Apply for the German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) Short-Term Visiting Researcher Programme 2026. Selected researchers receive funded travel, accommodation, daily allowance, and networking opportunities in Bonn, Germany.
The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) is inviting applications for its Short-Term Visiting Researcher Programme 2026, offering researchers from around the world an opportunity to spend 3 to 6 weeks conducting research in Bonn, Germany between September and November 2026.
The programme provides selected researchers with financial support, international networking opportunities, and the chance to collaborate with leading experts working on global governance, democracy, conflict, taxation, and sustainable development.
About the IDOS Visiting Researcher Programme
The programme is hosted by IDOS’s Research Department “Transformation of Political (Dis-)order.” During their stay, visiting researchers will work on their own research projects while engaging with IDOS researchers and Germany’s wider academic community.
Researchers are expected to present a seminar showcasing their work to IDOS scientific staff during their visit.
Research Areas
Applicants should propose research that aligns with at least one of the department’s research clusters, including:
- Democracy in a Polarized World
- Conflict, Displacement and Fragility
- Political Economy of Taxation and Urban Governance
Applicants are encouraged to identify the specific research cluster and relevant IDOS staff members whose work aligns with their proposed research.
Programme Benefits
Selected visiting researchers will receive:
- Fully funded travel to Germany
- Accommodation costs covered
- Daily allowance in accordance with German Travel Law
- Office space and research environment at IDOS in Bonn
- Networking opportunities with IDOS researchers and other academics in Germany
- Opportunity to present research through an institutional seminar
- Visa support letter for applicants requiring a German visa
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should:
- Be at any career stage, although applicants should be at least at the writing stage of their PhD.
- Propose research directly related to one or more of the department’s research themes.
- Demonstrate a clear connection between their work and IDOS research priorities.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following as one PDF document:
1. Motivation Letter (Maximum 2 Pages)
The letter should explain:
- Why IDOS is the right institution for the proposed research.
- Which research cluster(s) and staff member(s) the research aligns with.
- Expected research outputs during the visit.
2. Proposed Research Schedule (1 Page)
Include:
- Planned activities during the research stay.
- Two preferred time periods for the visit (first and second choice).
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Provide an up-to-date academic CV highlighting research experience and publications where applicable.
4. Employer or PhD Department Letter
Applicants must include a letter confirming their continued employment or enrolment throughout the research visit.
Application Process
Applications should be submitted electronically as a single PDF with the subject line:
Short-term guest researcher, FULL NAME
Applications should be emailed to:
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 3 July 2026
- Selection Results: Invitations expected by 27 July 2026
- Research Stay: Between September and November 2026
Contact Information
For programme-related questions, applicants may contact:
Dr. Charlotte Fiedler
Senior Researcher, Transformation of Political (Dis-)order
Email: Charlotte.Fiedler@idos-research.de
Applications should be submitted to:
Evgeniya Gonzalez
Email: politics@idos-research.de
Why Apply?
The IDOS Short-Term Visiting Researcher Programme offers a valuable opportunity for researchers to strengthen ongoing projects while building international collaborations in one of Germany’s leading development research institutes. With travel, accommodation, and daily expenses covered, participants can focus on advancing their research, exchanging ideas with experts, and expanding their global academic networks.
Researchers working on democracy, governance, conflict, taxation, urban governance, and political transformation will find the programme particularly relevant for developing their work in an internationally recognized research environment.
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