The Senckenberg Global Fellowships support highly motivated and talented early-career researchers from the Global South. The program welcomes PhD students and postdoctoral researchers who wish to conduct research at Senckenberg’s renowned institutes in Germany. Importantly, the next application deadline is 1 March 2026, with applications opening four weeks prior. The fellowship aims to foster excellent research, expand global cooperation, and encourage knowledge exchange.
Fellows gain access to Senckenberg’s extensive collections, laboratories, libraries, and the expertise of leading scientists. Therefore, this opportunity is ideal for researchers in biodiversity, anthropology, geology, genomics, or conservation ecology seeking to advance their careers and build international networks. Qualified women and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Application Deadline: 1 March 2026 (also 1 October annually)
Eligible Countries: Countries of the Global South
Program Duration: 3–6 months
Program Location: Germany (Senckenberg Institutes)
Funding/Benefits: Monthly stipend (€1,600 for PhD, €2,700 for postdocs) plus up to €1,200 travel grant
Award Provider: Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung
About this Program
The Senckenberg Global Fellowships provide short-term research funding for PhD students and postdocs from the Global South. The program supports high-quality research projects developed in collaboration with a Senckenberg host. Fellows benefit from access to 41 million collection objects, modern research infrastructure, and a vibrant scientific community. The main goal is to strengthen international research ties and promote global scientific exchange.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be PhD students or postdoctoral researchers from a country in the Global South.
- Applicants must hold a Master’s or doctoral degree in a Senckenberg research field.
- Applicants must contact a suitable Senckenberg scientist to act as host and jointly develop a research project.
- Applicants cannot receive parallel project funding during the fellowship period.
- Applications must be submitted online using the official form.
- Processing and selection may take up to 8 weeks after the deadline.
- Fellowship must start within 3 months of award notification.
What Fellows Receive: Monthly stipend (€1,600 for PhD, €2,700 for postdocs), up to €1,200 travel grant, access to research resources
Program Components: Research project at Senckenberg, mentorship, access to collections, laboratories, and libraries
How to Apply
- Identify and contact a suitable host scientist at a Senckenberg institute to develop a joint research project.
- Prepare required documents (see below) and complete the online application form. The form becomes available four weeks before the deadline.
- Submit your application by 1 March or 1 October (24:00 CET/CEST).
- Wait for selection results (announced within 8 weeks after the deadline).
- If selected, begin your fellowship within 3 months of notification.
Required Documents
- Motivation letter (max. 1 page) outlining research interests and experience.
- Project description (max. 1 page) developed with your Senckenberg host.
- Support letter from your host at Senckenberg.
- Current CV, including full publication list.
- Degree certificates (Master’s and, if applicable, PhD).
- Optional: Additional recommendation letters (e.g., from mentors or supervisors).
Ensure all documents are complete and uploaded as required. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
👉 Visit the official fellowship page for details
