Apply for the IDOS Visiting Scholar Positions 2026 in Germany | Fully Funded Research Opportunity for Global Researchers

IDOS Visiting Scholar Positions 2026 in Germany | Fully Funded Research Opportunity. Apply for the IDOS Visiting Scholar Positions 2026 in Germany. Fully funded short-term research opportunity for PhD candidates and researchers worldwide. Travel, accommodation, and daily allowance provided.

The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) has opened applications for its Short-Term Visiting Researcher Positions 2026, offering an outstanding fully funded opportunity for researchers from around the world to undertake independent research in Bonn, Germany. The programme is designed for scholars whose research aligns with the institute’s work on political transformation, governance, conflict, democracy, and institutional development.

Selected researchers will spend 3 to 6 weeks at IDOS between September and November 2026, where they will conduct their own research, collaborate with internationally recognized experts, expand their academic networks, and contribute to ongoing discussions on global development and sustainability.

This prestigious programme provides comprehensive financial support, making it an excellent opportunity for PhD candidates and researchers seeking to strengthen their academic profile while engaging with one of Germany’s leading development policy research institutes.

About the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS)

The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) is one of Europe’s leading independent research institutions focusing on international development, global governance, sustainability, and public policy. Based in Bonn, Germany, IDOS conducts interdisciplinary research that supports evidence-based policymaking while fostering collaboration between researchers, governments, international organizations, and development partners worldwide.

Through its visiting researcher programme, IDOS welcomes scholars from diverse academic backgrounds to exchange ideas, develop research collaborations, and contribute fresh perspectives on pressing global development challenges.

About the Visiting Scholar Programme

The Research Department “Transformation of Political (Dis-)order” is offering two short-term visiting scholar positions for researchers interested in conducting independent research that complements the department’s existing research agenda.

Rather than working on institutional assignments, successful applicants will pursue their own research projects while benefiting from access to IDOS researchers, academic seminars, and Germany’s wider research community.

During their stay, visiting scholars will also present their research through a seminar delivered to IDOS scientific staff, creating opportunities for scholarly exchange and future collaboration.

Research Areas

Applicants should ensure that their proposed research directly aligns with at least one of the department’s research clusters.

Current research clusters include:

Democracy in a Polarized World
Conflict, Displacement and Fragility
Political Economy of Taxation and Urban Governance

Applicants are encouraged to identify the specific research cluster and IDOS researcher whose work closely matches their own proposed project.

What Visiting Scholars Will Do

Selected participants will:

Conduct independent research related to their proposed project.
Collaborate with researchers at IDOS.
Participate in academic discussions and seminars.
Network with scholars across Germany.
Present a research seminar to IDOS scientific staff.
Develop research outputs linked to their ongoing academic work.

The programme is intended to strengthen international academic collaboration while supporting high-quality research on political transformation and sustainable development.

Funding Benefits

The IDOS Visiting Scholar Programme is fully funded.

Successful applicants will receive:

Full travel costs to and from Germany.
Accommodation expenses covered by IDOS.
Daily living allowance in accordance with German Travel Law.
Letter of support for visa applications (where required).
Access to IDOS research facilities and academic networks.
Opportunities to collaborate with leading international researchers.

This financial support enables visiting scholars to focus entirely on their research throughout their stay.

Eligibility Criteria

Applications are welcome from researchers worldwide.

Applicants should:

Be at least in the writing stage of their PhD.
Researchers at all career stages are eligible.
Conduct research that aligns with one of the department’s research themes.
Demonstrate strong academic potential and research quality.
Be able to participate in a research visit lasting between three and six weeks.

IDOS particularly values research that contributes to current debates on governance, democracy, conflict, and institutional transformation.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

1. Letter of Motivation

The motivation letter should include:

Why IDOS is an appropriate institution for the proposed research.
The relevant research cluster.
The IDOS researcher(s) whose work aligns with the proposal.
Expected research outputs.

Maximum length: 2 pages

2. Research Stay Schedule

Applicants should prepare a one-page document outlining:

Planned research activities during the visit.
Preferred first-choice visit period.
Preferred second-choice visit period.

3. Curriculum Vitae

Applicants should submit an updated academic CV highlighting education, research experience, publications, conferences, and professional achievements.

4. Institutional Confirmation Letter

A letter from the applicant’s employer or PhD department confirming continued employment or enrolment throughout the research visit.

Programme Duration

Selected researchers will undertake their visit between:

September and November 2026

The research stay will last:

3 to 6 weeks

Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated based on:

Relevance of the proposed research.
Alignment with departmental research priorities.
Academic quality.
Potential for collaboration with IDOS researchers.

Successful applicants will be notified following completion of the review process.

Application Deadline

Application Deadline: 3 July 2026

Applicants should submit all required documents before the deadline.

How to Apply

Applicants should combine all required documents into one PDF file and submit the application electronically.

The email subject line should follow this format:

“Short-term guest researcher, FULL NAME”

Applications should be sent to the designated programme contact responsible for receiving submissions.

Why Apply?

The IDOS Visiting Scholar Programme provides a unique opportunity to advance independent research within one of Europe’s leading development policy institutes. Beyond financial support, participants gain access to internationally recognized researchers, interdisciplinary collaboration, academic seminars, and valuable professional networks that can strengthen future research partnerships and career development.

For doctoral candidates and established researchers alike, the programme offers an ideal environment to refine research, exchange ideas, and contribute to global discussions on democracy, governance, conflict, taxation, and sustainable development.

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