RIFS Fellow Programme 2027 in Germany | Funded Sustainability Fellowship

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The Research Institute for Sustainability at GFZ has announced applications for the RIFS Fellow Programme 2027 in Germany. The fellowship invites applicants from around the world to join the institute and work on innovative projects related to sustainability transformations. Hosted in Potsdam, Germany, the programme supports professionals from different sectors, including academia, public administration, civil society, media, business, and the arts.

The fellowship is offered by the GFZ Helmholtz Centre for Geosciences and typically lasts 6 to 12 months, with the possibility of extension to 24 months, depending on funding and project progress. Fellows will receive financial support, networking opportunities, and access to an international research environment focused on sustainability challenges.

For the 2027 intake, the institute is particularly interested in projects related to the theme “Sustainability in Tough Times – How to Move Forwards in Times of Backlash?” Applicants are encouraged to submit interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary proposals connected to at least two RIFS research groups.

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Details of the RIFS Fellow Programme 2027

Host Country: Germany
Host Institution: Research Institute for Sustainability at GFZ (RIFS)
Fellowship Duration: 6–12 Months
Possible Extension: Up to 24 Months
Eligible Applicants: Open to international applicants from all sectors
Application Deadline: 21 June 2026

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Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive several benefits during the programme, including:

Fellowship stipend based on seniority and family circumstances
Opportunity to work with international sustainability experts
Access to research groups and collaborative projects
Organisational and financial support for fellowship activities
Assistance with relocation and settling in Germany
Support for visa and residence procedures
Help with school placements and health insurance
Limited accommodation support in Potsdam for fellows coming from outside Europe

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Fellowship Theme for 2027

The programme is especially seeking proposals connected to sustainability challenges during periods of political and social backlash. Suggested areas include:

Sustainability transitions and public resistance
Justice concerns across regions
Polarisation and sustainability narratives
New alliances for sustainability
Transdisciplinary approaches to sustainability conflicts
Knowledge, expertise, and political power in sustainability transitions

Applicants are encouraged to align their proposals with the institute’s ongoing research work.

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Eligibility Criteria for the RIFS Fellow Programme 2027

The fellowship is open to applicants from all parts of the world and different professional backgrounds, including:

Researchers and academics
Policymakers and public administrators
Private sector professionals
Civil society representatives
Journalists and media professionals
Artists and cultural practitioners

Applicants must submit a project proposal relevant to the work of at least two RIFS research groups.

Required Documents

Applicants must prepare the following documents in English:

Project proposal using the official template
CV and achievements (maximum 3 pages)
An optional annex, such as publications or a portfolio

Applications that do not follow the required format may not be reviewed.

Application Process

Applicants must submit their applications through the official online application portal. Email applications will not be accepted. The selection process includes internal review, external evaluation, and possible interviews for shortlisted candidates.

The fellowship is expected to begin in Spring 2027, with 1 April 2027 as the earliest possible starting date.