The FRIAS Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme offers funding and research opportunities at the University of Freiburg for African researchers in sustainable governance. Applications are due September 18, 2026.
By Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS)
The Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) is the international research college of the University of Freiburg, dedicated to fostering a vibrant academic community and supporting researchers from various cultural and academic backgrounds. FRIAS provides temporary fellowships, enabling scholars to fully concentrate on their research projects with substantial institutional support. For the academic year 2027/28, FRIAS is specifically offering individual Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowships designed for researchers based in African institutions. These fellowships are open to applicants of any nationality who are affiliated with an African academic entity, aiming to integrate their expertise into the University of Freiburg's research environment. The program grants fellows access to the extensive resources, established networks, and dynamic academic community available at the University of Freiburg. This integration is intended to enrich their research endeavors by offering fresh perspectives and facilitating new collaborative opportunities with international peers. Successful applicants will receive a fellowship contract with the University of Freiburg or equivalent compensation. Additionally, the fellowship covers research cost contributions and provides travel expenses for both the inbound and outbound journeys, ensuring comprehensive support for the fellows during their stay.
Applicants must hold a completed doctoral degree and possess a minimum of eight years of post-doctoral experience. They are required to have at least 5 peer-reviewed publications since January 1, 2017, with at least one as a co-author or lead author. Candidates must be based in an African country. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate at least six months of research or study experience at academic institutions in a country different from where they obtained their first academic degree by the time of application, and have received a Master's or PhD in an African country. Only applications from disciplines within the Humanities and Social Sciences with a thematic focus on sustainable governance will be considered. A letter of cooperation from an academic partner at the University of Freiburg is mandatory.