Apply for the IDOS Visiting Scholar Position: Fully Funded Short-Term Research Opportunity in Germany

IDOS Visiting Scholar Position 2026 | Fully Funded Research Opportunity in Germany. Apply for the IDOS Visiting Scholar Position. The German Institute of Development and Sustainability offers fully funded short-term research opportunities in Bonn, Germany for researchers and PhD candidates working on political transformation, peace, governance, and development.

The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) offers a Short-Term Visiting Researcher Programme, providing researchers from around the world with the opportunity to undertake a fully funded research stay in Bonn, Germany. The programme is designed for scholars whose research aligns with IDOS’s work on political transformation, institutions, governance, peace, and sustainable development.

Researchers at all career stages, including PhD candidates in the writing phase of their doctoral studies, are encouraged to apply. IDOS particularly welcomes applications from researchers affiliated with institutions in the Global South, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

About the IDOS Visiting Scholar Programme

The IDOS Visiting Scholar Programme allows selected researchers to spend 4–6 weeks at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability, where they can focus on their own research while collaborating with IDOS researchers.

The programme provides an opportunity to:

Advance an original research project.
Engage with leading researchers in Germany.
Present research findings to IDOS scientific staff.
Build international academic networks.
Strengthen collaboration with researchers working on development and sustainability issues.

Research Areas

Applicants should demonstrate how their proposed research aligns with one of the programme’s research clusters.

Current research themes include:

Democratic Transformation and Values

Research exploring democracy, governance, institutions, political values, and societal transformation.

Fragility, Conflict and Displacement

Research addressing peacebuilding, conflict, migration, forced displacement, fragile states, and security challenges.

Resource Mobilisation and Institutional Reform for the Common Good

Research examining taxation, governance reforms, institutional development, public finance, and sustainable development.

Applicants should indicate both:

The research cluster most closely related to their work.
The IDOS programme staff member they wish to collaborate with during their research stay.

Duration

Selected visiting researchers spend 4 to 6 weeks at IDOS in Bonn, Germany.

The research stay allows participants to focus on independent research while participating in academic exchanges with institute staff.

Who Can Apply?

According to the programme information, applicants should:

Be at least in the writing phase of their PhD, or be researchers at any seniority level.
Conduct research relevant to the programme’s thematic priorities.
Demonstrate how their project fits within one of the IDOS research clusters.

Researchers based at institutions in:

Africa
Asia
Latin America

are particularly encouraged to apply.

Funding

The programme is fully funded.

Selected visiting researchers receive:

Transportation costs covered by IDOS.
Accommodation provided or paid directly by IDOS.
A daily allowance in accordance with German travel regulations.
Visa support documentation, where required.

What Visiting Researchers Will Do

During their stay, participants are expected to:

Conduct their own research project.
Deliver a research presentation to IDOS scientific staff.
Engage with researchers at IDOS.
Network with academics and researchers in Germany.
Develop future research collaborations.

Required Application Documents

Applicants should prepare the following documents:

Letter of Motivation

A motivation letter (maximum two pages) explaining:

Why IDOS is a suitable host institution.
How the research aligns with the programme.
Expected research outputs.

Curriculum Vitae

A current academic CV.

Proposed Research Schedule

A one-page schedule describing:

Planned research activities during the stay.
Two preferred time periods for the research visit.

Institutional Confirmation Letter

A letter from:

Employer, or
PhD department

confirming the applicant’s current institutional affiliation.

How to Apply

Applicants should:

Combine all required application documents into one PDF file.
Use the subject line:

“Short-term guest researcher, FULL NAME”

Submit the application electronically to the designated programme contact.

Why Apply?

The IDOS Visiting Scholar Programme provides researchers with an opportunity to:

Conduct focused research in Germany.
Collaborate with internationally recognised development researchers.
Expand academic networks.
Receive full financial support.
Present research to an international audience.
Build long-term research partnerships.

The programme is particularly valuable for researchers working on governance, democracy, conflict, development, institutions, sustainability, and global public policy.

Final Thoughts

The IDOS Visiting Scholar Programme offers an excellent opportunity for researchers and PhD candidates seeking an international research experience in Germany. With fully funded travel, accommodation, daily living support, and access to one of Europe’s leading development research institutes, the programme provides an ideal environment for advancing research while building lasting academic collaborations.

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