The NRP is designed to encourage pursuit of a diverse agenda of research topics aimed at providing new knowledge and insights into varied and complex hydrologic processes that are not well understood. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is a non-profit organisation under private law established by the Federal Republic of Germany. The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation enables highly qualified foreign scholars holding doctorates to carry out long-term research projects in Germany. Humboldt Research Fellowships and Humboldt Research Awards are granted without regard to national origin, ethnic group, sex or ideology. There are no quotas in respect of specific countries or disciplines.
Academic qualification is the only criterion for selection.
Scholars are free to choose their research projects, their host institutes and host towns, and to determine their periods of research. Associated with this freedom is the idea of a most individual assistance of Humboldtians during their stay in Germany and lifelong contact upon their return home.