The percentage of foreign freshmen who were born in Germany decreased over the last couple of years. It is still relatively high compared to some neighboring countries and reflects the high percentage of foreigners in the German population. The main partners for its work are to be found in Western European countries. This is true for the U.S.A. and Canada, too. The other way for Asia as well as for Eastern and Middle Europe, the opposite is true.
Scientific excellence is the selection criterium.
Thus, over the years AvH built up a network of agenda setters in many countries of the world. Many of the former guest scientists took over not only academic but political responsibilities in many countries. It serves all branches of science and the humanities by financing research projects and by promoting cooperation among researchers. It advises parliaments and governments on scientific matters and fosters relations between academic research and the private sector as well as research abroad. It devotes particular attention to the education and promotion of young scientists.