Kohli Fellowship for Sociology: Applications Open for Social Science Researchers

The Kohli Fellowship for Sociology is a prestigious postdoctoral opportunity for early-career sociologists seeking to advance their research, strengthen academic collaborations and develop their professional profile. The fellowship is offered by the Kohli Foundation for Sociology and supports a two-year postdoctoral stay at either the WZB Berlin Social Science Center in Berlin or the European University Institute (EUI) in Fiesole/Florence, Italy.

The programme is intended for researchers who have demonstrated strong academic achievement and have completed, or are close to completing, a PhD in sociology or a closely related field. Scholars from all nationalities are eligible, provided their research aligns with the research programme of the relevant host institution.

For the current WZB fellowship, applications are scheduled for Fall 2026, with successful fellows expected to begin their fellowship on 1 October 2027.

The Kohli Fellowship for Sociology is part of the Kohli Foundation’s Growth programme, which supports early-career researchers in sociology.

The fellowship is designed to give outstanding researchers dedicated time and an intellectual environment in which to pursue a new research project, develop publications and establish research collaborations.

The Foundation’s support is particularly valuable for sociologists transitioning from doctoral research into an independent academic career. Fellows become integrated into their host institution’s scholarly community while receiving opportunities to participate in seminars, conferences, training activities and other academic initiatives.

One fellowship is selected each year.

Fellowship Locations

The Kohli Fellowship can be hosted at one of two leading European research institutions.

Kohli Fellow at WZB Berlin

At the WZB Berlin Social Science Center, the fellow joins an active intellectual community and participates in the scholarly activities of the relevant research unit.

A designated contact person at WZB supports the fellow throughout the fellowship. Researchers can conduct fieldwork, attend internal training seminars, participate in national and international conferences, and organise their own workshop.

The WZB fellowship is scheduled to begin on 1 October 2027.

The current timeline indicates that the application deadline falls in Fall 2026, followed by interviews, selection and notification during Winter 2026/2027.

Kohli Fellow at the EUI

At the European University Institute in Fiesole/Florence, the Kohli Fellow joins the Max Weber Programme for Postdoctoral Studies.

The fellow is appointed to an EUI faculty member who acts as an adviser and supports the development of the fellow’s academic qualifications while they conduct their own research project.

The programme can provide opportunities for fieldwork, training, conferences and workshops, while fellows also participate in the wider Max Weber Programme community.

For the EUI pathway, the supplied information states that applications are made through the Max Weber Programme, with the next fellowship scheduled to start on 1 September 2028.

Who Is Eligible?

The Kohli Fellowship for Sociology is open to scholars of all nationalities whose research relates to the research programme of the respective host institution.

The Foundation particularly welcomes applications dealing with life-course and generational issues, although other sociological research topics are also eligible for consideration.

Applicants must have held their doctoral degree for no longer than five years before the starting date of the fellowship.

Candidates must also have submitted and defended their doctoral dissertation before the fellowship contract begins.

This means applicants should carefully consider both the date of their PhD award and the expected fellowship start date when assessing their eligibility.

Academic Background and Research Profile

The fellowship is intended for researchers who have successfully completed their doctoral studies and demonstrated scholarly excellence.

Applicants should therefore present a strong academic profile supported by research experience, publications and a clear plan for developing an independent research agenda.

The Foundation’s selection process places emphasis on the quality of the proposed research project as well as the applicant’s academic achievements.

What Does the Fellowship Support?

The Kohli Fellowship provides financial support for a two-year postdoctoral research stay at the WZB or EUI.

The fellowship period is intended to help researchers:

develop a new research project;
advance academic publications;
build research collaborations;
conduct fieldwork where appropriate;
participate in academic training and conferences;
organise research workshops; and
strengthen their broader academic and professional profile.

The programme also offers an opportunity to become part of an established European social science research environment.

Research Focus

Applicants are expected to propose research that fits the intellectual environment of the host institution.

The Foundation specifically highlights life-course and generational research as an area of interest. However, the call does not restrict applicants exclusively to those subjects.

