Deadline: 15-May-2026
The Albert Einstein Fellowship Program invites applications from young thinkers under 35 to pursue interdisciplinary projects outside their previous research fields. Fellows receive a five- to six-month residency at Einstein’s summerhouse in Caputh, Brandenburg, a EUR 10,000 stipend, travel reimbursement, and the opportunity to present their project publicly at the Einstein Forum.
About the Fellowship
The Albert Einstein Fellowship Program encourages interdisciplinary exploration and innovation by supporting individuals who show intellectual curiosity, originality, and openness to new approaches beyond their specialization. The program fosters interaction across fields and promotes novel ways of thinking.
Fellows live and work in the garden cottage of Einstein’s summerhouse in Caputh, Brandenburg, close to major academic institutions in Potsdam and Berlin. The residency allows them to focus on a new, self-driven project in a supportive environment.
Objectives
- Encourage interdisciplinary research and exploration
- Support projects that are distinct from previous work
- Promote intellectual curiosity, originality, and creativity
- Enable fellows to develop innovative ideas with potential long-term impact
Fellowship Benefits
- Residency: 5–6 months in Caputh, Brandenburg
- Stipend: EUR 10,000 for the fellowship period
- Travel reimbursement: Covering travel to and from the fellowship site
- Presentation opportunity: Public lecture at the Einstein Forum and the Wittenstein Foundation
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be under 35 years of age
- Hold a university degree in the humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences
- Propose a project that is substantially different in content, and preferably in field and form, from their previous work
- Not be seeking support for ongoing academic studies or dissertation research
- Demonstrate originality, quality, and feasibility in the project proposal
Holding or pursuing a PhD is not required. Projects may serve as a starting point for longer-term work, rather than needing full completion during the fellowship.
How to Apply
Applications must include:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two-page project proposal detailing originality, goals, and methodology
- Two letters of recommendation
A strong application clearly demonstrates:
- Intellectual development and curiosity
- Feasibility and quality of the proposed project
- Distinctiveness from previous research work
Why This Fellowship Matters
The fellowship provides a unique opportunity for young researchers to step outside their field, explore new disciplines, and develop innovative ideas in a stimulating international environment. It encourages cross-disciplinary dialogue, broadens perspectives, and fosters creativity beyond traditional academic boundaries.
FAQs
1. Who can apply?
Applicants must be under 35 with a university degree in humanities, social sciences, or natural sciences.
2. Can PhD students or holders apply?
Yes, but holding or pursuing a PhD is not required, and the project must be distinct from previous work.
3. What projects are eligible?
Projects must be interdisciplinary or significantly different in content, field, or form from prior research. Dissertation work or ongoing academic studies are not eligible.
4. What support does the fellowship provide?
A five- to six-month residency, EUR 10,000 stipend, travel reimbursement, and a public lecture presentation.
5. What documents are required for the application?
A CV, two-page project proposal, and two recommendation letters.
6. When and where must the project be presented?
At the Einstein Forum and the Wittenstein Foundation upon completion of the fellowship.
7. Can the project continue beyond the fellowship?
Yes, the project can serve as a starting point for long-term research or creative work.
Final Takeaway
The Albert Einstein Fellowship Program is ideal for young innovators seeking to explore new disciplines, develop original projects, and gain international visibility in a supportive environment. With residency, financial support, and public presentation opportunities, it fosters interdisciplinary creativity and intellectual growth at the start of a promising career.
For more information, visit Einstein Forum.