Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026 is now open for applications, inviting innovative researchers from around the world to join an interdisciplinary academic environment in Berlin. This in-person fellowship focuses on critical issues at the intersection of society, technology, and democratic governance, offering fellows the opportunity to exchange ideas, develop research projects, and engage with global perspectives.
The fellowship will take place from 1 June to 18 July 2026 as a six-week, on-site programme at the institute. It includes a dedicated one-week sprint centered on the theme of Democratic Change and Knowledge, encouraging fellows to reflect on how their research contributes to this evolving discourse. Throughout the programme, participants balance independent research with collaborative formats, becoming part of a vibrant research community in Berlin.
Benefits
- Six-week, fully in-person fellowship in Berlin from 1 June to 18 July 2026
- Dedicated research time within HIIG’s interdisciplinary environment
- Collaboration with international fellows, senior researchers, and research directors
- Participation in workshops, peer-learning sessions, and knowledge-exchange formats
- Opportunity to publish via open-access publications or the Digital Society Blog
- Mandatory one-week research sprint focused on Democratic Change and Knowledge
- Access to public academic events including The Long Night of the Sciences
- Office desk fee covered and institutional support for collaborative formats.
Eligibility Criteria
The 2026 fellowship is carefully curated for researchers who are actively engaging with democratic challenges in the digital era and who want their work to influence public discourse.
- Master’s degree holders with a PhD in progress or planned (Junior Fellows)
- Advanced PhD candidates or postdoctoral researchers (Senior Fellows)
- Demonstrated research experience in relevant fields
- A clear research focus on Democratic Change and Knowledge
- Strong alignment with interdisciplinary approaches (political science, law, sociology, media studies)
- Fluency in English
- A concrete research idea to develop during the fellowship period.
Required Documents
Applying is straightforward but requires clarity and purpose. Candidates must submit their materials through HIIG’s official application form. Prepare and upload the following documents:
- Updated CV
- One-page motivation letter explaining your research background, interest in HIIG, and expectations
- One-page research idea outline connecting your work to the 2026 focus area and expected outcomes
- Optional writing or work sample in English or German.
How to Apply?
- Submit your application online before the deadline of 31 January 2026, including all required documents and personal details.
- Clearly explain how your research aligns with the Democratic Change and Knowledge focus area and contributes to the discourse.
- Provide a research proposal that demonstrates your expertise and how you will engage with HIIG’s interdisciplinary community.
- Participate in the six-week, in-person fellowship from 1 June to 18 July 2026 in Berlin, combining individual research with collaborative activities.
- Ensure your application is complete and accurate, as incomplete submissions will not be considered for the fellowship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026 is a six-week in-person research program in Berlin for international scholars. Applicants must submit proposals by 31 January 2026 and cover travel and living costs themselves.
What is the Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026?
The Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026 offers a six-week in-person research program in Berlin. It supports international scholars exploring democracy, technology, and society, combining individual research time with collaborative engagement at the institute.
Who is eligible to apply for the fellowship?
Applicants for the Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026 must be international researchers or early career scholars with projects at the intersection of society, technology, and democratic governance. Prior research experience and a strong proposal are required.
Where will the Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026 take place?
The Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026 is hosted in Berlin, Germany. Fellows engage in workshops, collaborative activities, and a focused one-week sprint on Democratic Change and Knowledge within the six-week in-person research program.
When does the Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026 take place?
The Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026 runs from 1 June to 18 July. It includes six weeks of research, including a dedicated one-week sprint on Democratic Change and Knowledge, combined with individual and collaborative academic activities.
Is the Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026 fully funded?
The Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026 is not fully funded. It provides access to HIIG’s resources and mentorship, but applicants generally need to cover travel, accommodation, and living expenses while participating in the six-week program.
What is the application deadline for the Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026?
Applications for the Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026 close on 31 January 2026. Candidates must submit all required documents, including research proposals and statements, before this date to be considered for the in-person fellowship.
How long is the Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026?
The Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026 lasts six weeks, from 1 June to 18 July. Fellows participate in individual research, workshops, and a one-week sprint focusing on Democratic Change and Knowledge at HIIG in Berlin.
What should applicants include in proposals for the Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026?
Applicants to the Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026 should include research objectives, relevance to Democratic Change and Knowledge, and explain how their perspective contributes to discussions on society, technology, and democratic governance.
What kind of work will fellows do in the Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026?
Fellows of the Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026 conduct individual research, attend workshops, and engage in collaborative activities. The program focuses on innovative projects examining democracy, technology, and societal challenges in Berlin.
How are candidates selected for the Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026?
Selection for the Alexander von Humboldt Institute Fellowship 2026 is based on research proposals, alignment with the fellowship’s focus, and prior experience. Candidates demonstrating interdisciplinary potential and strong engagement with Democratic Change are prioritized.
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