FRIAS Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme 2027/2028 for African Researchers

The Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) is offering the Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme for researchers from Africa for the 2027/2028 academic year. This fellowship provides an opportunity for experienced researchers based in African institutions to focus on their projects within a supportive international academic community. It aims to foster research on sustainable governance through collaboration and access to the University of Freiburg’s resources.

Application Closing Date: September 18, 2026
Location: Freiburg, Germany
Programme Duration: Not specified
Stipend: Fellowship contract with the University of Freiburg or other compensation, research cost contribution, and travel costs.
Minimum Qualification: Completed doctoral degree plus a minimum of eight years of post-doctoral experience.
Opportunity Type: Fellowship

About the FRIAS Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme

This fellowship is designed for senior researchers from African countries who are working on projects related to sustainable governance. The programme is hosted by the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), which is part of the University of Freiburg. FRIAS is dedicated to bringing together scholars from various backgrounds to create a dynamic research environment.

The fellowship offers researchers the chance to dedicate their time entirely to their projects. They will benefit from the institute’s excellent support services and become part of a diverse academic community. This environment encourages new perspectives and collaborative opportunities, enriching the research experience.

The focus of the fellowship is on disciplines within the Humanities and Social Sciences that address the theme of sustainable governance. This includes topics related to environmental sustainability, social justice, economic development, and political systems that aim for long-term viability and equity.

About FRIAS

The Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) is the international research college of the University of Freiburg in Germany. It serves as a hub for interdisciplinary and international research, bringing together scholars from Germany and around the world. FRIAS provides temporary fellowships that allow researchers to concentrate on their work in a stimulating academic setting.

FRIAS is committed to fostering a vibrant community where researchers can exchange ideas and collaborate. The institute offers excellent facilities and support to help fellows achieve their research goals. Its location within the University of Freiburg provides access to a wide range of academic resources and networks.

Available Fellowship Opportunities

The FRIAS Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme specifically targets researchers with projects focused on sustainable governance. While specific research fields within this theme are not detailed, the programme welcomes innovative and high-quality research proposals from the Humanities and Social Sciences.

What the Fellowship Offers

Successful applicants will receive significant support to advance their research projects. This includes:

• A fellowship contract with the University of Freiburg or equivalent compensation.
• A contribution towards research costs.
• Coverage of travel expenses for both inbound and outbound journeys.
• Access to the academic resources and networks of the University of Freiburg.
• An opportunity to work within a diverse and international research community.

Programme Duration and Location

The fellowship is offered for the academic year 2027/2028. The programme is hosted at the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS) in Freiburg, Germany. Specific details regarding the duration of individual fellowships within the academic year were not provided.

Minimum Requirements

To be eligible for the FRIAS Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Hold a completed doctoral degree.
• Possess a minimum of eight years of post-doctoral experience.
• Have at least five peer-reviewed publications since January 1, 2017, including at least one co-authored publication.
• Be based in an African country.
• Have at least six months of research or study experience at an academic institution in a country different from where their first academic degree was obtained, by the application deadline.
• Have received a Master’s or PhD degree in an African country.
• Submit applications for disciplines within the Humanities and Social Sciences with a thematic focus on sustainable governance.
• Provide a letter of cooperation from an academic partner at the University of Freiburg who will support the project. This partner must hold the title of professor.

Competencies Required

While specific competencies are not explicitly listed, the nature of a senior fellowship implies a need for:

• Strong research capabilities and a proven track record.
• The ability to conduct independent, innovative, and high-quality research.
• Excellent communication skills for engaging with the academic community.
• A clear vision for the research project and its contribution to sustainable governance.
• The capacity to collaborate and contribute to the intellectual life of FRIAS.

Who Should Apply?

This fellowship is ideal for experienced researchers from African institutions who are deeply engaged in studying sustainable governance. If you have a completed PhD, significant post-doctoral experience, a strong publication record, and an innovative research project in the humanities or social sciences related to sustainable governance, this opportunity is for you. It is particularly suited for those seeking to deepen their research through international collaboration and access to a leading academic environment.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents for their application:

• Project proposal (maximum 3000 words, including footnotes, headers, footers, and bibliographical references, with 4 graphs). A specific structure is provided in the application manual.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV) in tabular form, using the mandatory template available in the application portal.
• Publication list (maximum 8 publications total), with at least 5 peer-reviewed publications after January 1, 2017, including at least one co-authored publication. A mandatory template is available.
• Copy of the PhD diploma.
• Letter of Cooperation from a professor at the University of Freiburg who will support the project.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the online application form. Information about the candidate and the project, including an abstract, layman’s abstract, ethical issue table, and motivation statement, needs to be filled in. The required attachments, as listed above, must be uploaded to the application portal.

Click here to apply for the FRIAS Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowship Programme.

Applicants should ensure they carefully read all instructions and prepare all required documents before submitting their application.

Important Notes

• Only applications from eligible candidates with projects focused on sustainable governance in the Humanities and Social Sciences will be considered.
• A letter of cooperation from a University of Freiburg professor is a mandatory requirement.
• The selection process is highly competitive and strictly merit-based.
• Applicants should ensure all documents are correctly formatted and uploaded as per the guidelines.

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is September 18, 2026.

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