For WZB applications, candidates are asked to identify one research unit and at least one potential collaborator with whom they would like to work.

This requirement highlights the importance of demonstrating a clear intellectual fit between the proposed project and the host institution.

Application Requirements

Applicants for the Kohli Fellowship should prepare a complete application containing several key documents.

The application should include:

Curriculum Vitae:
A CV detailing the applicant’s academic background and publications.

Academic Career Statement:
A statement explaining the applicant’s academic trajectory, development and professional goals.

Research Proposal:
A well-developed proposal outlining the research project to be undertaken during the fellowship.

Academic Referees:
The names of two to three academic referees. Applicants should obtain permission from referees in advance and ensure that they are available to provide a reference if requested.

For the current WZB application, candidates must also provide information about their preferred WZB research unit and potential collaborator.

How to Apply for the Kohli Fellowship

Applicants should first establish that they meet the programme’s doctoral and research requirements.

Candidates then need to prepare the required application documents, including their CV, academic career statement and research proposal.

For the WZB pathway, applicants should identify an appropriate research unit and potential academic collaborator at WZB and explain why the research unit represents a strong fit for the proposed project.

The application is then submitted according to the instructions in the official Call for Applications.

The Kohli Foundation provides both the current call and its Funding Guidelines, which applicants should review carefully before applying.

Selection Process

Successful applicants are selected in close consultation with the relevant academic host institutions.

Selection is based on scholarly excellence, the quality of the proposed research project and performance during the interview stage.

Interviews may take place in person or by video.

Selected Kohli Fellows are expected to reside in Berlin or Florence during the fellowship and actively participate in the intellectual life of their host institution.

The Foundation also states that it particularly welcomes applications from women and scholars belonging to academically underrepresented groups.

Kohli Fellowship 2027 Timeline

For the WZB fellowship, the supplied programme information gives the following timeline:

Stage	Timeline
Applications	Fall 2026
Interviews, selection and notification	Winter 2026/2027
Fellowship begins at WZB	1 October 2027
Fellowship duration	Two years

For the EUI pathway:

Stage	Timeline
Max Weber Programme application	Fall 2027
Interviews, selection and notification	Winter 2027/2028
Fellowship begins at EUI	1 September 2028

Applicants should check the relevant call carefully because the application route and deadlines differ between the WZB and EUI opportunities.

Why the Kohli Fellowship Matters for Early-Career Sociologists

The transition from PhD research to an independent academic career can be an important stage in a researcher’s professional development. The Kohli Fellowship is designed to provide dedicated time and institutional support during this period.

A successful fellow can develop a new research agenda while remaining connected to an established research community. Access to seminars, conferences, training and academic colleagues can also help researchers build networks that extend beyond their original doctoral institutions.

The fellowship therefore combines research time with opportunities for collaboration, publication development and professional growth.

Application Tips

A strong application should make the connection between the research proposal and the host institution clear.

Applicants should demonstrate why their project is appropriate for the selected WZB research unit or EUI environment and explain how the fellowship will contribute to the next stage of their academic career.

The research proposal should also be precise about the research question, proposed contribution and expected outcomes. Because the selection process considers scholarly excellence, applicants should ensure that their CV and publication record clearly communicate their research experience.

Finally, prospective applicants should verify their PhD timeline carefully, particularly the requirement concerning the maximum five-year period before the fellowship begins.

Final Thoughts

The Kohli Fellowship for Sociology offers a significant two-year postdoctoral research opportunity for early-career sociologists seeking to establish themselves as independent researchers.

With placements at either WZB Berlin or the European University Institute, the programme provides access to major European social science research communities and supports research development, publications, academic networking and professional growth.

The fellowship is open internationally, and applicants are encouraged to propose research that aligns closely with their chosen host institution. Although the Foundation particularly welcomes projects focused on life-course and generational questions, other sociological research areas are also considered.

For the current WZB opportunity, prospective applicants should prepare early for the Fall 2026 application period, review the official call and funding guidelines, and ensure that their proposed project demonstrates both scholarly excellence and a strong institutional fit.

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