Humboldt Residency Fellowship Programme | Call for Applications

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation invites applications for its 2027 Humboldt Residency Programme. Twelve participants will spend six weeks in Germany working on the theme “Oceanic Horizons: The Future of our Blue Planet.” Applications close on 14 December 2026.

Program Snapshot

• Host Organization: Alexander von Humboldt Foundation
• Funding: Monthly allowance, travel, accommodation, and an events budget
• Duration: Six weeks in person, within a programme running June to October 2027
• Location: Schloss Wiepersdorf (Brandenburg) and Berlin, Germany
• Participants: Twelve people across three groups
• Deadline: 14 December 2026

Focus Areas

• Ocean health and marine ecosystems
• Blue economy, from renewable energy to marine biotechnology
• Adaptation to rising seas and coastal change
• Ocean governance amid competing interests
• Ocean rights, cultures, and identities

About the Fellowship

Participants work together daily in shared spaces. They build bridges across disciplines and ask bold questions. They also meet stakeholders in Germany and abroad. Excursions lead to institutions in Northern Germany and along the North and Baltic Sea coasts. Participants then choose formats to reach audiences beyond academia. Options include stakeholder debates, media appearances, workshops, blog posts, and publications.

The key dates are:

• 29 June 2027: virtual kick-off
• 2–13 August 2027: residency at Schloss Wiepersdorf
• 13 August–10 September 2027: residency in Berlin
• 26 October 2027: virtual wrap-up

What Fellows Receive

• A monthly allowance during the six-week residency
• A travel allowance to and from Germany
• Accommodation: two weeks at Schloss Wiepersdorf and four weeks in a Berlin aparthotel
• A budget for public events or final outputs
• Family accommodation and childcare support for participants who bring dependents

Who Can Apply

The programme selects participants in three groups:

• Five Humboldt Foundation alumni: They need relevant expertise and must be willing to communicate beyond academia. They must hold an academic post outside Germany. They must not receive other Foundation funding in August 2027.
• Three early career researchers: They are PhD candidates or hold a PhD earned less than four years before August 2027. They hold an academic post outside Germany. They need science communication experience.
• Four civil society practitioners: They show a clear link to the theme through past work. They are either creatives, such as journalists and artists, or professionals, such as entrepreneurs and NGO staff. They hold no academic position.
• All participants must attend in person from 2 August to 10 September 2027.

Required Materials

• A CV of up to three pages, in PDF format
• A 60-second introduction video, shared through a Smash link in the form

How to Apply

Submit your application through the Foundation’s online portal only. Upload both documents before you submit. The Foundation reviews applications on a rolling basis. It expects decisions at the end of February 2027. A digital info session runs on 24 November 2026, from 2:00 to 3:00 PM CET.

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Conclusion

This residency offers a funded, hands-on way to shape ocean policy and public debate. Eligible applicants should record their video and apply before 14 December 2026.

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