CATS Fellowships 2026/2027 in Berlin, Germany: Fully Funded Research Fellowship Applications Open

Apply for the CATS Fellowships 2026/2027 in Berlin, Germany. Fully funded research fellowships for researchers, policy professionals, and think tank members working on Turkey-related issues. Monthly stipend of €3,000 plus travel and research funding.

Applications are now open for the CATS Fellowships 2026/2027, a fully funded international fellowship hosted by the Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP) in Berlin, Germany.

The fellowship provides an excellent opportunity for experienced researchers, policy experts, and think tank professionals to conduct policy-relevant research on Turkey while collaborating with leading scholars at one of Germany’s foremost international affairs research institutes.

Successful fellows will spend between six and twelve months in Berlin, receive generous financial support, and contribute to publications addressing key policy issues affecting Turkey, Europe, and the wider international community.

About the CATS Fellowship

The Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS) operates within the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP), an internationally respected research institution that provides independent policy analysis to the German government and European decision-makers.

The fellowship programme promotes high-quality research on Turkey’s domestic politics, foreign policy, economy, security, and regional role while strengthening academic dialogue between Germany, Europe, and international researchers.

Fellowship Overview

Organization	Centre for Applied Turkey Studies (CATS), SWP
Fellowship	CATS Fellowships 2026/2027
Location	Berlin, Germany
Fellowship Duration	6–12 Months
Funding	Fully Funded
Monthly Grant	€3,000
Eligible Applicants	Researchers, Policy Professionals, Think Tank Members
Working Language	English and German

Research Themes

For the 2026–2027 funding period, fellows are invited to submit research proposals under one of the following thematic areas:

Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Research may explore Turkey’s digital transformation, artificial intelligence strategy, digital governance, platform regulation, cybersecurity, innovation policies, digital infrastructure, and the implications of these developments for Germany and Europe.

Critical Raw Materials (CRMs)

Applicants may focus on Turkey’s role in global supply chains for critical minerals, rare earth elements, green technologies, mining policy, strategic resources, and cooperation with the European Union.

Energy Transition and Climate Change

Research may examine Turkey’s energy transition, renewable energy development, climate policy, environmental governance, climate resilience, sustainable development, and regional climate cooperation.

Turkish Foreign and Security Policy

This theme welcomes research on Turkey’s evolving foreign policy, NATO relations, regional security, defence policy, geopolitical developments, strategic autonomy, and relations with Europe, the Middle East, and neighbouring regions.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive comprehensive financial and academic support, including:

Monthly fellowship grant of €3,000.
Funding for approved research trips.
Travel costs to and from Berlin at the beginning and end of the fellowship.
Opportunity to collaborate with researchers at CATS and SWP.
Publication opportunities through peer-reviewed CATS and SWP research outputs.
Access to an international research network.
Additional financial support for fellows accompanied by children during the fellowship period.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should:

Conduct research on Turkey-related issues.
Demonstrate strong research experience.
Have a record of relevant academic publications or professional policy work.
Be one of the following:
- Researcher.
- Policy professional.
- Think tank member.
Present a strong academic or professional profile.

A PhD is advantageous but is not strictly required if the applicant demonstrates significant professional or research experience.

The fellowship is open to applicants from all countries.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit one PDF file containing:

Cover letter.
Research proposal (maximum five pages).
Research questions and project objectives.
Academic and policy relevance of the proposed project.
Review of existing literature.
Theoretical and methodological framework.
Bibliography.
Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
List of publications.
Copies of relevant academic degrees, diplomas, or transcripts.

Applications may be submitted in either English or German.

Selection Criteria

Applications will be evaluated by a committee comprising members of the CATS team, SWP researchers, and experts from partner institutions.

Selection will be based on:

Academic and professional achievements.
Publication record.
Quality and originality of the proposed research.
Academic and policy relevance.
Feasibility of the research project.
Public engagement and policy impact potential.

Preference may be given to applicants who have not previously received CATS funding where applications are equally competitive.

Why Apply?

The CATS Fellowship provides participants with the opportunity to:

Conduct independent research in Berlin.
Collaborate with internationally recognized policy experts.
Publish high-impact research.
Expand international academic and professional networks.
Engage directly with European policy discussions.
Strengthen expertise on Turkey and regional affairs.
Gain valuable international research experience.

Application Process

Interested applicants should:

Prepare all required application documents.
Combine the documents into a single PDF file.
Ensure the research proposal aligns with one of the fellowship themes.
Submit the application before the official deadline.
Await the outcome of the selection process.

Incomplete applications are not considered.

Final Thoughts

The CATS Fellowships 2026/2027 in Berlin, Germany offer an outstanding opportunity for researchers and policy professionals working on Turkey-related issues to undertake fully funded research in one of Europe’s leading policy institutes. With a generous monthly stipend, research funding, publication opportunities, and access to an international network of scholars, the fellowship provides an excellent platform for advancing both academic research and policy engagement.

Researchers with expertise in Turkey’s politics, economy, security, digital transformation, climate policy, or international relations are strongly encouraged to apply.

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