HIAS and IFSH Fellowship 2027 in Germany

HIAS and IFSH Fellowship 2027 in Germany – Apply by November 16, 2026

Apply for the HIAS and IFSH Fellowship 2027 in Hamburg, Germany. The research fellowship supports scholars with a doctorate working on peace and security research.

The HIAS and IFSH Fellowship 2027 in Germany invites outstanding scholars with a minimum of a doctorate to undertake a research stay at the Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy at the University of Hamburg (IFSH) and the Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS).

The fellowship provides an opportunity to pursue an independent research project while participating in an international and interdisciplinary academic environment.

The fellowship is based in Hamburg, Germany, and focuses on research related to peace and security. Fellows are expected to work on-site and collaborate with an IFSH academic tandem partner.

Projects connected to the following areas are particularly welcome:

Peace and security, political violence, polarisation, radicalisation and counterterrorism
Great power conflict, arms dynamics, deterrence and strategic stability
Emerging technologies and cybersecurity
European security architecture and regional security organisations
Climate change and security
Polycrisis, disaster response, preparedness and civil protection

Interdisciplinary projects connecting these topics are especially encouraged.

Fellowship Duration

The academic year normally runs from October 1 to June 30 of the following year.

The earliest possible fellowship start date is October 2027.

Applicants must select a fellowship period of:

At least 3 months
No more than 9 months

July, August and September are not fellowship months.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship requires applicants to have at least a doctorate in the humanities, social sciences, or natural/life sciences.

Selection considers:

Academic publications
Interdisciplinary and international research experience
Research related to the fellowship’s core topics
Academic prizes and awards
Very good English-language skills
Future potential, particularly for early-career researchers

Artists, policymakers and other professionals may also be considered where their work is closely connected to the research focus and scholarly inquiry.

Applicants from the Hamburg metropolitan region are not eligible.

Fellowship Benefits

The fellowship provides funding through either a stipend to the fellow or reimbursement of the home institution’s costs for a teaching replacement.

Fellows also receive:

A fully equipped workspace in central Hamburg
Support from HIAS and IFSH teams
An academic tandem partner at IFSH
Access to research networks and infrastructure
Opportunities to connect with cooperation partners
Participation in HIAS’s academic programme

Fellows may also be housed in a furnished University of Hamburg guesthouse. HIAS and IFSH can assist with accommodation, schools and childcare for accompanying families.

Application Requirements

Applications must be submitted in English as a single PDF file.

The application should contain:

Cover letter
Desired fellowship period
Potential IFSH tandem partner
Information about possible sabbatical or paid-leave financing
Explanation of how the applicant would contribute to the fellowship group and Hamburg research environment
Letter of intent from a prospective tandem partner, if already available
List of most important publications, maximum 2 pages
CV including prizes and awards
Research project description, maximum 3 pages
Project description for a non-specialist audience, maximum 1 page
Optional link to an online video, talk or lecture

A prior relationship with a potential tandem partner is not required; simply naming a potential partner is sufficient.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the HIAS and IFSH Fellowship 2027 in Germany is November 16, 2026.

Applications should be submitted through the official IFSH application form.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HIAS and IFSH Fellowship?

It is a research fellowship programme jointly offered by HIAS and IFSH in Hamburg, Germany, for scholars working on peace and security-related research.

What degree is required?

A doctorate is the minimum requirement for fellows working in academia.

How long can the fellowship last?

Applicants can request a fellowship lasting between 3 and 9 months.

When can the fellowship start?

The earliest possible start date is October 2027.

Is the fellowship conducted remotely?

No. Fellows are expected to live and work in Hamburg, and projects must be suitable for on-site participation at HIAS and IFSH.

What is the application deadline?

The application deadline is November 16, 2026.

Is funding provided?

Yes. IFSH funds the fellowship through a stipend or reimbursement of the home institution’s teaching replacement costs. The source does not state a fixed stipend amount.

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