Talented young scientists from around the world specializing in the area of sustainable development are invited to apply for the competition "Green Talents - The International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development".

Under the patronage of the German Federal Research Minister Professor Annette Schavan, the competition will give 15 exceptional young scientists the opportunity to meet and exchange views with today's leading experts in Germany. The winners of the competition will participate in a ten-day international science forum taking place in autumn 2010. A special focus will be on the "Science Year 2010 - The Future of Energy", announced by the BMBF due to the global importance of this area. Touring through Germany, the "Green Talents" will visit leading universities, research institutions and companies active in the field of sustainable development. They will gather specific information about research activities on site and learn about opportunities for cooperation with German partners. The forum will also include individual meetings with experts and an opportunity for the "Green Talents" to present their own research - as well as several cultural events and the award ceremony at the BMBF Forum "Research for Sustainable Development" in Berlin.

During the year following their participation in the "Green Talents Forum", the winners of the competition will be invited to return to Germany for an additional research stay (up to three months). Funding will be provided by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research.

Germany strives to take global responsibility by promoting sustainable development. The country's innovative power in this area makes it a strong R&D partner for international research groups, especially from developing countries and emerging markets. Researchers in Germany and throughout the world already benefit from numerous lively collaborations. The German Federal Government wants to further increase this exchange, especially with young scientists. That is why the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) launched the international "Green Talents" competition in 2009.

Application documents should be submitted to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by 20 June 2010. Further information on the competition and application guidelines are provided on the "Green Talents" website: www.greentalents.de