Humboldt Residency Programme 2027: Funded Opportunity for Researchers and Creatives

The Humboldt Residency Programme 2027 is now open for applications. This funded programme invites international participants, including researchers, artists, writers, and social entrepreneurs, to collaborate on the theme “Oceanic Horizons: The Future of our Blue Planet.” The residency offers a unique chance to work intensively, develop new ideas, and communicate them to a broad audience.

Application Closing Date: December 14, 2026

Location: Brandenburg and Berlin, Germany (with excursions to Northern Germany)

Programme Duration: Six weeks

Stipend: Monthly allowance provided

Minimum Qualification: Varies by applicant category (Alumni, Early Career Researcher, Civil Society Practitioner)

Opportunity Type: Residency Programme

About the Humboldt Residency Programme 2027

The Humboldt Residency Programme is designed to foster transdisciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange. It brings together twelve individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore a central theme over a six-week period. Participants will have dedicated time and space to delve into each other’s work, build connections across disciplines, and generate innovative ideas.

The programme focuses on creating tangible outputs and communicating key messages beyond academic circles. This might involve public events, media appearances, workshops, or publications. The goal is to bridge the gap between research and society, encouraging visionary thinking and engagement with relevant stakeholders.

The 2027 theme, “Oceanic Horizons: The Future of our Blue Planet,” highlights the critical importance of our oceans and encourages participants to address pressing environmental and societal challenges. This residency provides a platform for deep engagement with complex issues and for developing creative solutions.

About the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation

The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation is dedicated to promoting academic cooperation between Germany and other countries. It supports researchers and academics from all disciplines and nations through various programmes. The foundation aims to foster a global network of scholars and to advance scientific and cultural exchange.

The foundation’s work supports international understanding and contributes to addressing global challenges through research and collaboration. By funding residencies, fellowships, and research projects, the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation plays a key role in advancing knowledge and fostering innovation worldwide.

Available Residency Tracks

The Humboldt Residency Programme 2027 is open to three main groups of applicants:

• Humboldt Foundation Alumni
• Early Career Researchers
• Civil Society Practitioners (including creatives and professionals)

Each track has specific eligibility criteria related to academic or professional background, experience, and connection to the annual theme.

What the Residency Offers

Successful applicants to the Humboldt Residency Programme will benefit from:

• A monthly allowance during the six-week residency.
• A travel allowance for travel to and from Germany.
• Accommodation provided in Brandenburg and Berlin.
• A budget to support the organization of public events or final outputs.
• Support for participants travelling with dependent family members, including family accommodation and childcare assistance.
• An immersive environment for transdisciplinary collaboration and networking.
• Opportunities to develop and communicate research or project ideas to a wider audience.

Programme Duration and Location

The residency will take place over six weeks, starting in August 2027. Participants will spend two weeks at Schloss Wiepersdorf and four weeks at an aparthotel in Berlin. The programme also includes excursions to institutions in Northern Germany and along the North and Baltic Sea coasts.

Eligibility Criteria

Humboldt Foundation Alumni:

• Must demonstrate relevant academic or professional expertise related to the annual theme.
• Must be willing and able to communicate their work beyond academia.
• Must not be receiving funding from another Humboldt Foundation programme at the start of the residency.
• Must hold an academic position and not be based in Germany.

Early Career Researchers:

• Must have prior experience in science communication or connecting research to social/political contexts.
• Must be pursuing a PhD or have completed it less than four years before August 2027.
• Must hold an academic position and not be based in Germany.
• Must have a clear academic profile related to the annual theme and potential for an academic career.

Civil Society Practitioners:

• Must demonstrate a clear connection to the annual theme through their work.
• Must have the potential to act as multipliers for ideas generated during the residency.
• Can be creatives (journalists, authors, filmmakers, artists) or practitioners with a professional connection to the theme (e.g., working in politics, social entrepreneurship, NGOs).
• Must not currently hold an academic position.

Competencies Required

Applicants should demonstrate:

• A strong connection to the annual theme “Oceanic Horizons: The Future of our Blue Planet.”
• The ability to collaborate effectively in a transdisciplinary group.
• Skills in communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences.
• Visionary thinking and a willingness to explore bold questions.
• Adaptability and a proactive approach to engaging with new concepts and people.

Who Should Apply?

This residency is ideal for individuals who are passionate about the future of our oceans and possess a strong desire to collaborate and share their knowledge. It is suited for academics looking to expand their reach beyond traditional scholarly circles, as well as for artists, writers, journalists, and social entrepreneurs who are working on related themes and want to connect with researchers. If you are eager to contribute to interdisciplinary dialogue and develop innovative ways to communicate critical environmental issues, this programme is for you.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for their application:

• Curriculum Vitae (maximum 3 pages, PDF format).
• An introduction video.

Applicants should ensure all documents are accurate and submitted correctly through the online application form.

How to Apply

Interested individuals can apply for the Humboldt Residency Programme 2027 through the official application portal. Ensure you have prepared your CV and introduction video before starting the application process.

Click here to apply for the Humboldt Residency Programme 2027

Please review the eligibility criteria carefully and submit your application before the closing date.

Important Notes

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Applications must be submitted by the deadline of December 14, 2026.
• Ensure all required documents are uploaded correctly.
• Late or incomplete applications may not be considered.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications for the Humboldt Residency Programme 2027 is December 14, 2026.

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