SENCKENBERG
Senckenberg Global Fellowships 2026/27: Research Opportunities in Germany for Early ...
partial
- For early-career scientistsTarget Group
- ~3 to 6 monthsFellowship Duration
- GermanyStudy Location
- Doctoral and PostdoctoralDegree Levels
- ~€1,200 (est.)Travel Cost Reimbursement
- Application Deadline 2026-10-01Next Deadline
At a glance
partial
Funding
—
Max amount
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
Zimbabwe
Country
Senckenberg
Provider
The Senckenberg Global Fellowships offer research opportunities in Germany for early-career scientists from the Global South. Established to strengthen international research cooperation, these fellowships enable doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers to conduct high-quality research in collaboration with a scientific host at Senckenberg. The programme typically offers fellowships for a duration of three to six months, providing access to extensive research infrastructure including millions of scientific collection objects, laboratories, and libraries. Fellows engage with Senckenberg's scientific staff, contributing to projects in diverse fields such as biodiversity, anthropology, geology, and conservation ecology. The initiative aims to expand global scientific networks and promote knowledge exchange, fostering innovative research. Successful applicants will contribute to their scientific development while leveraging Senckenberg's expertise and facilities, which are spread across multiple locations in Germany. The application period for the 2026/2027 cycle runs from 1 September 2026 to 1 October 2026, with the deadline at 12:00 CET. Travel costs are reimbursed up to a maximum of ~€1,200. Treat the figures and dates here as estimates and confirm current-cycle details on the official website.
What's covered
- Travel Expenses — Reimbursement for travel costs up to a maximum of ~€1,200 after arrival in Germany.
- Access to Research Infrastructure — Fellows gain access to Senckenberg's extensive research infrastructure, including millions of scientific collection objects, research laboratories, and libraries.
- Scientific Collaboration — Opportunity to work alongside scientific staff and collaborate with a host scientist at one of Senckenberg's institutions.
- Knowledge Exchange — Promotion of international research cooperation and exchange of knowledge within global scientific networks.
- Institutional Support — Support and expertise across multiple disciplines at various Senckenberg locations.
How to apply
Interested early-career researchers must complete an online application and secure a scientific host at a Senckenberg institution. It is crucial to develop a research project plan in collaboration with your potential host before submitting the application.
- Identify a Scientific Host — Find a suitable scientific host at one of Senckenberg's research institutions and discuss your proposed research project and desired fellowship period with them.
- Prepare Required Documents — Gather all necessary documents, including your CV, highest degree certificate, and a letter of support from your Senckenberg host.
- Draft Motivation Letter and Project Plan — Write a motivation letter and a detailed project plan, each limited to 4,000 characters, explaining your research goals and contribution.
- Complete Online Application — Fill out the online application form, selecting the appropriate fellowship category (PhD or Postdoctoral) and uploading all required documents.
Eligibility
NationalityCitizens of countries on the OECD's list of Global South countries. Not eligible if having permanent residence in Germany, EU countries, North America, or Australia.
Study LevelDoctoral candidates (PhD fellowships) and postdoctoral researchers (Postdoctoral fellowships).
Academic QualificationMaster's or PhD/Dr. qualification, depending on the fellowship category.
Research HostMust secure a scientific host at one of Senckenberg's research institutions in Germany.
Applicants must not receive parallel project funding during the fellowship period to avoid double funding. Those requesting a six-month fellowship must provide justification for the extended period.
Eligible countries
Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, All other OECD-defined Global South countries
Deadlines
2026/2027 Cycle2026-10-01
Selection
Applications are reviewed by a scientific selection committee comprising scientists from the Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung. The committee assesses applicants based on the scientific potential and excellence of the proposed project, as well as the prospects for developing a follow-up project and securing additional funding. The selection process takes approximately eight weeks after the application deadline.
Verified sources
- Senckenberg Global Fellowships 2026/27: Research Opportunities in Germany for Early-Career Scientists from the Global Southglobalsouthopportunities.comofficial
About the provider
Senckenberg is a prominent research institution in Germany, focused on natural history research and collections. It encompasses various research institutes and museums, contributing to fields like biodiversity, anthropology, and geology through its extensive infrastructure and expert staff.
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What are the Senckenberg Global Fellowships?
+
The Senckenberg Global Fellowships are international research opportunities in Germany for early-career scientists from the Global South. They support doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers to conduct research at Senckenberg institutions.
What does the fellowship cover?
+
The fellowship covers travel expenses up to ~€1,200. It also provides access to Senckenberg's extensive research infrastructure, including collections, laboratories, and libraries, along with scientific expertise for collaborative projects.
What is the value of the award?
+
While no fixed stipend amount is stated, the fellowship reimburses travel costs up to a maximum of ~€1,200 (est.) upon arrival in Germany. Applicants are expected to secure other funding for any remaining travel costs or living expenses.
Who is eligible to apply for these fellowships?
+
Eligible applicants are doctoral candidates and postdoctoral researchers from countries identified by the OECD as belonging to the Global South. They must have a Master's or PhD/Dr. qualification and secure a Senckenberg host.
Which countries are eligible?
+
Researchers from Global South countries, as defined by the OECD list, are eligible. Examples include Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Uganda, and Tanzania. Applicants with permanent residence in Germany, EU, North America, or Australia are not eligible.
Which study levels are supported?
+
The fellowships are available for both doctoral candidates (PhD fellowships) and postdoctoral researchers (Postdoctoral fellowships).
What is the application deadline for the next cycle?
+
The application deadline for the 2026/2027 cycle is 1 October 2026, at 12:00 CET. Applications open on 1 September 2026.
How do I apply for the Senckenberg Global Fellowships?
+
You need to identify a scientific host at Senckenberg, discuss your project, prepare all required documents including a motivation letter and project plan, and then submit them via the online application form.
What documents are required for the application?
+
Required documents include a CV, highest degree certificate (and doctorate certificate for postdocs), a letter of support from your Senckenberg host, a motivation letter, and a project plan.
How are recipients selected?
+
A scientific selection committee evaluates applications based on the proposed project's scientific potential and excellence, and the likelihood of developing follow-up projects and securing future funding. The process takes approximately eight weeks after the deadline.
What is the duration of the fellowship and can it be renewed?
+
Fellowships are offered for three to six months. Longer durations (up to six months) require a strong justification for the extended period being essential to the research project. Information about renewal is not specified.
Where can I confirm details and find the official application?
+
For the most current and official information, including application details and specific requirements, please visit the official Senckenberg website for the Global Fellowships program.