Deadline: 01-Mar-2026
The Senckenberg Gesellschaft für Naturforschung offers fellowships for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers from the Global South to conduct cutting-edge research in biodiversity, anthropology, geology, genomics, conservation ecology, and collection-based studies. Fellows gain access to extensive scientific collections, laboratories, and expert mentorship, fostering global collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Program Overview
The Senckenberg Fellowship supports highly motivated early career scientists from the Global South to conduct research at the Senckenberg Institute in Germany. The fellowship aims to:
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Promote excellent scientific research in biodiversity, anthropology, geology, genomics, and conservation ecology
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Expand international collaboration and research networks
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Facilitate access to Senckenberg’s 41-million-object collections, research laboratories, scientific infrastructure, and libraries
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Provide an interdisciplinary environment for knowledge exchange and professional development
Fellows are expected to develop a research concept in collaboration with a Senckenberg host scientist prior to the fellowship and carry out research during the award period. Double funding from parallel projects is not permitted.
Fellowship Details
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Duration: 3 months (possible extension up to 6 months in select cases)
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Monthly Stipend: €1,600 for PhD students, €2,700 for postdoctoral researchers
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Travel Allowance: Up to €1,200 (one-time)
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Application Processing: Within 8 weeks after the deadline
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Fellowship Start: Must commence within 3 months of approval
Fellows have full access to Senckenberg’s scientific collections, laboratories, and staff expertise, ensuring optimal conditions for research in an open, interdisciplinary environment.
Eligibility Criteria
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Open to PhD students and postdoctoral researchers from the Global South
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Applicants must hold a Master’s or PhD degree in a relevant research area
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Must identify and contact a Senckenberg host scientist and co-develop a research concept
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Cannot receive overlapping funding during the fellowship
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Applications from women, individuals with disabilities, and underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged
Application Process
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Deadline: 1 March 2026 at 12:00 CET
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Submission: Online form only
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Required Documents:
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Letter of motivation
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Detailed project description agreed with host
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Letter of support from host scientist
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Current CV
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Degree certificates
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Optional recommendation letters
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Applications are evaluated by a scientific selection committee based on:
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Scientific potential and excellence of proposed research
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Feasibility and clarity of research plan
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Prospects for follow-up projects and future funding
Post-Fellowship Requirements
Fellows must submit a project report within three months of completing the fellowship, detailing objectives, implementation, results, and potential future directions.
FAQs
Q1: Can PhD and postdoctoral researchers from any country apply?
A1: No, the fellowship is specifically for researchers from countries of the Global South.
Q2: Is double funding allowed?
A2: No, applicants receiving parallel funding during the fellowship are not eligible.
Q3: What is the stipend for postdoctoral researchers?
A3: €2,700 per month.
Q4: Can the fellowship be extended beyond 3 months?
A4: Yes, in select cases it can be extended up to 6 months.
Q5: Are women and underrepresented groups encouraged to apply?
A5: Yes, Senckenberg strongly encourages applications from women, individuals with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups.
Conclusion
The Senckenberg Fellowship offers a unique platform for early career researchers from the Global South to engage in world-class research, strengthen international scientific networks, and contribute to biodiversity and conservation knowledge globally. By providing access to extensive collections, expert mentorship, and an interdisciplinary research environment, the fellowship empowers fellows to produce high-impact research while fostering long-term professional growth.
For more information, visit Senckenberg.