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Request for Proposals: General Research Grant Program

Deadline: 28-May-2026

The Gerda Henkel Stiftung offers its General Research Grant Program to support high-quality research projects and individual scholarships in the historical humanities. Funding covers personnel, travel, materials, and research-related costs, with specialized scholarships for PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and advanced scholars. Applicants must demonstrate original research proposals, meet eligibility criteria, and submit detailed electronic applications by set deadlines.

Overview

The General Research Grant Program supports innovative research in the historical humanities, including heritage studies, history of architecture, conservation, cultural studies, political science, jurisprudence, restoration studies, and social sciences. The program aims to foster scholarly development and produce research outputs of high academic value.

Objectives

  • Promote original, high-quality research in historical humanities

  • Support scholars at various stages, including PhD, postdoctoral, and advanced researchers

  • Provide resources for research personnel, materials, travel, and other project costs

  • Encourage international research exchanges and long-term scholarly contributions

Eligible Fields

Supported fields:

  • Heritage Studies

  • History of Architecture

  • Conservation Studies

  • Cultural Studies

  • Political Science

  • Jurisprudence

  • Restoration Studies

  • Social Sciences

Excluded fields:

  • Medicine

  • Natural and Engineering Sciences

  • Psychology

  • Linguistics and Literature Studies

  • Drama or Film Studies

  • Economics

Types of Support

  1. Research Projects – Funding for personnel, travel, materials, and operational costs

  2. Scholarships – Tiered support including:

    • PhD scholarships

    • Postdoctoral research scholarships

    • Advanced research scholarships (for scholars post-habilitation or equivalent)

  3. Smaller Grants – Up to €30,000, reviewed year-round for smaller-scale projects

  4. Work Contracts – Support for short-term or smaller research activities

Scholarship Benefits

  • Fixed monthly stipend for the duration of the scholarship

  • Family allowance for children under 18

  • Overseas bonuses for extended research abroad

  • Potential funding for travel and materials based on the submitted budget

Who is Eligible?

  • Scholars directly engaged in research activities

  • Applicants cannot simultaneously receive a salary or pension

  • PhD graduates applying for postdoctoral or advanced scholarships must have:

    • Completed their doctoral degree within specific timelines

    • Published their dissertation

    • Proposed a project distinct from their doctoral research

  • Researchers previously funded or rejected must respect foundation-imposed waiting periods

How to Apply / What to Do

  1. Prepare your research proposal including:

    • Research description and objectives

    • Detailed cost plan and project schedule

    • Curriculum vitae and publication record

    • Supporting certificates and endorsements

  2. For scholarships, include:

    • Academic certificates

    • Letters of recommendation

  3. Submit application electronically via the foundation’s online portal

  4. Deadlines:

    • Next application deadline: May 28, 2026 (Autumn Committee Meeting)

    • Project start: no earlier than December 2026

  5. Funding disbursement: monthly, either directly to the researcher or via an institutional account

Tips and Best Practices

  • Ensure clarity, originality, and academic rigor in your research proposal

  • Adhere strictly to field eligibility and scholarship criteria

  • For smaller grants, emphasize impact, feasibility, and resource use

  • Highlight prior publications and relevant academic achievements

  • Plan budget and travel components realistically and within requested limits

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the purpose of the General Research Grant Program?

To support high-quality, original research projects and individual scholarships in the historical humanities.

2. What fields are supported and excluded?

Supported: heritage studies, architecture history, conservation, cultural studies, political science, jurisprudence, restoration, social sciences.
Excluded: medicine, natural/engineering sciences, psychology, linguistics/literature, drama/film, economics.

3. How much funding is available?

  • Standard research projects: variable, based on submitted budget

  • Smaller grants: up to €30,000

  • Scholarships: tiered monthly stipend, with family and overseas allowances

4. Who can apply for scholarships?

PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers, and advanced scholars actively conducting and publishing research, not receiving simultaneous salaries or pensions.

5. What are the application requirements?

Electronic submission of research description, cost plan, CV, publication list, certificates, recommendation letters (for scholarships), and project schedule.

6. When are the application deadlines?

  • Next Autumn Committee deadline: May 28, 2026

  • Projects may start no earlier than December 2026

7. Can previously funded or rejected applicants apply again?

Yes, but they must respect the foundation’s waiting period rules before reapplying.

Conclusion

The Gerda Henkel Stiftung General Research Grant Program provides structured financial and institutional support for scholars in the historical humanities. By funding personnel, travel, materials, and scholarships, the program promotes original research, international exchange, and long-term scholarly impact. Applicants are encouraged to submit well-prepared, innovative proposals that meet the foundation’s field and eligibility requirements.

For more information, visit Gerda Henkel Stiftung.