RIFS Fellowship Program in Germany 2026 | Fully Funded

Scholarships

The RIFS Fellowship Program in Germany 2026 offers fully funded opportunities for researchers and professionals from diverse backgrounds—including science, public administration, the private sector, civil society, media, and the arts—to join collaborative research initiatives that promote sustainability transitions. The fellowship includes financial and organizational support, providing a stimulating research environment in Potsdam, Germany.

RIFS Fellowship Program in Germany 2026 | Fully Funded

About the Program:

The RIFS Fellowship Program is an international research initiative hosted by the Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) at the GFZ German Research Centre for Geosciences. It brings together fellows from across the globe to work on transformative projects aligned with the goals of sustainable development. The duration of the fellowship ranges from 6 to 12 months, with a possible extension to 24 months in exceptional cases.

Fellowship Details:

Host Country: Germany
Host Institution: Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS)
Location: GFZ Campus, Potsdam, Germany
Duration: 6–12 months (extendable to 24 months)
Funding: Fully Funded
Eligibility: Open to all nationalities

What is RIFS Fellowship?

RIFS Fellowships offer a unique opportunity to conduct research at one of the world’s leading sustainability institutes. Fellows collaborate with RIFS research groups and contribute to national and international academic and professional networks. The program encourages innovative, interdisciplinary approaches to addressing global sustainability challenges.

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Fellowship Benefits:

Full financial support, including a monthly stipend based on experience and family situation
Travel costs for the fellow and accompanying family members
Relocation and accommodation expenses
Assistance with housing, schooling, insurance, and visa arrangements
Integration into a dynamic international research community
Possibility to extend the fellowship up to 24 months

Eligibility Criteria:

Open to applicants from various sectors: academia, government, business, civil society, media, and the arts
For academic applicants: A PhD or equivalent research experience is required before the fellowship starts
For non-academic applicants: Minimum of 3–5 years of relevant professional experience
The proposed project must align with one of RIFS's three research clusters
Applicants are encouraged to choose at least one research group they wish to collaborate with

Required Documents (All in PDF format, max 5MB each):

Motivation Letter (max 2 pages): Describe your motivations, expectations, and preferred research groups
CV and list of achievements (max 3 pages)
Project Proposal (max 5 pages, anonymous): Should not include your name for impartial review
Optional Attachment (PDF, max 10MB): e.g., publications, artistic works, etc.

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Project Proposal Guidelines:

The proposed project should integrate with RIFS’s work program and focus on one of its core research themes.
Topics may include scientific research, policy development, economic modeling, public discourse, or creative work related to sustainability.
Applicants are highly encouraged to contact a research group leader at RIFS before applying to ensure thematic alignment and improve selection chances.

Selection Timeline:

Application Deadline: 9 June 2025 (23:59 CET)
Internal Review: Complete applications are reviewed to shortlist candidates
External Review: Anonymous double review of shortlisted project proposals
Final Interviews: Conducted in October/November 2025
Final Results Announcement: November or early December 2025
Fellowship Start Date: Spring 2026 — earliest start is 1 April 2026

How to Apply:

Apply online via the official RIFS application portal
Provide personal and contact information
Upload all required documents
Indicate how you learned about the fellowship
Agree to data protection policies
Click "Submit Application" to complete the process

Additional Notes:

All documents must be submitted in English only
Incomplete or non-compliant applications will be disqualified
Candidates are evaluated solely on merit, with no discrimination based on race, gender, nationality, disability, or background

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