Sustaining Lifelong Global Connections for Knowledge

In this short feature, Dr. Phoebe Kornfeld reflects on how her Humboldt-funded research in Berlin laid the foundation for decades of scholarship examining Germany’s legal and moral reckoning after dictatorship and war. Her work explores the parallels between denazification after the Second World War and decommunization following German reunification, offering important insights into justice, memory, and democratic reconstruction.

Building on research supported by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, Dr. Kornfeld continues to examine how societies rebuild after profound disruption. Her current book project, Salvaging Germany, draws on the postwar dispatches of her uncle, Time correspondent Alfred Kornfeld, to illuminate occupied Germany through both a deeply personal and historically rigorous lens.Her story demonstrates how the Humboldt Network connects scholars across disciplines and generations, supporting research that continues to shape academic and public conversations long after a fellowship has ended.

In this short feature, Prof. Dr. Manuel Smeu—Associate Professor of Physics, Applied Physics and Astronomy at Binghamton University—reflects on how his time as a Humboldt Research Fellow shaped both his scientific work and personal experience. Hosted by Prof. Dr. Maximilian Fichtner at the Helmholtz Institute Ulm, Smeu conducted research in a highly collaborative and innovative environment.

During his stay, he benefited from exceptional research support, including the flexibility to bring his family, access to world-class scientific networks, and opportunities to immerse himself in German culture and language through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Working alongside leading researchers, he expanded his perspective and advanced his work in meaningful ways.

Beyond the lab, his time in Germany offered a rich cultural experience that complemented his academic pursuits. Reflecting on his fellowship, Smeu highlights how the right environment and community can elevate a researcher’s work and broaden their worldview far beyond science.

Watch the video to hear how the Humboldt experience continues to shape his research and international collaborations.

In this short feature, Dr. Jasna Jankovic—Associate Professor at the University of Connecticut—reflects on how her Fraunhofer-Bessel Research Award shaped her scientific work and global collaborations. Supported by the award, she spent six months at the Fraunhofer Institute for Solar Energy Systems (ISE) in Freiburg, where she conducted intensive research in cutting-edge hydrogen technologies. During her stay, Jankovic immersed herself in a world-class lab environment, working closely with passionate colleagues whose expertise broadened her perspective and advanced her research. Beyond the lab, the winter in Freiburg offered moments of cultural connection—from German holiday traditions to Alpine hikes—that enriched both her personal and professional experience. Her time in Germany deepened existing collaborations, sparked new research directions, and expanded her international network. Reflecting on her experience, she encourages scholars to pursue a Humboldt-funded research stay for the unparalleled opportunity to gain fresh insight, renew their sense of purpose, and cultivate lasting global partnerships. Watch the video to hear why the Humboldt experience continues to inspire Jankovic’s work and her commitment to international scientific exchange.

In this short feature, Rigoberto Hernandez, the Gompf Family Professor of Chemistry at Johns Hopkins University and 2026 President-elect of the American Chemical Society, reflects on how his Humboldt Research Fellowship shaped his scientific path and global collaborations. His 2006 fellowship took him to Potsdam and Munich, where he established enduring partnerships that continue to influence his work today.

As a graduate student, Hernandez witnessed how Humboldtian colleagues enriched his advisor’s lab with new ideas—an experience that inspired his own commitment to international exchange. Years later, he welcomed Feodor Lynen Research Fellows from Germany into his group, continuing the cycle of collaboration that defines the Humboldt Network.

Beyond the lab, the Foundation helped Hernandez and his family adapt to life in Germany through language training at the Goethe-Institut and cultural experiences that turned their stay into a shared journey. Reflecting on his experience, he describes the Humboldt Network as a family, “where scholarly exchange and personal connection go hand in hand.”

Watch the video to hear how the Humboldt experience continues to inspire Hernandez’s research, collaborations, and commitment to international exchange.

