Humboldt Residency Programme 2027 – Fully Funded International Residency in Germany
The Humboldt Residency Programme 2027 offers an opportunity for international researchers, creatives, civil society practitioners and professionals to participate in a six-week interdisciplinary residency in Germany.
The programme brings together 12 participants to explore the theme “Oceanic Horizons: Navigating the Future of Our Blue Planet.” Participants will collaborate across disciplines, develop new ideas and communicate their work to wider audiences.
About the Humboldt Residency Programme
The programme is organised by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and is designed to encourage collaboration between researchers and professionals from different fields.
Participants will spend six weeks in Brandenburg and Berlin, with excursions to institutions in Northern Germany and along the North and Baltic Sea coasts.
The residency provides dedicated time and space for participants to exchange knowledge, develop innovative ideas and build connections with relevant stakeholders.
2027 Theme: Oceanic Horizons
The 2027 programme focuses on the future of the world’s oceans and the relationship between marine ecosystems, human activity and planetary wellbeing.
Key questions include:
- How can marine ecosystems be protected while sustainably using ocean resources?
- What role can innovation and the blue economy play?
- How should societies respond to changing coastal environments?
- How should ocean resources be governed?
- What rights and responsibilities do humans have towards the ocean?
Applicants from different disciplines are encouraged to bring innovative and creative perspectives to these questions.
Programme Dates
The programme will run from June to October 2027:
- 29 June 2027: Virtual kick-off
- 2–13 August 2027: Residency at Schloss Wiepersdorf
- 13 August–10 September 2027: Residency in Berlin and excursions
- September–October 2027: Remote finalisation of outputs
- 26 October 2027: Virtual wrap-up
Full participation from 2 August to 10 September 2027 is mandatory.
Who Can Apply?
The programme will select 12 participants from three groups.
Humboldt Foundation Alumni
Five alumni will be selected who have relevant expertise connected to the annual theme and can communicate their work to wider audiences.
Applicants must hold an academic position and currently be based outside Germany.
Early Career Researchers
Three early career researchers will be selected.
Applicants must either be pursuing a PhD or have completed their PhD less than four years before August 2027. Applicants should have an academic profile connected to the theme and demonstrate potential for an academic career.
Civil Society Practitioners
Four participants will be selected from civil society and related professional backgrounds.
This category includes journalists, authors, filmmakers, artists, designers, social entrepreneurs, NGO professionals, political campaigners, consultants and other practitioners with relevant experience.
Civil society applicants must not currently hold an academic position.
The programme welcomes applicants from all academic disciplines who can demonstrate a meaningful connection to the ocean-related theme.
Funding and Benefits
The Humboldt Residency Programme provides financial and logistical support, including:
- Monthly allowance during the residency
- Travel allowance to and from Germany
- Accommodation in Schloss Wiepersdorf and Berlin
- Funding for public events or final outputs
- Family accommodation for participants travelling with dependants
- Support with arranging childcare where applicable
This makes the programme a valuable opportunity for professionals seeking international collaboration, research development and public engagement experience.
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit their application online and provide:
- CV of no more than three pages
- Introduction video of up to 60 seconds
The video should explain who you are and why you are a suitable candidate for the programme.
The video should be recorded horizontally in 16:9 format and uploaded through Smash, with the link included in the application.
Application Deadline
Deadline: 14 December 2026
Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. The selection committee is expected to meet in February 2027, with decisions expected by the end of February.
An online information session will also be held on 24 November 2026 from 2:00–3:00 pm CET.
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted online through the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.
For applicants interested in ocean governance, climate change, sustainability, marine science, public policy, international development, arts, journalism, civil society or social innovation, this programme offers a unique opportunity to work across disciplines and develop ideas with an international network.
Deadline: 14 December 2026.
