Grant opportunity
FRIAS Sustainable Governance Senior Fellowships for Researchers from Africa 2027-2028
FRIAS is offering six-month residential fellowships for established Africa-based humanities and social-science researchers working on sustainable governance.
- Funder
- Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies (FRIAS), University of Freiburg
- Applications close 18 September 2026 at 13:00 CET
- Applications close 18 September 2026 at 13:00 CET: Sep 18, 2026
- Award
- Six-month fellowship contract or alternative compensation, research-cost contribution and inbound and outbound travel
- Applicant
- Researchers of any nationality based at an African institution, with a PhD, at least eight years of postdoctoral experience, five peer-reviewed publications since 1 January 2017, an African Master's or PhD, qualifying international research experience and a sustainable-governance project in the humanities or social sciences.
- Discipline
- Social Sciences, Humanities and Law
- Region
- Africa / Germany
- Posted
- Jul 29, 2026
Call summary
Overview
This programme creates protected research time and international collaboration for senior researchers based in Africa whose work addresses sustainable governance.
Who can apply
Applicants must be based at an African institution, meet the experience and publication thresholds, have received a Master's or PhD in Africa and obtain a cooperation letter from a University of Freiburg professor.
What it supports
- Humanities and social-science research on sustainable governance.
- Six months of full-time residence at FRIAS.
- Collaboration with an academic partner at the University of Freiburg.
Funding and duration
- Selected fellows receive an employment contract or other compensation according to their circumstances.
- Research-cost support and inbound and outbound travel are included.
Applications close 18 September 2026 at 13:00 CET
Applications close 18 September 2026 at 13:00 CET: Sep 18, 2026
How to apply
Secure a letter of cooperation from a Freiburg professor and submit the online form, project proposal, CV, publications, PhD diploma and supporting letter by 18 September 2026.
Call details
Source-based overview
FRIAS invites established researchers based at African institutions to undertake a six-month residential fellowship in Freiburg. Projects must fall within the humanities or social sciences and address sustainable governance while building substantive collaboration with a University of Freiburg academic.
Eligibility
Applicants must be based at an African institution, meet the experience and publication thresholds, have received a Master's or PhD in Africa and obtain a cooperation letter from a University of Freiburg professor.
Funding and benefits
Selected fellows receive an employment contract or other compensation according to their circumstances.
Research-cost support and inbound and outbound travel are included.
Themes and supported activities
Humanities and social-science research on sustainable governance.
Six months of full-time residence at FRIAS.
Collaboration with an academic partner at the University of Freiburg.
Deadline and timeline
Applications close 18 September 2026 at 13:00 CET: Applications close 18 September 2026 at 13:00 CET: Sep 18, 2026.
Applicants should confirm the exact deadline time, time zone, required documents, portal steps and any institutional approvals on the official call page before submitting.
How to apply
Secure a letter of cooperation from a Freiburg professor and submit the online form, project proposal, CV, publications, PhD diploma and supporting letter by 18 September 2026.
Before applying, check eligibility rules, budgets, attachments, page limits, partner requirements, cost-share conditions and whether the opportunity uses an expression of interest, full proposal, registration or nomination stage.