In this short video, Martin Conda-Sheridan, Associate Professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, reflects on his Humboldt stay at the Max Planck Institute. Working in the lab of host Peter Seeberger, he describes an environment that was “unique, full of smart people and very welcoming”.

Beyond his research in material sciences, Conda-Sheridan and his family embraced German culture, from Christmas markets to trips to Dresden and Nuremberg. A highlight of the fellowship was a reception hosted by the Humboldt Foundation, where he had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the Federal President. Looking back, he emphasizes the Foundation’s generous support and responsiveness.

Watch the video to hear how the Humboldt experience continues to inspire Conda-Sheridan’s research, collaborations, and commitment to international exchange.

In this short video, entrepreneur and community leader Terron Ferguson reflects on his transformative experience in Germany as a German Chancellor Fellow. Based in Leipzig—the same city where former German Chancellor Angela Merkel studied—Ferguson partnered with the University of Leipzig to research memory culture and its power to shape collective identity, stimulate economies, and foster international understanding.
Beyond his research, Ferguson built lasting friendships with fellows from around the globe, experiences that continue to shape his leadership as CEO of YANCY Holdings. Today, he applies the lessons of his fellowship to strengthen Black institutions, grow businesses, and expand participation in transatlantic and global affairs.

Watch the video to see how the Humboldt Foundation experience continues to inspire Ferguson’s work at the intersection of community, innovation, and diplomacy.

In this short video, health policy leader Meg Murray reflects on her formative year in Germany as a German Chancellor Fellow. Drawing from her early research on the German health care system, Murray shares how the fellowship shaped her understanding of policy innovation and international models of care. She discusses the long-term impact of her Humboldt experience—from published articles to ongoing exchanges with US health plan leaders.

Watch the video to see how the Humboldt Foundation helped shape her path as a CEO, policy expert, and transatlantic connector.

In this short video, historian Dr. Laurence Hare reflects on his transformative experience as a German Chancellor Fellow.
Drawing from his time in Germany, Dr. Hare shares how the fellowship broadened his global perspective. He highlights the importance of archival research, international dialogue, and the lasting impact of the Humboldt network on his academic life.
Watch the video to learn how the Humboldt Foundation shaped his journey as a researcher, educator, and transatlantic bridge-builder.

I was a Humboldt Senior Research Awardee and spent time at the Humboldt University (HU) in Berlin in 2018 and 2019. Collaborations have been central to my work and that of NREL. We collaborate with the Helmholtz Center and joint appointments among the three institutions are common.

In a speech I gave at the Humboldt University a few years ago, I proposed a formalized four-way collaborative enterprise on next-generation solar cells, which could serve as a template for other areas. This idea took shape in November 2023 in the form of a workshop attended by about 10-12 people from Colorado and twice as many from HU and the Helmholtz Center (HZB). Following the workshop, a German government official—who had previously met with HZB’s Scientific Director—requested a white paper summarizing our discussions. As a result, HZB was invited to submit a full proposal for 4M euros, including $360K for research exchanges, which began on March 1, 2024. Additionally, I submitted an NSF International Research Experience for Students proposal, funded at $450K, to send 5-7 students each summer to these institutions over three years. Numerous research exchanges have since occurred, and a second workshop at CU-Boulder last November attracted about 20 people from Germany.

I believe these events would not have happened without my time at HU as a Humboldt Senior Research Awardee. I am grateful to the AvH Foundation for enabling me to develop the deep ties that helped facilitate this high-performing network.

My Alexander von Humboldt Research Fellowship at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research in Mainz, Germany (1995–1996) was a transformative experience for both my career and my family. It shaped the course of my professional life and opened doors I hadn’t imagined.

From the moment we arrived, my family and I were welcomed into the Humboldt community, which became like a second family to us. Participating in the Humboldt study tour was a highlight, as we explored Germany, including Bonn, and immersed ourselves in its rich culture and history. Along the way, we formed lifelong friendships that not only helped us navigate life in Germany but also
remain an integral part of our lives today.

