Apply for the IDOS Visiting Researcher Programme 2026 in Bonn, Germany. Travel, accommodation, and daily allowances are fully covered. Open to PhD candidates and researchers worldwide. Deadline: 3 July 2026.
Overview
The German Institute of Development and Sustainability (IDOS) is inviting applications for its Short-Term Visiting Researcher Programme 2026. The programme offers two fully funded visiting scholar positions for researchers interested in political development, governance, democracy, conflict, displacement, taxation, and urban governance.
Selected researchers will spend between three and six weeks at IDOS in Bonn, Germany, between September and November 2026, conducting their own research while engaging with leading development scholars and policy experts.
Travel expenses, accommodation costs, and a daily allowance are fully covered by IDOS.
About the Programme
The Research Department “Transformation of Political (Dis-)order” at IDOS examines critical issues affecting governance, democracy, conflict, fragility, and political institutions across the world.
The visiting researcher programme provides an opportunity for scholars to advance their research while collaborating with experts working on contemporary development challenges.
Participants will be integrated into the research environment at IDOS and will have opportunities to exchange ideas, receive feedback, and expand their academic and professional networks.
Benefits
Selected researchers will receive:
Financial Support
- Round-trip travel costs covered
- Accommodation expenses fully funded
- Daily subsistence allowance according to German Travel Law
- Visa support letter for applicants requiring a German visa
Academic Benefits
- Access to IDOS research facilities
- Collaboration with leading development researchers
- Networking opportunities with scholars across Germany
- Participation in seminars and academic discussions
- Opportunity to present research to IDOS scientific staff
Professional Development
- Strengthened international research profile
- Opportunities for future collaboration
- Exposure to cutting-edge development policy research
- Access to one of Europe’s leading development research institutions
Research Areas
Applicants must demonstrate a clear connection between their research and at least one of the department’s research clusters.
1. Democracy in a Polarized World
Research topics may include:
- Democratic governance
- Political polarization
- Democratic resilience
- Political institutions
- Elections and representation
- Civic participation
2. Conflict, Displacement and Fragility
Research may focus on:
- Armed conflict
- Peacebuilding
- Forced migration
- Refugee governance
- State fragility
- Humanitarian responses
3. Political Economy of Taxation and Urban Governance
Relevant themes include:
- Tax policy
- Public finance
- Local governance
- Urban development
- Fiscal decentralization
- Public service delivery
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Be conducting research relevant to one of the department’s research clusters
- Be at least at the writing stage of their PhD
- Demonstrate a strong academic background
- Show clear alignment between their research and IDOS priorities
Researchers at all career stages are welcome to apply.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following materials as a single PDF file:
1. Letter of Motivation (Maximum 2 Pages)
The motivation letter should include:
- Reasons for applying to IDOS
- Explanation of how the research aligns with the department
- Identification of the relevant research cluster
- Identification of relevant IDOS researchers
- Expected outputs from the research stay
2. Proposed Research Schedule (Maximum 1 Page)
Include:
- Planned activities during the stay
- Preferred dates for the visit
- First-choice period
- Second-choice period
3. Curriculum Vitae
An updated academic CV highlighting:
- Education
- Research experience
- Publications
- Academic achievements
4. Employer or PhD Department Letter
Applicants must provide a letter confirming:
- Continued employment, or
- Continued enrolment during the research visit
Programme Duration
- Length: 3–6 weeks
- Period: September to November 2026
- Location: Bonn, Germany
Expectations of Visiting Researchers
Selected participants will be expected to:
- Conduct their proposed research project
- Engage with IDOS researchers
- Participate in academic discussions
- Deliver a seminar presentation to IDOS scientific staff
- Contribute to intellectual exchange during their stay
Application Process
Step 1
Prepare all required application documents.
Step 2
Combine all documents into a single PDF file.
Step 3
Use the subject line:
“Short-term guest researcher, FULL NAME”
Step 4
Submit the application electronically to:
Important Dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | Ongoing |
| Application Deadline | 3 July 2026 |
| Selection Results Announced | 27 July 2026 |
| Research Period | September–November 2026 |
Why Apply?
The IDOS Short-Term Visiting Researcher Programme offers an excellent opportunity for researchers seeking to strengthen their academic work while engaging with an internationally respected research institution.
Participants gain access to leading scholars, valuable professional networks, and a supportive research environment while receiving full financial support for their stay in Germany.
For PhD candidates and researchers working on governance, democracy, conflict, displacement, taxation, or urban governance, this programme provides a unique platform to advance impactful research and build international collaborations.
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