Joint Fellowship Program of HIAS and IFSH 2027

The joint fellowship program of HIAS and IFSH invites outstanding scholars (minimum requirement: doctorate) to apply for a research stay at one of Germany’s leading research institutions in the field of peace and security studies.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineNovember 16, 2026
• Study LevelPostdoctoral Fellowships
• SponsorUniversity of Hamburg
• City to studyHamburg
• School to studyUniversity of Hamburg
• Course to studyPeace and Security Studies
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Utmost freedom and flexibility  

Fellows can pursue their own research projects independently while benefiting from interdisciplinary exchange in the intellectual environment of HIAS and IFSH. The fellowship is funded by IFSH either through a stipend to the fellow or by reimbursement of the home institution’s costs of a teaching replacement.

• Excellent working conditions  

Fellows are offered a fully equipped workspace in central Hamburg and continuous assistance by the HIAS and IFSH teams. Each fellow is accompanied by an IFSH-based academic tandem partner. Through this tandem structure, fellows gain access to relevant local research networks and infrastructure. Furthermore, HIAS will support fellows in identifying and connecting with potential cooperation partners at one of HIAS’ ten member institutions.

• Academic program

 Fellows are expected to attend the weekly lunches and colloquia/dinners at HIAS and may participate in additional excursions. Active participation in the academic program is mandatory.

• Family-friendly living conditions  

Fellows may be housed in the centrally located guesthouse of the University of Hamburg, which offers fully furnished apartments with cooking facilities. HIAS and IFSH welcome accompanying life partners and children and assist in finding suitable accommodation, schools, and day care facilities.

Requirements

Selection is based on: 

• doctorate (minimum) in the humanities, social sciences, or natural/life sciences
• publications in relevant academic journals or comparable publication outlets
• interdisciplinary and international research profile
• relevant experience in research on the fellowship program’s core research topics
• prestigious prizes and awards
• very good command of English

HIAS and IFSH take career stage into account and pay particular attention to the future potential of early career researchers. A doctorate is required for fellows working in academia. 

  Project evaluation criteria 

• Does the project open up new questions and ways of thinking?
• Does it benefit from interaction with other disciplines?
• Does it address questions relevant to the fellowship program’s core research topics?
• Does it fit an Institute for Advanced Study environment?
• Can a suitable tandem partner at IFSH be identified?
• Is the project feasible within HIAS, IFSH, and Hamburg’s research environment?

Application Documents

An application should include:

• Cover letter stating:
  • desired period of stay
  • possible academic tandem partner(s) from IFSH
  • possible (partial) financing through sabbatical or paid leave, if applicable
  • how your research profile would enrich the fellow group, IFSH, and the Hamburg research environment
• Letter of intent from your prospective tandem partner, if already available (1 page)*  
• List of most important publications (max. 2 pages)  
• CV including prizes and awards  
• Description of the planned project (max. 3 pages)  
• Project description for a non-specialist audience (max. 1 page)  
• Optional link to an online video/talk/lecture  

* A letter of intent is only requested if applicant and prospective tandem partner are already acquainted and intend to collaborate. Naming a potential tandem partner is sufficient; no prior contact is required.

Application Deadline

How To Apply

• Applications can be uploaded in English as a single PDF file via the application form by November 16, 2026.  

For more information, kindly visit the IFSH webpage.