Applications have opened for the 2026 Zukunftskolleg Konnect Fellowships, offering up to eight short-term research fellowships for early-career scholars. These fellowships provide (post-)doctoral researchers with the opportunity to spend up to three months conducting research on-site at the Zukunftskolleg, with the possibility of extending the stay to four months when well justified. The in-person visit is paired with a digital fellowship that lasts a full year, beginning on 1 August 2026, while the preferred arrival date in Konstanz for the on-campus phase is 1 October 2026.

The programme is designed for emerging researchers based in Africa, Asia, or Latin America whose academic work aligns with one of the thirteen disciplines represented at the University of Konstanz. The Konnect Fellowship allows participants to strengthen their academic networks, explore the research landscape in Konstanz, and maintain their ties to their home institutions. Those completing their doctorates in the final year of their PhD are strongly encouraged to apply, as this initiative can serve as an important gateway into academic environments in Germany and Europe. The fellowship does not include employment contracts; instead, it offers support for scholars who remain formally employed or enrolled at their home universities.

To qualify, applicants must have been born and currently be working in a country located in Latin America, Asia, or Africa. They must hold a doctoral degree earned after 15 February 2024, or be in the final phase of their PhD studies. Their doctoral work must have been completed, or be on track to be completed, at an institution within one of those regions. Candidates with permanent academic positions, habilitations, or equivalent qualifications are not eligible. Each proposed research project must be connected to a field represented at the University of Konstanz. Those applying under Track A are expected to indicate a Konstanz-based researcher they wish to collaborate with, although prior contact is not required. Under Track N, candidates must be nominated by a (Junior) Professor at Konstanz. Preference is given to applicants aiming to work with current Zukunftskolleg Fellows or researchers within the “Politics of Inequality” or “Collective Behaviour” clusters, as well as individuals from countries not yet represented within the Zukunftskolleg community.

Selected fellows receive a monthly stipend during their research stay in Konstanz, set at €1,300 for doctoral candidates and €2,000 for postdoctoral researchers, in line with DAAD standards. The fellowship also covers the cost of one round-trip economy flight to and from Konstanz. Fellows gain access to university events, library services, IT resources, and research support offices. They may request up to €750 in research funding, and a member of the University of Konstanz may undertake a return visit to the fellow’s home institution if needed for collaboration. The digital affiliation, which extends the fellowship period to a total of twelve months, includes a lump-sum support of up to €900. Additional opportunities include German language instruction, participation in the Career Kit Plus seminar series, and access to local integration activities through “Fellows go Local,” which fosters connections with the wider university and community.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity