from trusted colleagues and mentors and secured strong recommendation letters from academic supervisors who were familiar with my research abilities and achievements.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I believe my application stood out because it combined a timely and relevant research topic with a clear and well-structured proposal. The project addressed sustainable hydrogen production, with defined goals and a feasible methodology. My strong academic background, hands-on experience in catalyst development, and prior international exposure demonstrated my ability to carry out the research. Additionally, the fact that the project would be carried out at a renowned host institution, the University of Freiburg, further strengthened the credibility and impact of my application. My earlier stay in Germany also highlighted my adaptability and capacity to collaborate in an international academic environment.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to go through the process again, I would start earlier by connecting with previous scholarship recipients and mentors to get feedback on my proposal. Their insights could have helped me refine my ideas more efficiently and navigate the application process with greater confidence and less stress.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

Selecting an appropriate host supervisor is essential and can strengthen your application. In my case, the Erasmus internship helped me build key connections. Start your preparation early, understand the scholarship’s goals, and tailor your proposal and motivation letter accordingly. Sharing drafts with mentors for feedback is also highly recommended. Although the process is competitive, a well-prepared application with strong host support can lead to success.