Leibniz Summer Fellowship 2027 | Call for Applications

Applications are open for the Leibniz Summer Fellowship at ZZF Potsdam. This two-month fellowship supports international scholars researching twentieth-century history. Fellows join one of Germany’s major contemporary history research centres. Only two fellowships are awarded across this competitive cycle.

Program Snapshot

Host Organization: Leibniz Centre for Contemporary History Potsdam (ZZF)
Funding: €3,000 monthly, covering living, travel, and insurance costs
Duration: 2 consecutive months, between April and October 2027
Location: Berlin or Potsdam, Germany
Eligibility: Postdoctoral scholars residing outside Germany
Application Deadline: November 30, 2026

Focus Areas

German and European history in the twentieth century
Communism, society, and knowledge-economy-politics research
Contemporary history in the age of media and information
Globalization within a historically divided world

About the Fellowship

ZZF studies contemporary European history across five distinct research departments. Fellows join departmental activities and the institute’s regular research seminar. The library holds roughly 100,000 items and over 100 periodicals. International scholars gain genuine access to this specialized research community.

What Fellows Receive

Fellows receive €3,000 monthly to cover all fellowship-related costs. Office space, computer access, and research facilities come fully provided. Fellows present their project directly within ZZF’s research seminar. Departmental integration offers real intellectual exchange throughout the stay.

Who Can Apply

Applicants must already hold a doctoral degree at application time. Only scholars residing outside Germany qualify for this fellowship. Research should ideally connect to one of ZZF’s five departments. An outstanding academic record strengthens any competitive application significantly.

Required Materials

Applicants submit a letter of interest, CV, and publication list. A project proposal, capped at 1,500 words, is also required. All documents should combine into one single PDF attachment.

How to Apply

Email your complete application to #339966;">#339966;" href="mailto:fellowships@zzf-potsdam.de">fellowships@zzf-potsdam.de by November 30.

#339966;">#339966;" href="https://www.zzf-potsdam.de/chancen/stellenangebote/leibniz-summer-fellowships-field-german-andor-european-including-eastern" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Click Here to Apply

Conclusion

This fellowship offers genuinely funded research time at a leading German history institute. Its small cohort size makes early, focused proposals especially important. International scholars should submit their single PDF well before the deadline.