Dissertation Writing-up Fellowships 2027 | Call for Applications

The Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology is offering dissertation fellowships. This program supports doctoral candidates finishing their final dissertation stage. The Law & Anthropology Department hosts these writing-up fellowships specifically. Fellows spend focused time completing their manuscripts at the Institute. Halle’s institute remains among the world’s leading anthropology research centers.

Program Snapshot

• Host Institution: Max Planck Institute for Social Anthropology, Halle, Germany
• Department: Law & Anthropology
• Duration: Up to four months
• Start Options: Spring (March-June) or Fall (September-December) 2027
• Application Deadline: September 15, 2026

Focus Areas

• Comparative analysis of social change
• Legal pluralism and cross-border legal encounters
• Ethnographic knowledge translated into policy thinking
• Anthropology and legal scholarship intersections

About the Department

This department creates genuine dialogue between anthropologists and legal scholars. Their work addresses growing exchanges among legal systems and communities worldwide. Research often carries meaningful policy relevance within Europe’s plural context. The department specifically prioritizes research addressing evidence-to-policy translation challenges. This cycle gives particular priority to candidates pursuing anthropology PhDs specifically.

What Fellows Will Do

Fellows dedicate their time entirely to completing doctoral manuscripts. They’re expected to actively participate in departmental intellectual activities throughout. Each fellow submits a working paper addressing their core research topic. Additionally, fellows present their doctoral work within the department’s seminar series. Before arrival, supervisors and the department director establish clear collaborative expectations.

Financial Support

Selected fellows receive a monthly living stipend throughout their stay. This stipend remains completely tax-free and exempt from Social Security. Fellows can therefore focus entirely on finishing their dissertation without financial strain.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must be doctoral candidates in their programme’s final stage. Research topics should closely align with the department’s core themes. This cycle particularly favors candidates working toward anthropology PhDs specifically. Candidates from related disciplines may still apply if relevant. A supervisor’s recommendation confirming near-completion status is required.

Required Materials

Applicants submit a cover letter and current curriculum vitae. A dissertation chapter serves as the required writing sample. A one-to-two-page summary of the broader PhD project follows. Applicants also provide university degree copies and academic transcripts. Finally, a supervisor’s recommendation letter goes directly to the department.

How to Apply

Submit application materials electronically through the Institute’s online portal.

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Conclusion

This fellowship offers genuinely valuable, focused time and financial support for doctoral candidates racing to finish their dissertations at a world-class research institute. Its emphasis on policy-relevant, interdisciplinary anthropology makes it especially fitting for candidates working at the intersection of law and ethnographic research.

Given the priority given to anthropology PhD candidates this cycle, eligible applicants should coordinate early with their supervisors and submit materials well before the September 15 deadline.

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