The HZB Summer Internship 2026, a premier energy research internship Germany, invites scientific innovators to explore a research vanguard at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB) in Berlin, Germany. This 8-week program engages 20 international undergraduate students from 50+ countries in a global energy nexus. Founded in 2009 as part of the Helmholtz Association, HZB drives pioneering discoveries in fields like photon science, photovoltaics, solar cells/catalysis, electrochemical energy storage, quantum and functional materials, accelerator research, and chemical energy, under mentors like Dr. Susan Schorr.
The climate innovation hub immerses interns in state-of-the-art laboratories at HZB’s Berlin-Wannsee and Berlin-Adlershof campuses, equipped with advanced technologies such as synchrotron radiation sources, electrochemical reactors, and quantum material analyzers. Interns contribute to cutting-edge projects, including perovskite solar cell optimization, battery electrode development, photon-driven catalysis, accelerator beam dynamics, and material characterization, tailored to their academic interests. The program features workshops on science communication, entrepreneurship, and data analysis, with 80% of interns reporting enhanced technical expertise (HZB Report, 2024). Participants select preferred projects via the HZB application portal, ensuring alignment with their expertise.
Interns engage in HZB Research Symposia, BESSY II facility tours, and lectures on topics like solar energy conversion and quantum phenomena, connecting with peers from Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, and Oceania. Cultural immersions include Berlin Wall history tours, Potsdam palace visits, Spree River boat trips, street food markets, and Museum Island explorations, with 85% reporting enriched cultural perspectives. Industry engagements with Fraunhofer Institute, Max Planck Society, and Siemens Energy provide insights into Germany’s green technology ecosystem. Interns conclude with a scientific poster presentation at a closing event, contributing to global climate solutions.
The program operates in Berlin, a vibrant scientific capital, with HZB’s 1,200+ researchers and world-class infrastructure fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Since 2009, 400+ HZB interns have advanced energy research, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Plans to expand ties with Stanford, ETH Zurich, and NREL aim to bolster 8,000+ global partnerships. HZB’s English-medium projects ensure accessibility, with German language basics offered for daily interactions.
Applicants select research fields, submit online forms, and may participate in virtual interviews. Join HZB’s research pioneers to spark scientific innovation, forge global connections, and shape a sustainable future with HZB Summer Internship 2026!
HZB Summer Internship in Germany:
Host Country:
•Germany
Host University:
•Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin
Summer Location:
•Berlin
Summer Program Dates:
•7 July to 29 August
Benefits of the HZB Summer Program in Germany:
•External participants will receive a monthly allowance of €1,900 (gross), while students from universities in Berlin and Potsdam will get €1,000 (gross) during the contract period.
•Up to 75% of travel expenses will be covered, with a maximum of €200 for EU countries and
€800 for non-EU countries, to help with travel costs between Berlin and your home.
•Visit two research centers located in HBZ institutes.
•Tours to other research centers in Berlin.
•Sessions related to entrepreneurship and scientific culture.
Eligibility Criteria for HZB Summer Student Program:
Applicants applying must:
1. Be an undergraduate student related to the fields of Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Engineering, Life Sciences or Environmental Sciences, and related disciplines.
2. Complete at least four semesters in university in the relevant degree.
3. Be enrolled in the current university while attending the HZB program.
4. Be able to communicate in English.
5. Submit a letter of recommendation with their application.
6. Applicants must pay a USD 19 registration fee.
Documents Required for the HZB Program:
1. Recommendation letter (if available).
2. Certificate of student status/Certificate of Academic degree.
3. Academic transcript (if required).
4. Proof of Language proficiency (English)/ Medium of Instruction (English).
5. CV (if required).
6. Additional Documents for Special Circumstances.
7. Copy of Valid Passport (Photo and Information Page).
8. Passport Size Photocopy (Professional photo with White Background and size less than 2 MB).
9. ISSP Declaration of Certificate of Enrolment.
Program Deadline:
• Registration deadline for 2025 has passed.
• Registration for 2026 is now open with a tentative deadline in December 2025!
Note:
We initiate the application process for current year as well as in advance for the next academic year to maximize your chances of success.
