The Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) at the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences in Potsdam, Germany, is now accepting applications for its 2026 Fellow Programme. This fully funded opportunity targets individuals from various sectors, including academia, public administration, civil society, media, business, and the arts. The program supports fellows in advancing innovative sustainability ideas and projects within an international, interdisciplinary environment.
About the Fellowship
- Fellowship: RIFS Fellow Programme 2026
- Institute: Research Institute for Sustainability (RIFS)
- Country: Germany
- Location: Potsdam
- Eligible Applicants: Individuals from academia, public administration, civil society, media, business, and the arts
- Financial Coverage: Fully funded (stipend, travel, accommodation support)
- Application Deadline: 9 June 2025
- Start Date: From 1 April 2026
The RIFS Fellow Programme was established in 2009 (formerly known as the Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies) and has since hosted more than 300 fellows from over 60 countries. The program invites up to 20 international fellows annually to work collaboratively with RIFS researchers and other fellows on pressing sustainability topics. Fellows are encouraged to bring forward-thinking ideas that align with the institute’s mission to support sustainability transformations through co-creative and transdisciplinary approaches.
Financial Coverage / Benefits
The RIFS Fellows Program 2026 offers full financial support and logistical assistance, including:
- Monthly Stipend: Based on seniority and family circumstances.
- Travel Costs: Reimbursement for round-trip travel expenses, including for accompanying family members.
- Housing Support: Access to a limited number of apartments in Potsdam. For those not accommodated in RIFS housing, assistance is provided to help secure housing in the Potsdam/Berlin area.
- Relocation Assistance: Support in areas such as visa applications, residence permits, health insurance, and school placements for children.
This financial coverage is designed to allow fellows to fully concentrate on their research and engagement with the RIFS community.
Eligibility Criteria
The RIFS Fellowship is open to applicants from a variety of professional backgrounds. The eligibility requirements include:
- Academic Applicants: Must hold a PhD or equivalent level of experience at the time of application.
- Non-Academic Applicants: Must have at least three to five years of relevant professional experience.
- Project Fit: Applicants must propose a project that complements RIFS’s current research themes and involves collaboration with one or more RIFS research groups.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents in English as individual PDF files (each not exceeding 5 MB):
- Letter of Motivation (max. 2 pages):
Explain your motivation for applying, your expectations of the fellowship, and how the RIFS environment can support your work. Mention the relevant research theme(s) and group(s) your work aligns with. - Curriculum Vitae and Achievements (max. 3 pages):
Include a CV (up to 2 pages) and a one-page description of key accomplishments or professional experience relevant to your proposal. - Project Proposal (max. 5 pages):
Structure:- Title
- Abstract (max. 300 words)
- Description of proposed work and expected outcomes
- Time plan and estimated budget
Important: Do not include your name or personal information, as this will be reviewed anonymously.
- Optional Annex (max. 10 MB):
Include supplementary materials such as a list of publications, artistic portfolios, or professional achievements relevant to your application.
Related:
- KUT Japan Special Scholarship Program 2026 (Fully Funded)
- Flinders University Scholarships 2025 RTP
- Humphrey Fellowship Program 2025 in USA | Fully Funded
Deadline
- Application Deadline: 9 June 2025 at 23:59 (CEST)
- Applicant Webinars: 12 May 2025 and 26 May 2025
- Fellowship Start Date: Approx. 1 April 2026
How to Apply
- Prepare the required documents as listed above.
- Submit your application through the official RIFS application portal:
RIFS Online Application Form
If you experience technical difficulties with the online application, you may send your complete application package via email to:
- Contact: Achim Maas
- Email: achim.maas@rifs-potsdam.de
Applicants are encouraged to review the RIFS research themes and reach out to relevant research groups to ensure the best alignment for their proposed project.