The Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory, based in Frankfurt, Germany, is offering the fully funded Doucet Scholarship 2026, aimed at early-career researchers specializing in colonial legal history. Named after the Doucet Collection, an exceptional archive of early colonial law texts, this three-month research fellowship (01 January – 31 March 2026) provides scholars with access to rare sources and world-class resources, making it a unique opportunity for in-depth archival study.
Applicants are encouraged to examine the Doucet Collection—comprising nearly 5,000 volumes relating to Hispanic America—closely, and tailor their proposals to leverage this rich asset. While researchers from all backgrounds may apply, the programme encourages submissions from scholars outside Frankfurt, particularly those from Latin America. A total of 28–30 fellowships will be offered during this call.
About the Doucet Scholarship
The Doucet Scholarship is hosted by the Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory. Its goal is to make the specialized Doucet Collection accessible to external researchers, supporting original academic work in colonial legal history. Early recipients include scholars from Argentina, Brazil, Portugal, and the United States investigating topics such as colonial justice systems, indigenous rights, and land law administration.
Scholarship Summary
| Scholarship | Doucet Scholarship 2026 |
|---|---|
| Host Institute | Max Planck Institute for Legal History and Legal Theory |
| Country | Germany |
| Duration | 3 months (Jan–Mar 2026) |
| Coverage | Monthly stipend, travel, accommodation support |
| Eligibility | PhD candidates, postdocs with project based on Doucet Collection, residing outside Frankfurt |
| Deadline | 15 September 2025 |
| Application Link | Apply here |
Key features include:
- Three-month residential research stay (January–March 2026)
- Research rooted in primary legal-historical sources from the collection
- Integration into the Institute’s research environment, including seminars and library access
Financial Coverage and Benefits
The Doucet Scholarship offers robust funding to ensure immersive and sustained research:
- Monthly stipend: €1,365 net for three months
- Travel reimbursement: Up to €1,500 for intercontinental flights and €750 for intra-European travel
- Accommodation support: Optional room in the Institute’s residence at an estimated €680 per month
- Library and seminar access: Full access to the Institute’s research facilities
These provisions are designed to cover living expenses, travel, and direct access to archival materials, removing financial obstacles to focused research.
Eligible Applicants
Candidates should meet the following criteria:
- PhD or equivalent (enrolled PhD candidates nearing completion are eligible)
- Early-career researchers, including postdoctoral fellows
- Available to conduct research in Frankfurt between 1 January and 31 March 2026
- Propose research directly based on the Doucet Collection
- Resident outside of Frankfurt (not exceeding 12 months in the city during the three years prior to application)
- Open to all nationalities, with preference for those from Latin America
Required Documents
Applicants must submit all of the following materials, in either English or Spanish:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Project description (2–4 pages), clearly explaining how the research relates to the Doucet Collection and its contribution to colonial legal history
- Motivation letter (1–2 pages) detailing the applicant’s connection to the collection and research goals
- Optional but encouraged: references or institutional support letters
All files should be PDF format, maximum 5 MB each.
Also Read:
- British Council UK 90th Anniversary Fellowship 2026 (Fully Funded)
- RIFS Fellows Program Germany 2026 (Fully Funded)
- KUT Japan Special Scholarship Program 2026 (Fully Funded)
Timeline and Deadlines
- Call opens: Immediately (May 2025)
- Application deadline: 15 September 2025 (23:59 CEST)
- Notification of results: November 2025
- Fellowship period: 1 January – 31 March 2026
How to Apply
- Prepare your materials: CV, project description, and motivation letter (in English or Spanish)
- Submit online via the official application portal:
Doucet Scholarship Application Form - For any questions regarding application or research scope, contact sekduve@lhlt.mpg.de
Once submitted, your application will undergo internal review, followed by final selection in late 2025.
Why Apply?
- Exceptional Archive Access: The Doucet Collection is a premier Caribbean and Latin American legal history archive.
- Focused Research Environment: A dedicated research period without teaching or administrative duties.
- Financial Support: Stipend, travel, and reduced-cost accommodation reduce financial barriers to immersive study.
- Academic Networking: Embedded in the vibrant Max Planck research culture, including library resources and seminar participation.
- Career Advancement: Strong addition to a CV for future scholarly and academic positions.
In summary, the Doucet Scholarship 2026 offers a compelling opportunity for early-career researchers in colonial legal history to conduct in-depth, source-driven research in Germany. If your work intersects with the Doucet Collection and you are available during the specified period, you are highly encouraged to apply before 15 September 2025, via the official portal above.