Joint Fellowship Program of IFSH and HIAS 2027

The Institute for Peace Research and Security Policy (IFSH), in collaboration with the Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS), is inviting applications from outstanding international researchers for its joint fellowship programme in Germany.

The programme offers researchers an opportunity to undertake independent research at one of Germany's leading institutions in peace and security studies while benefiting from the interdisciplinary academic environment of HIAS.

Table of Content

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

Summary

• Application DeadlineNovember 16, 2026
• Study LevelPostdoctoral Fellowships
• SponsorHamburg Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS)
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

• Financial support through an IFSH-funded stipend or reimbursement of the applicant's home institution's costs for a teaching replacement.

• Fully equipped workspace in central Hamburg.

• Access to IFSH and HIAS research networks, academic facilities and relevant research infrastructure.

• An academic tandem partner from IFSH who will support research collaboration and integration into the institute.

• Assistance connecting with potential research partners across HIAS member institutions.

• Opportunities to participate in academic discussions, weekly fellows' lunches, colloquia and networking activities.

• Assistance with accommodation, including access to furnished University of Hamburg guesthouse apartments, subject to availability.

• Support for fellows relocating with partners or children, including assistance with finding accommodation, schools and childcare 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.

Application Documents

An application should include: 

1) 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 

2) Letter of intent from your prospective tandem partner, if already available (1 page)*   

3) List of most important publications (max. 2 pages)   

4) CV including prizes and awards   

5) Description of the planned project (max. 3 pages) 

6) Project description for a non-specialist audience (max. 1 page) 

7) 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

• Please use the application form and upload your file there. 

For more information, kindly visit the HIAS webpage.