The Claussen-Simon Foundation supports outstanding young academics in all areas of study who seek a PhD to pursue a career in academia or elsewhere.

In addition to the financial aid provided, the scholarship includes important non-material support. Scholars are welcome to take part in a wide range of events and activities, including a workshop program, and the annual meeting of former and current scholars. As well, the foundation offers numerous networking events at which the scholars are able to exchange knowledge across different programmes and areas of expertise.

Worthwhile and productive PhD projects depend on many factors. One of them is a lively, dialogue-oriented, and reliable relationship between doctoral candidate and supervisor. That’s why we accompany and support a working relationship between professors and doctoral candidates. We offer those involved a fixed framework in which both parties are asked to reflect upon the quality of the collaboration via a simple monitoring system. 

Dissertation Plus scholarships are usually awarded for a period of two years. Six months before the end of their second year in the programme, scholars may apply for an extension of one year.