Are you searching for a fully funded research fellowship in Germany 2027? The Hamburg Institute for Advanced Study (HIAS) has officially opened applications for its prestigious 2027–2028 Fellowship Program.
This competitive international fellowship invites outstanding scholars, scientists, artists, and cultural professionals from all nationalities and career stages to spend time in Hamburg pursuing independent, interdisciplinary research.
About the HIAS Fellowship Programme
The HIAS Fellowship is designed for individuals who demonstrate:
- Significant academic or artistic achievement
- Intellectual curiosity and innovation
- Strong commitment to interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary dialogue
- Openness to collaboration beyond their primary discipline
Academic applicants must hold a doctorate (PhD) at minimum.
Fellows must reside and work in Hamburg, Germany, for the duration of the fellowship. Projects must be conducted on-site at HIAS or within laboratories of local cooperation partners.
⚠️ Applicants currently based in the Hamburg metropolitan region are not eligible.
Fellowship Profile & Expectations
HIAS seeks candidates who:
- Reflect critically on the foundations of their discipline
- Engage meaningfully in cross-disciplinary exchange
- Contribute innovative perspectives to Hamburg’s research and cultural ecosystem
- Strengthen international academic networks
- Communicate research to broader public audiences
This makes the programme ideal for professionals seeking European research fellowships, interdisciplinary academic exchange, or international artist residencies in Germany.
Tandem Partnership Requirement
Each fellow collaborates with a Hamburg-based tandem partner from one of HIAS’ nine member institutions.
This structure:
- Facilitates integration into Hamburg’s academic landscape
- Provides access to research infrastructure
- Strengthens interdisciplinary dialogue
Applicants must name a potential tandem partner in their application (prior contact is optional but recommended).
Fellowship Duration
- Academic Year: 1 September – 30 June
- Minimum Stay: Three months
- July and August are not fellowship months
- Applicants must indicate their preferred period of stay
What the HIAS Fellowship Offers
1️⃣ Academic Freedom
- Full autonomy to pursue independent research
- Relief from routine professional obligations
- Stipend or reimbursement to the home institution for teaching replacement
2️⃣ Excellent Working Conditions
- Fully equipped workspace in central Hamburg
- Administrative and academic support
- Access to research infrastructure through tandem partners
Note: Artist studios are not provided or financed.
3️⃣ Academic & Cultural Programme (Mandatory Participation)
- Weekly fellowship lunches (Tuesdays)
- Colloquia and dinners (Thursdays)
- Cultural and scientific excursions
4️⃣ Family-Friendly Living
- Access to furnished apartments at the University of Hamburg guesthouse
- Support with housing, schooling, and childcare
- Partners and children are welcome
This makes HIAS one of the most family-friendly research fellowships in Europe.
Application Requirements (Deadline: 2 March 2026)
Applications must be submitted in English as a single PDF file via the official online form.
Required Documents:
- Cover letter including:
- Preferred fellowship period
- Proposed Hamburg tandem partner(s)
- Co-financing information (e.g., sabbatical funding)
- Expected contribution to HIAS and Hamburg
- Optional letter of intent (if tandem partner confirmed)
- List of key publications (maximum 2 pages)
- CV including awards and distinctions
- Project description (maximum 3 pages)
- Public-facing project summary (maximum 1 page)
- Optional link to an online lecture or talk
🗓 Application Deadline: 2 March 2026
Selection Criteria
Fellows are selected based on:
Academic & Professional Merit
- Doctorate (required for academic fellows)
- Publications or artistic output
- Prestigious awards
- Strong English proficiency
Project-Specific Evaluation
- Intellectual originality
- Interdisciplinary engagement
- Feasibility within HIAS infrastructure
- Suitability for an Institute for Advanced Study
- Availability of a Hamburg tandem partner
HIAS also considers diversity across:
- Discipline
- Geography
- Gender
- Career stage
Commitment to Inclusion
HIAS, in collaboration with CALAS, is committed to:
- Gender parity
- Geographic diversity
- Inclusion of underrepresented regions
- Support for scholars with special needs
Families are warmly welcomed during the fellowship period.
Why Apply for the HIAS Fellowship 2027–2028?
If you are searching for:
- Fully funded fellowships in Germany
- European research fellowships 2027
- Interdisciplinary academic residencies
- Artist and scholar exchange program
- Institute for Advanced Study fellowships
The HIAS Fellowship Program offers an exceptional opportunity to engage in high-level interdisciplinary research within a vibrant European academic hub.
Scholars, scientists, artists, and cultural professionals seeking meaningful global collaboration and intellectual freedom are strongly encouraged to apply before 2 March 2026.
