"Looking back at many years of experience in managing individual stipend programmes, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is working on the implementation of the principles of the European Charter for Researchers by setting up a new programme: P.R.I.M.E. – Postdoctoral Researchers International Mobility Experience. The initiative is designed to support outgoing mobility of experienced researchers of all nationalities who plan to continue their career in Germany upon their return. Funding includes a return phase to ensure optimum reintegration.To enhance the career development of junior scientists, regular counselling is provided by mentors at the German university, the foreign host institution, and the DAAD. In addition, employment contracts integrate the fellows into the regular pay scale at German universities and guarantee adequate salaries and benefits.Selection for the programme is merit-based and independent of nationality, discipline, age, career breaks, and destination. The selection committee consists of national and international scientists of all relevant disciplines and is balanced in terms of gender, age, and background. A strict procedure in handling ethical issues and a specialized subcommittee prevent the violation of ethical principles. Programme quality is monitored continuously and the external view is added through an independent mid term review.The researchers’ experiences and results are presented to the public via brochures, the P.R.I.M.E. website, and an international conference.By spreading the information widely and by offering extensive assistance to applicants and fellows, the DAAD expects to attract new groups of promising scientists for internationally oriented research careers and for transnational cooperation. Active guidance during the return phase will ensure a full integration into the German research system and the best-possible use of the newly-gained knowledge for the advancement of the European Research Area."