During this fellowship, I made the pivotal decision to pursue a career in academia. The Humboldt network has been invaluable, connecting me with a global community of scholars and creating opportunities for collaboration and growth. A standout moment was attending the North American visit of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation President, where I reconnected with fellow alumni and AvH staff, further strengthening these lifelong bonds.

My time as a Humboldt fellow was truly life-changing, giving me a sense of belonging to a global family united by a passion for discovery. For this, I will always be deeply grateful.

In honor of July’s International Day of Friendship, German Chancellor Fellow Rocío Guenther discusses the many international friendships she has forged through her Humboldt experience:

“My journey as a German Chancellor Fellow has been transformative. The opportunity to live and work in Germany for a year, immersed in its rich culture and dynamic academic environment, has been a cornerstone of my professional and personal growth. One of the most rewarding aspects of my time in Germany has been the friendships and collaborations with colleagues from around the world. I can now proudly say that I have a professional network in countries like Brazil, South Africa, India, and China—in addition to Germany. These relationships have not only enriched my understanding of global issues, but they have also provided a support network that transcends borders. Through joint research projects, collaborative workshops, and cultural exchanges, we have built bridges that connect our communities and pave the way for future cooperation.”

I spent my time as a German Chancellor Fellow investigating the differences between European and American beekeeping. I didn't want my bee journey to end after my fellowship, so I applied to graduate school at Arizona State University. I convinced Robert Page to take a chance on an unusual graduate student (an English major) with a fascination for bees. He allowed me into the graduate research program in biology on the condition that I pass the GRE Biology subject test within the first year. I succeeded and earned my master’s and PhD, focusing my research on how young honey bees use pheromone signals to manipulate their caregivers. After a postdoc at the University of Maryland, I returned to Germany as a Junior Fellow of the College of Life Sciences at the Wissenschaftskolleg in Berlin. There, I met Tim Landgraf, who had developed a tracking system to follow bees inside an observation hive. In April 2021, I became the head of the LAVES Institute for Bee Research in Celle, Germany, the institution that had hosted me during my BUKA year. In May 2022, I accepted the position of director of the State Institute of Bee Research in Stuttgart, Germany at the University of Hohenheim. It's a dream job that allows me to combine my love of teaching, research, and outreach with a great research group and phenomenal students excited about bees and biodiversity.

My Feodor Lynen Fellowship at UC Berkeley offered me the chance to conduct
research at a world-class university. As an urban and regional planner, I was able to
gain profound insight into a highly fascinating metropolitan area. My postdoctoral
research dealt with growth management in the San Francisco Bay Area. I met
fascinating people at UC Berkeley’s Institute of Urban and Regional Development,
including US experts and visiting scholars from all over the world.
This fellowship was highly supportive for my career, as it opened up the pathway for
a professorship in Germany at the University of Kaiserslautern.
I am still highly grateful for being part of the Humboldt network, and I always seek
to support young scholars in building their careers.

My Alexander von Humboldt Foundation Fellowship brought me to the faculties of Gestaltung and architecture at the Bauhaus University in Weimar (2014-2015, 2021), as well as to the faculty of architecture at the University of Kassel (2016). It is hard to put into words how meaningful these experiences were for me. On a professional level, the experience allowed me to gain knowledge about the history of modern architecture in Germany that most scholars in field only dream of. I visited key buildings and explored the major archives. I was able to publish numerous essays and am working on many more. I benefitted from the support of the Humboldt Foundation’s wonderful staff and am proud to say that I became fully fluent in German.

On a personal level, I was able to share my passion for German culture and history with my wife and three children. My children attended German preschools and grammar schools: two of them returned to the United States fluent in German. We made wonderful friends, many of whom remain an integral part of our lives. My children continue to maintain a deep affection for Germany, particularly its bakeries, thrift stores, and desserts. For my oldest daughter, Weimar stands out—it boasts some of the best gelaterias in all of Europe!

I will always cherish the wonderful memories I have from my Humboldt experience. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity and the privilege.