Deadline: 16-Nov-2025
The Kohli Fellowships for Sociology offer a unique opportunity for early-career researchers to pursue independent work in a supportive academic environment.
Designed for scholars who have recently completed their PhDs, the fellowships provide a two-year residency at one of two leading European institutions—the Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung (WZB) in Germany or the European University Institute (EUI) in Italy.
Fellows are encouraged to launch new research projects and become part of vibrant intellectual communities. At EUI, they join the Max Weber Program for Postdoctoral Studies, engaging with faculty advisors and a wide network of international postdoctoral scholars. At WZB, they are integrated into a research unit aligned with their interests, where they receive mentoring and take part in both academic and professional development activities.
This opportunity is open to candidates of all nationalities, provided they completed their PhD within three years of the fellowship’s start date. Applicants are expected to submit a research proposal, a statement of academic career goals, a CV, and letters of recommendation. Selection is based on academic excellence, originality of the research idea, and performance in a subsequent interview.
The fellowship is designed to support scholars in the transition from doctoral research to independent academic careers. It promotes inclusion by actively encouraging applications from women and underrepresented academic groups. Only one fellow is selected each year, making this a highly competitive and prestigious position.
The Kohli Fellowships serve not just as a postdoctoral platform, but as a springboard for long-term academic success. Through focused research, mentorship, and engagement with leading scholars, fellows have the chance to sharpen their scholarly identity and contribute meaningfully to the field of sociology.
For more information, visit Kohli Foundation for Sociology.
